In the United States, the 2025 Honda Civic largely relies on a CVT for most trims, with manual transmissions remaining available only on the Civic Si and the high-performance Civic Type R (the latter being a separate model). If you want a traditional stick shift in the 2025 Civic lineup, your options are limited to those performance variants.
What the 2025 Civic lineup offers in transmissions
The following breakdown reflects the typical US-spec arrangement for the 2025 Civic family. A paragraph before the list explains the structure, and a concluding paragraph follows the list to summarize.
- Regular Civics (LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, Touring): Predominantly equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) paired with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine; no manual option on these trims.
- Civic Si: Features a 6-speed manual transmission as the sole option, focusing on performance and driver engagement.
- Civic Type R: A separate, high-performance model that also uses a 6-speed manual transmission, designed for track-oriented driving.
In practice, this means that for 2025, if you want a manual transmission within the Civic family in the US, your choices are the Si or the Type R. The majority of the lineup remains CVT-based for daily driving and efficiency.
Why Honda keeps a manual option on the Si (and Type R)
Honda positions the Civic Si and the Civic Type R as the brand’s dedicated manuals, emphasizing sporty driving dynamics and direct engagement. The Si offers a tuned chassis, sportier suspension, and a 6-speed gearbox to appeal to enthusiasts who prefer a hands-on shifting experience. The Type R goes further, delivering extreme performance with its own bespoke manual setup.
What this means for buyers
For shoppers prioritizing fuel economy and everyday usability, the CVT-equipped Civics are typically the practical choice. For enthusiasts who value a traditional driving feel, the Si (and the Type R, if you’re seeking a high-performance manual) remains the relevant option in the 2025 lineup. Always confirm local specifications with a dealer, as availability can vary by market and trim.
Summary
Bottom line: The 2025 Honda Civic’s standard trims use a CVT, but a manual transmission is preserved for the Civic Si and Civic Type R. If a stick shift is essential, plan around those two models; otherwise, expect CVT-equipped Civics across the rest of the lineup. Honda’s approach aligns with broader industry trends while preserving a traditional manual option for sport-focused buyers.