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Are all Honda Civics front-wheel drive?

Yes. In current production and in the vast majority of markets, Honda Civics are front-wheel drive. There have been a few rare, market-specific four-wheel-drive variants in the past, but they are not part of the standard Civic lineup today.

Current drivetrain layout

Today’s Honda Civics are built on a front-wheel-drive architecture with a transversely mounted engine. This layout is used across the standard Civic lineup, including the regular gas-powered models, the hybrid, and the high-performance Civic Type R, which remains front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive.

Before listing notable historical exceptions, it’s helpful to understand why FWD is the default choice for Civics and how that affects performance, efficiency, and packaging.

Key points about the common Civic drivetrain configuration and the absence of a current AWD option:

Engineering and packaging: A transverse engine paired with front-wheel drive enables compact dimensions and more interior space, which suits the Civic’s compact-car mission.

Efficiency and cost: FWD generally reduces weight and mechanical complexity, contributing to better fuel economy and lower manufacturing costs.

Market availability: In recent generations, Honda has not offered an all-wheel-drive option for the Civic in major markets, including the United States and Europe.

In summary, today’s Civics are designed around front-wheel drive, and there is no current AWD Civic in the mainstream lineup.

Historical exceptions

There have been a handful of rare, market-specific four-wheel-drive Civics in the past. These were not widely sold and were not part of the global, ongoing Civic lineup.

Rare 4WD variants: In some markets (notably Japan and select European regions) during the late 1980s and early 1990s, limited-run Civic models offered four-wheel drive. These were exceptional rather than standard.

Not a global program: These AWD versions were not adopted as a regular feature across all Civic generations or regions, and they did not become the default for future Civics.

For current buyers, the practical takeaway is that there is no widely available AWD Civic in today’s market, and all mainstream Civics are FWD.

Summary

Overall, Honda Civics are front-wheel drive in modern production. While rare, market-specific four-wheel-drive Civics existed in the past, they were limited in scope and are no longer part of the standard lineup. If you’re buying a current Civic, you should expect front-wheel drive across all trims and variants.

What wheel drive does a Honda Civic have?

It's paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. This provides for a somewhat average fuel economy that ranges from 30 MPG city and 38 MPG highway to 32 MPG city and 41 MPG highway depending on body style or trim.

Which is better, FWD or AWD?

In terms of maintenance and cost of ownership, FWD cars have fewer moving parts than AWD cars, impacting factors like weight (and therefore fuel economy), components that can wear out or break, and tire wear, especially considering there's less concern about even tire wear at all four corners.

Does a Honda Civic have front-wheel drive?

Yes, all current Honda Civic models, including the Civic Si and Civic Type R, are front-wheel drive (FWD). This configuration has been a standard feature since the model's inception, using a front-engine, front-wheel drive layout.

This video reviews the Honda Civic Type R, highlighting its front-wheel drive nature and performance: 56sSeb On WheelsYouTube · Apr 23, 2025

Consistent drivetrain: Every trim level of the modern Honda Civic comes exclusively with front-wheel drive.
Benefits of FWD: This design helps maximize cabin space by eliminating a driveshaft tunnel and can improve traction during acceleration.
Performance models: Even performance-oriented versions like the Civic Si and Civic Type R use a front-wheel drive layout, often with enhancements like a limited-slip differential to improve traction and handling.

This video discusses the features and performance of the Honda Civic Si, emphasizing its front-wheel drive system: 1mCars With SteveYouTube · Sep 25, 2025

Are there any RWD civics?

No, there are no production rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Honda Civics; all production models have been front-wheel drive (FWD). However, RWD versions exist as custom builds, such as the Throtl Civic and other motorsport projects that convert them to RWD, or as a specific racing version of the Type R called the Civic Type R-GT.
Custom and motorsport RWD Civics

DIY conversions: Enthusiasts and shops create RWD Civics by swapping in parts from other RWD cars or using aftermarket conversion kits.
Throtl Civic: A well-known example is an EK-generation Civic modified by Throtl to be RWD, which makes over 500 horsepower and is used for drifting.
Civic Type R-GT: A special, purpose-built racing version of the Civic Type R, developed by Honda's motorsport arm, competes in the Super GT series and is rear-wheel drive.

You can watch this video to see a custom RWD Honda Civic in action: 45sThatDudeinBlueYouTube · Mar 14, 2023
Why production models are FWD

Design and purpose: Honda designs the standard Civic for practicality, affordability, and efficiency, which is why it uses a front-wheel-drive layout.
Cost-effective: FWD is generally more cost-effective to produce and uses packaging space more efficiently.

This video explains the modifications made to a RWD Honda Civic: 1mJimmy OakesYouTube · Mar 7, 2024

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.