Does the Honda Civic Si have continuously variable transmission?
The short answer is no. The current Honda Civic Si is not offered with a continuously variable transmission (CVT); it is sold exclusively with a six‑speed manual transmission.
The Civic Si is the performance-oriented variant of the eleventh-generation Civic. Honda has kept it manual-only to preserve the driving engagement that enthusiasts expect from a sport model. This article details the transmission setup for the Si and compares it to the rest of the Civic lineup.
What transmission does the Civic Si use?
The Honda Civic Si employs a six-speed manual transmission. It is designed for a connected, two‑pedal driving experience, with features like rev‑matching downshifts to help smooth gear changes. There is no CVT option for the Si in the current generation.
Here is a quick breakdown of transmission options within the current Civic lineup to put the Si in context:
- Civic Si: 6‑speed manual transmission only (no CVT).
- Other Civic trims (LX, Sport, EX, EX‑L, Touring): primarily use a CVT with the 1.5L turbo engine in the U.S.
In short, if you want a CVT, you would opt for a non‑Si Civic trim; if you want the Si’s manual driving experience, you’ll be choosing the six‑speed manual.
Why Honda keeps the Si manual-only
Automotive makers often reserve a manual transmission for sportier, enthusiast-focused models because it emphasizes driver engagement and control. The Si’s chassis tuning, turbocharged engine, and performance features are designed around a manual user experience, which is why Honda has not offered a CVT on this trim in the current generation.
How this compares to the rest of the Civic lineup
While the Si sticks with a traditional manual, the rest of the Civic lineup prioritizes fuel economy and convenience with CVT offerings. This difference helps the Si maintain its distinctive, performance-oriented character within the broader Civic family.
Note: Across generations and markets, there can be variations in available transmissions. The information here reflects the latest U.S. specification for the 11th generation (introduced for model years around 2022–2024). Always verify with a local dealer for the exact configuration in your area.
Summary
For the current Honda Civic lineup in the United States, the Si is manual-only with a six-speed transmission, and there is no CVT option. Other non-Si Civics use a CVT to optimize efficiency and smoothness. If you prioritize a CVT, choose a trim other than Si; if you crave a driver-focused manual experience, the Si is the model to consider.
