How to customize the display on a Honda Civic?
The quickest way to customize the display is by using the steering-wheel controls to change the driver information display and by adjusting the touchscreen infotainment settings; options vary by model year and trim, but you can typically tailor data shown, brightness, and themes.
In modern Civics, two display domains exist: the instrument cluster (driver information display) and the central touchscreen (infotainment). Each has its own menu system, so you’ll adjust information, appearance, and readability in separate places. The following guide provides common steps and notes where model-year differences apply.
Customize the instrument cluster (driver information display)
Use the steering wheel controls and the cluster menu to choose what information appears and how bright the display is.
- Locate the control labeled DISP, Menu, or Info on the steering wheel or stalk. Press or toggle it to cycle through screens such as Trip A, Trip B, instantaneous or average fuel economy, range, elapsed time, and maintenance reminders.
- When you reach a data screen you want, use the on-screen prompts or the wheel controls to select your preferred data view (some trims let you set a default view).
- Adjust the instrument brightness with the dashboard brightness control near the gauge cluster, or enable Auto/Day-Night mode if your model supports it.
- Reset trip data from the Trip/Display menu when needed (Trip A and Trip B resets are typically accessible here).
Concluding note: Availability and labels vary by generation. If you don’t see a setting, check the owner’s manual or your vehicle’s Settings menu for display/gauge options specific to your trim.
Customize the infotainment display (central touchscreen)
Adjust the touchscreen experience through the system Settings to tune brightness, theme, language, and smartphone integration.
- Open Settings on the infotainment screen. Look for options labeled Display, Screen, Theme, or Brightness. Set brightness and enable Auto brightness if available; choose a dark, light, or auto theme if your model supports it.
- Set language and units (mph/kmh) to match your preferences, and enable any available Auto or night-mode features for the display.
- Configure the home screen and app layout if your trim allows rearranging or adding favorites; this varies by generation and software version.
- For phone integration, connect Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (wired or wireless) and decide which apps you want on the home screen, keeping important ones easily accessible while driving.
Concluding note: These tweaks help balance readability and access to essential functions while driving. If your Civic’s software version differs, refer to the vehicle’s manual or dealership resources for precise steps for your trim.
Model-year notes: what changes by generation
2016–2021 Civics: Many trims use a dial-based brightness control and a multi-information display in the gauge cluster. The DISP/Menu cluster button cycles through Trip A/B, fuel economy, range, and time; customization is more limited and varies by trim.
2022–present Civics: The instrument cluster is more digital and integrated with the larger touchscreen infotainment system. You’ll typically find more options for the gauge layout, theme (dark/light/auto), and more robust infotainment customization. The Settings menu on the display provides more granular controls and a smoother user experience, and smartphone integration via CarPlay/Android Auto is more seamless.
Summary
In short, you tailor a Honda Civic’s display by adjusting the driver information cluster and the touchscreen infotainment settings. The exact steps depend on model year and trim, but the general approach—cycle through the instrument screens with the wheel controls, adjust brightness and mode, then tweak the touchscreen Settings for theme, brightness, and smartphone integration—applies across Civics. A quick consult of the owner’s manual or dealer resources can fill in any trim-specific steps.
