Is the Honda Civic SI AWD?
No—the Honda Civic Si is front-wheel drive (FWD) only, with no factory all-wheel-drive (AWD) option in the current or recent generations. It pairs a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with a six-speed manual transmission to deliver performance to the front wheels.
This article examines the Si’s drivetrain, how it compares within the Civic lineup, and what options exist for buyers who specifically want AWD in a Civic or within this family of cars.
Current drivetrain configuration of the Civic Si
Here are the key facts about the Civic Si’s drivetrain as it sits in today’s lineup.
- Drive layout: Front-wheel drive (FWD) only
- Engine and power: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing about 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: Six-speed manual; no automatic option for the Si
In practice, this setup is designed to emphasize driver engagement and precise gear shifting, prioritizing a lightweight, communicative chassis over all-wheel traction advantages.
How AWD fits into the Civic lineup
As of model years 2024–25, there is no factory AWD option for the Civic Si or the current Civic hatchback/sedan in the United States. If AWD is a priority, buyers must look at other Honda models that offer AWD or consider alternatives outside the Honda Civic family. Honda’s lineup does include other models with AWD taps, but the high-performance Si variant remains FWD.
Factory availability
Honda has not announced or released an AWD Civic Si or current Civic trim with AWD for major markets in recent years. Any AWD ambitions within the Civic family would require looking at non-Si Civic variants in markets with different specifications or considering non-Honda options.
Alternative options for AWD-minded buyers
For buyers who insist on all-wheel drive, the primary path is to explore Honda’s other models that offer AWD, or to consider non-Honda compact options that provide factory AWD alongside sporty handling. Enthusiasts sometimes discuss aftermarket pathways, but these are not factory-supported and can affect warranty and long-term reliability.
Summary
The Honda Civic Si remains a front-wheel-drive performance model, focused on a connected manual-driving experience rather than all-wheel traction. There is no factory AWD option for the Si in the current generation, so buyers seeking AWD should consider other models within Honda’s lineup or explore alternatives in the broader market. For those who value drivetrain simplicity and driver engagement, the Si’s FWD setup continues to deliver a distinctive, engaging ride.
