What does L stand for in Civic?

The L stands for Leather. In the Civic’s trim naming, EX-L indicates leather-trimmed seating and a higher-end interior, distinguishing it from the EX trim which typically uses cloth upholstery.

Across generations, automakers use suffixes to signal interior materials and added features. This article explains what that L signals, how it fits into the Civic's trim ladder, and what buyers should know when shopping for Civics—new or used.

Decoding the L designation in the Civic lineup

In the U.S. market, the EX-L trim sits above LX and EX, with the L signaling leather and interior refinements rather than a performance upgrade. The L is a material cue that helps buyers identify a more premium interior.

As Honda updates its lineup, the exact equipment included with EX-L can change by model year, but leather seating remains the core indicator of the L designation.

Note that the L suffix is part of the EX-L designation and is not used in all markets or on all Honda models. Always verify the specific equipment list for the year and region you are considering.

Here’s a closer look at what that L typically signals in Civic EX-L variants.

Below are the typical features associated with the EX-L trim that the Leather cue signals.

• Leather-trimmed seating surfaces


• Leather-wrapped steering wheel (and often a leather-wrapped shift knob)


• Interior material upgrades and color options aimed at a more premium feel


• Potential inclusion of heated front seats in many model years


• Additional interior comfort features beyond the base EX trim

These features contribute to the premium feel that buyers expect from the EX-L badge, though exact equipment varies by year and market.

How to spot leather in a Civic and verify the trim

There are several ways to confirm a Civic really has leather seats and interior, especially when shopping used vehicles where trims can be mixed.

Before listing, we outline practical checks you can perform or request from a seller or dealer.

• Check the Monroney window sticker for wording like "Leather seats" or "Leather-trim"


• Inspect the seats in person: leather surfaces feel different from cloth, with a distinct texture and stitching


• Review the vehicle’s build sheet or VIN-derived spec to confirm interior materials


• Ask the dealer for the exact equipment list for the specific car’s VIN

If the car lacks leather interior, it may be an EX or another market variation, even if badging suggests EX-L. Always verify with documentation and a hands-on inspection.

Other common Civic trim suffixes and what they signify

To place the L designation in context, here is a quick overview of other common Civic trim suffixes and what they typically signal in recent generations.

• LX: The base-to-mid-level trim, often with cloth upholstery and essential features


• EX: A step up from LX with additional features and sometimes upgraded materials, but usually still cloth upholstery


• EX-L: Leather-trimmed interior and related luxury touches, as described above


• Touring: The top-tier trim with the most comprehensive equipment, navigation, and premium interior details

Keep in mind that exact equipment can vary by model year and region, so always confirm with the window sticker or dealer’s build sheet for the specific vehicle you’re considering.

Summary

The L in Honda Civic EX-L signifies Leather, indicating leather-trimmed seating and interior refinements that distinguish this trim from the EX and LX. It’s a material cue rather than a performance upgrade, and the exact features can vary by year and market. For buyers, the best approach is to check the window sticker or build sheet, inspect the interior, and confirm what’s included with the specific Civic you’re evaluating.

In short, if you’re shopping for a Civic and the label shows EX-L, expect leather seating and a more upscale interior as part of the package.

What does L mean in a Honda Civic?

On a Honda Civic, "L" stands for Low gear, which is used for situations requiring high torque, such as climbing steep hills, towing, or driving in poor road conditions like snow or mud. It keeps the engine in a lower gear for more power and better traction, and can also provide engine braking on downhills. 
This video explains what the L gear is for: 59sVehicle FreakYouTube · Oct 21, 2022
When to use "L" gear

• Climbing steep hills: Provides extra torque to help the car ascend without straining the engine. 
• Going down steep hills: Offers engine braking to control the car's speed and reduce the need to use the brakes, which is especially useful on long descents. 
• Poor traction conditions: Helps maintain traction in snow, ice, mud, or while off-roading by preventing the transmission from shifting into higher, faster gears. 
• Towing: Increases engine torque for pulling a load. 

Important considerations for modern Civics

• CVT transmissions: Newer Honda Civics often have a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). In these models, "L" doesn't lock into a single gear like older transmissions. Instead, it selects a preset ratio that prioritizes low-speed, high-torque driving. 
• Alternative modes: Some modern Civics have "S" (Sport) mode, which adjusts for more responsive acceleration. However, "L" is still the mode for the most extreme needs, like steep inclines or very slippery conditions. 

What does S and L stand for in a Honda Civic?

In a Honda Civic, 'S' stands for Sport mode, which adjusts the transmission for better acceleration by holding gears longer. 'L' stands for Low gear, which keeps the transmission in the lowest gear for maximum power, torque, and engine braking, making it useful for steep inclines. 
You can watch this video to learn about Sport and Low gear modes in Honda Civic: 1mVehicle FreakYouTube · Oct 21, 2022
S (Sport)

• What it does: The transmission holds each gear longer before shifting up, resulting in faster acceleration and a more responsive engine. 
• When to use it: When you need extra power for passing, merging onto a highway, or driving on winding roads. 

L (Low)

• What it does: The transmission locks into a low gear, providing maximum torque and engine braking. It keeps the engine in a higher RPM range and prevents the transmission from shifting up. 
• When to use it: For driving up very steep hills, climbing large inclines, or for engine braking when going down long, steep slopes to help control your speed. 

This video explains how to use the L gear in an automatic car: 53sHelpful DIYYouTube · Apr 19, 2019

Is it safe to drive in L mode?

It's generally not recommended to switch to “L” mode while driving at higher speeds, as it can cause excessive engine revving and strain on the transmission. It's best to engage “L” mode at lower speeds, particularly in situations like towing or driving on steep inclines.

What is the L gear on a Honda Civic?

And drive modes. Keep moving this lever until you reach the L mode in automatic vehicles a computer system controls the transmission. And allows the engine to run at a specific range of RPMs.