Is the Civic EX-L turbo?
Yes. In the modern Honda Civic lineup, the EX-L is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, not a naturally aspirated one. This article explains what that means, how the turbo appears across model years, and how to verify whether a specific Civic EX-L you’re considering has the turbocharged setup.
Understanding the EX-L trim and the turbo engine
The EX-L is a higher-level Civic trim that adds features such as leather seating, upgraded interior materials, and added convenience tech. In most recent generations, the EX-L is paired with Honda’s 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, part of the Earth Dreams family. This engine delivers more power than the base naturally aspirated options, while still offering efficient fuel economy. The presence of the turbo is a defining characteristic of EX-L and other mid-to-high trims, though the exact power output and transmission can vary by model year.
The following list summarizes how the turbo engine appears in different Civic generations and what you can expect in terms of power and transmission. Note that specs can vary by year and market.
- Current-generation Civics (roughly 2022–present): EX-L and other upper trims use a 1.5L turbocharged engine producing around 180 hp and roughly 177 lb-ft of torque, typically paired with a CVT automatic. The Civic Si remains a higher-performance variant with a differently tuned turbo and more power, but it is a separate trim from EX-L.
- Previous mid-to-late generation Civics (roughly 2016–2021): EX-L also used the 1.5L turbo, with about 174–180 hp and 162–177 lb-ft of torque, generally connected to a CVT. In some years S trims offered a manual option, but EX-L itself was not typically paired with a manual transmission.
- Lower-trim differences: The LX and some Sport configurations in certain years relied on a larger, naturally aspirated engine (usually 2.0L), whereas EX-L consistently paired with the turbo in those generations.
Bottom line: Across recent generations, the EX-L has been turbocharged, but the exact horsepower, torque, and transmission can vary by year. If you’re shopping, it’s best to verify the specific vehicle’s window sticker or VIN to confirm the engine configuration.
How to tell if a Civic EX-L has the turbo
To confirm whether a particular Civic EX-L has the turbocharged engine, use these checks. The goal is to verify the engine type, not just the trim badge.
- Check the window sticker or online listing for “1.5L Turbo” or “Turbocharged 1.5L” and note the horsepower rating listed (typically around 180 hp for newer models).
- Look under the hood for the engine layout and any turbocharger plumbing; turbo engines will show lines and a turbocharger component connected to the exhaust manifold.
- Look for engine code on the engine cover or in the owner’s manual; common 1.5L turbo codes include L15B7-type designations in Honda literature.
- Inspect badges: some models carry a “Turbo” or “1.5L VTEC Turbo” badge on the rear or side of the car, though not all markets or model years use a visible turbo badge.
If you’re unsure after these checks, ask the dealer for a vehicle history report or a courtesy VIN check to confirm the exact engine specification for that car.
Performance and daily driving notes
The 1.5L turbo in the Civic EX-L is designed to provide brisk acceleration for a compact sedan while maintaining good highway passing power and fuel efficiency. Real-world performance varies by year, drivetrain (CVT vs. manual in some trims), and overall vehicle condition. In general, you can expect:
- Strong mid-range acceleration compared with base non-turbo trims, making highway merging and overtaking more confident.
- EPA-estimated fuel economy that remains competitive with other compact sedans, though exact numbers depend on transmission and model year (CVT versions typically fare well in highway economy).
- Structured ride and refinement that suit daily commuting and longer trips, with premium interior appointments in the EX-L heightening the sense of value.
Note: If you’re seeking the highest performance in a Civic, the Si is the dedicated sport-focused model and uses a turbocharged 1.5L engine tuned for more power, while the Type R represents a different performance platform altogether.
Summary
In short, the Civic EX-L is indeed a turbocharged model in the current lineup, powered by Honda’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. While power figures and transmission options have varied across generations, EX-L has consistently leveraged the turbocharged setup to deliver more responsive acceleration than the base trims. Always verify the exact engine specification for the specific year and market you’re considering, using the window sticker, VIN, or dealer confirmation. For shoppers seeking turbocharged acceleration with premium features, EX-L remains a strong, well-rounded choice among Civics.
