How many gears does a Honda Civic automatic have?
In modern Civics, the automatic transmission is a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which does not have a fixed number of gears. While some marketing materials describe an “8-speed” feel, it isn’t a traditional multi-gear automatic. The exact gearing depends on the generation and trim, with newer Civics largely using CVTs and sport variants staying manual.
A short history of Civic automatics
To understand how this evolved, here is a concise timeline of the automatic transmissions used in Civics across generations.
- Early generations (pre-2010): Many Civics used traditional 4- or 5-speed automatic transmissions.
- 2010s (9th generation): Honda offered a 5-speed automatic on several trims, with CVTs increasingly adopted to boost fuel efficiency.
- Late 2010s to today (10th/11th generations): Automatic Civics are predominantly CVTs; the high-performance Civic Si and Civic Type R use a 6-speed manual transmission (no automatic option).
Note: The exact transmission configuration can vary by country and model year, so checking the specific trim's specifications is advised.
Current Civics: what you’ll find today
In the current lineup sold in the U.S. and many other markets, the automatic option is a CVT on most trims. The Civics that are sold as performance-oriented variants, namely the Civic Si and Civic Type R, are not automatic and use a 6-speed manual. Some descriptions of the CVT include simulated gear steps (often labeled as 8-speed), but these are not fixed gears in the transmission itself.
Manual sport variants
The Civic Si and Civic Type R continue to offer only a 6-speed manual transmission, emphasizing performance driving with a traditional shift feel.
To help buyers understand current options, here is a quick overview:
- Automatic Civics (most trims): CVT with a wide ratio range and simulated gear steps for shift feel; no fixed gears to count.
- Manual variants (Si and Type R): 6-speed manual transmission; no automatic option.
These points summarize the current state: CVT automatics for most trims, manual on the sport variants, and historical variation across generations. Always verify the exact transmission in your chosen year and trim when shopping.
Summary
Across its current generation, the Honda Civic’s automatic transmission is a CVT, meaning there are no fixed gear counts like a traditional automatic. If you’re shopping, expect a CVT on most trims, with the Civic Si and Civic Type R continuing to offer only a 6-speed manual. Older Civics used fixed-gear automatics (4-, 5-, or occasionally 6-speed) depending on year and market, but the modern standard is CVT for automatics.
