The Honda Civic’s manual option uses a six-speed manual gearbox (6MT). Today, most Civics are equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and a traditional 6-speed manual is available on select performance-oriented variants such as the Civic Si (and, in markets where offered, the Civic Type R).
Current transmission landscape for the Civic lineup
The Civic family today offers two broad paths: a fuel-efficient CVT for most trims and a traditional 6-speed manual for enthusiasts in specific models. The following outlines where a manual transmission appears in the current market.
In the United States and other major markets, the manual option is limited to a few key variants.
- Civic Si — 6-speed manual (6MT) is standard
- Civic Type R — 6-speed manual (6MT) is standard where the model is sold
- Other Civic trims — usually equipped with a CVT; a manual option is not offered on those trims in the current lineup
In summary, if you’re shopping for a modern Civic with a manual transmission in markets where it’s available, your primary choices are the Civic Si and the Civic Type R. The rest of the lineup prioritizes CVT for efficiency and smoothness.
What a 6-speed manual means for driving the Civic
A six-speed manual in the Civic provides a traditional clutch pedal, a typically tactile H-pattern shifter, and direct gear engagement. It’s favored by drivers seeking involved, driver-focused gear changes and a more hands-on feel than the CVT. Maintenance considerations are similar to other manual transmissions: regular clutch inspection, proper fluid changes, and attentive shifting to prolong clutch life.
Historical and regional notes
Across generations and regions, Honda has offered manual transmissions in various Civic variants, but the modern lineup has narrowed the manual option largely to the Si and Type R in many markets. Availability can vary by year, region, and model refresh, so prospective buyers should verify current offerings with local dealers or Honda’s official pages for their market.
Summary
The concise answer: a Honda Civic sold with a manual transmission uses a six-speed manual gearbox (6MT). In today’s lineup, the majority of Civics use a CVT, while the manual option is reserved for performance-focused models such as the Civic Si (and the Civic Type R where available). If a manual is a priority, check the latest market-specific configurations to confirm which trims offer the 6MT.