What does touring mean on a Honda Civic?
Touring is Honda’s top-tier Civic trim level, bundling premium features and technology for a more upscale experience. It is not a driving mode.
In this article, we explain what Touring means in the Civic lineup, what buyers typically get with Touring, how it compares to other trims, and what to check when shopping for a specific model year.
Touring as a trim level
Touring is a trim designation used by Honda to denote one of the highest equipment levels in the Civic lineup. It signals that the car includes a broader suite of comfort, convenience, and driver-assistance features than the base and mid-range trims. It is not a mode you select while driving.
What you typically get with Civic Touring
Before listing, note that exact features vary by model year and market. The Touring trim generally includes premium seating, upgraded infotainment, and advanced safety tech as standard, with some years adding navigation and larger wheels.
- Leather or premium-trim seating and heated front seats
- Power-adjustable driver's seat and a higher-grade interior finish
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Upgraded infotainment system, often with a larger touchscreen and built-in navigation (year-dependent)
- Premium audio system and wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
- Honda Sensing safety suite (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, etc.)
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- 18-inch alloy wheels and distinctive exterior styling details
- LED headlights and sometimes fog lights
In some model years, Touring may also add features like a sunroof or a power-adjustable passenger seat; feature availability varies by year and market. Always verify the exact equipment on the specific car you are considering.
How Touring compares with other Civic trims
Understanding how Touring stacks up against other trims helps buyers decide if it’s worth the upgrade. The Civic lineup generally places Touring above LX, Sport, and EX/EX-L for most model years in terms of equipment and refinement, though some regions or years may vary in feature packaging.
- Compared to LX: Touring adds more premium interior materials, more advanced infotainment, and safety tech.
- Compared to Sport: Touring offers more comfort and tech; Sport emphasizes styling and a sportier feel, with fewer luxury features.
- Compared to EX-L: Touring often includes navigation, upgraded audio, and the full safety suite; EX-L is well equipped but may miss some Touring-exclusive tech depending on year.
Because Honda updates features by model year and market, the exact equipment and their availability can change. Always check the window sticker for the year and region you’re considering.
Is Touring ever a driving mode?
No. Touring is not a drive mode or performance setting. Some Civics offer Drive Mode Select (Normal, Eco, Sport), but Touring refers to the trim level. In some generations, Sport or Sport+ may accompany Touring equipment, but Touring itself does not define a driving mode.
Summary
Touring denotes the Civic’s top-tier trim, offering a premium blend of interior comfort, technology, and safety features beyond the base and mid-range trims. The exact contents vary by year and market, so buyers should check the specific model year’s equipment list before purchasing.
Conclusion
For many buyers, Civic Touring represents a balanced option that adds luxury and tech without moving to a performance-focused variant. Always verify the exact equipment on the model year you’re considering, as Honda changes standard and optional features over time.
