Is the Honda Civic SI only manual?
Yes. In the current generation, the Honda Civic Si is offered exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission; there is no automatic option for the Si.
This article explains the current status, how it compares with other Civic trims, and what that means for buyers who are weighing manual versus automatic choices across the Civic lineup.
Current transmission options for the Civic lineup
Here is a snapshot of how transmission options break down across the latest Civic models.
- Civic Si — 6-speed manual only.
- Other Civic trims (LX, Sport, EX, Touring) — automatic transmissions are the norm in most markets, typically a CVT; availability of manual variants varies by year and region.
In short, the Si remains manual-only, while the rest of the Civic family tends to offer automatic options for daily practicality and convenience.
Why Honda keeps the Si manual
Honda positions the Si as the driver-focused performance variant of the Civic, and the six-speed manual is central to that identity. Several factors drive the decision to keep the Si manual-only:
- Driver engagement: a manual transmission provides a direct, hands-on experience that enthusiasts associate with the Si badge.
- Brand identity: Si models have long been the sporty, enthusiast-oriented trim in Honda’s lineup, with manuals reinforcing that image.
- Cost and complexity: keeping the Si manual avoids the added development and calibration work involved in pairing a modern automatic with the high-revving Si engine and chassis tweaks.
- Market positioning: Honda markets the Si to buyers who prioritize a purist, skills-focused driving experience over automatic convenience.
These factors collectively explain why the Si has remained manual-only even as other Civics offer automatic options.
What this means for buyers
For shoppers weighing their options, here’s how to navigate the choice between Si and other Civics when automatic transmission is a consideration.
- If you want automatic daily driving, consider non-Si Civics (LX, Sport, EX, Touring) that typically offer CVT or automatic transmissions.
- If you want a sporty manual experience with a focus on driver engagement, the Civic Si is the clear pick.
- Always verify local market availability, since transmission options can vary by region and model year.
In practice, the decision comes down to whether you value the visceral control of a manual gearbox (Si) or the convenience of an automatic (other Civic trims).
Summary
The Honda Civic Si is, in its current form, manual-only, catering to enthusiasts who want a hands-on, engaging driving experience. Other Civic trims offer automatic options, primarily CVT, for everyday practicality. Prospective buyers should weigh the desire for manual involvement against the convenience of an automatic and confirm local specs before purchase.
Is there an automatic Civic?
Yes, the Honda Civic is available in both automatic and manual transmissions, depending on the model and trim. Most standard Civic sedans and hatchbacks are automatic (often a Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT), while many performance-oriented models like the Civic Si and Civic Type R offer a manual transmission, Diehl Honda of Massillon.
- Standard models: Most of the latest standard Civic models, such as the sedan, come with an automatic transmission, with many models being automatic-only.
- Sportier models: The Si and Type R trims often have manual transmissions as their primary or only option, catering to driving enthusiasts.
- Hybrid models: The new hybrid Civic model uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides a smooth acceleration feel without a traditional gearbox, as seen in this YouTube video.
- Used models: The availability of manual transmissions is more common in the used market, especially in older models or performance trims.
Is the Honda Civic Si manual only?
Yes, the current Honda Civic Si is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. This is a deliberate choice by Honda to focus on driver engagement and performance for this sport-oriented model. Other, non-Si Civic models are available with other transmissions, such as a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
- Manual only: The Civic Si is exclusively offered with a six-speed manual gearbox, according to Mile High Honda, Bravo Honda of Victoria, and the Honda website.
- Focus on performance: This manual-only option is a key part of the Si's design, aimed at providing a more connected and engaging driving experience for enthusiasts.
- Other Civic models: It's important to note that this applies only to the Si model. Other regular Civic models are available with automatic transmissions like the CVT.
What year did the Civic Si get automatic?
No, the Si does not come in automatic and the first year of the 10th gen Si was 2017.
Can I get a Civic Si in automatic?
No, the Honda Civic Si does not come with an automatic transmission and is exclusively offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. This manual-only configuration is a core part of the Si's performance-focused, driver-centric character. Other Civic models offer an automatic option, but not the Si trim.
- Manual transmission only: The Si is designed for an engaging driving experience and is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
- Automatic available on other trims: Other Civic models, such as the standard Civic and the Sport, are available with an automatic (CVT) transmission.
- Performance focus: The manual transmission is a deliberate choice by Honda to enhance performance and driver engagement for the Si.
