What engine is in the Honda Civic?

There isn’t a single engine powering every Civic. In the current lineup, Honda uses several powertrains depending on model year and market: a 2.0-liter inline-4, a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4, a hybrid 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors, and a high-performance 2.0-liter turbo for the Civic Type R (with Si using the turbo in a tuned form). The exact option you get depends on trim and region.

Overview of Honda Civic powertrains

The Civic’s engine options have shifted across generations, but the core choices in most recent North American models are straightforward: two primary internal-combustion options and additional electrified or high-performance variants.

• 2.0-liter inline-4 naturally aspirated engine (baseline powertrain in several trims)


• 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine (the most common upgrade for higher trims and performance variants)

The two-engine approach covers the vast majority of Civics sold today, while other variants add different powertrains for performance and efficiency.

Sporty and high-performance variants

Several Civics push performance through tuning or a different engine setup. The key high-performance variants are:

• Honda Civic Si — a tuned version of the 1.5-liter turbo engine: typically around 200–205 hp, offered with a manual transmission only


• Civic Type R — a dedicated high-performance model powered by a more aggressively tuned 2.0-liter turbocharged engine (not sold in every market) with substantially higher output

These variants are distinct from the standard Civic line and are aimed at enthusiasts seeking sportier driving dynamics.

Hybrid and alternative powertrains

For buyers prioritizing efficiency, Honda also offers a hybrid variant in many markets. The hybrid combines a gasoline engine with electric motors and uses a dedicated hybrid powertrain rather than the standard turbocharged options.

• Civic Hybrid — typically uses a 1.5-liter inline-4 Atkinson-cycle engine paired with electric motors; combined output and efficiency vary by market

Hybrid Civics are designed to maximize fuel economy while retaining usable performance, with the electrified system managed through a continuously variable transmission in most markets.

Engine choices by generation and market

To understand how the lineup has evolved, it helps to look at generations and regional differences. The following outlines the typical configurations you’d encounter in North America and key markets.

10th generation (2016–2021)

In this generation, Honda commonly offered two main powertrains in the Civic lineup: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. The Si used the turbocharged unit with higher performance tuning, and the lineup generally paired the engines with either a manual or automatic transmission depending on trim. A high-performance Civic Type R variant was introduced separately with its own 2.0-liter turbo engine.

11th generation (2022–present)

The current generation continues the two-core options, with the base model often featuring a 2.0-liter inline-4 in some trims and a 1.5-liter turbo in most others. The sportier Si uses the 1.5-liter turbo tuned for higher output and is typically offered with a manual transmission only. A hybrid variant using a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with electric motors has been added in many markets. The Civic Type R remains a separate, high-performance model with its own 2.0-liter turbo engine.

What to know about engine choices in practice

When you shop for a Civic today, the engine you get is tied to the trim and market. If you want the most efficient option, look at the hybrid variant. If you want sportier performance without stepping up to Type R, the Si is your go-to, with a tuned turbo engine and manual transmission. For straightforward daily driving with solid power, the 2.0-liter base engine remains a simple, reliable choice in select trims, while many trims use the 1.5-liter turbo for stronger performance and efficiency.

Summary

The Honda Civic does not have a single engine; it offers multiple powertrains across generations and markets. The main choices today are a 2.0-liter inline-4, a 1.5-liter turbo inline-4, a hybrid 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle setup, and a dedicated high-performance 2.0-liter turbo for the Civic Type R, with the Si using the turbo in a tuned form. Your best match depends on whether you prioritize efficiency, everyday usability, or high-performance driving.

What engines are in Honda Civics?

The Honda Civic offers several engine options, including a base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (158 hp) and a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (180 hp). Performance trims like the Si and Type R feature more powerful versions of the 1.5-liter and a unique 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, respectively. Hybrid options are also available. 
This video explains the different engine options in the Honda Civic lineup: 2:54Johnny B Your Car GuyYouTube · Mar 18, 2024
Gas engines

• 2.0-liter 4-cylinder: This is the standard engine on lower trims like the LX and Sport. It produces 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. 
• 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder: Found on higher trims such as the EX and Touring, this engine offers more power with 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. 
• 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder: This is the exclusive engine for the high-performance Type R model, generating 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. 
• 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (Si): The Si model features a 200 horsepower, 192 pound-feet of torque version of the turbocharged engine, available with a manual transmission. 

This video discusses the performance aspects of the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine compared to a naturally aspirated engine: 0:52Williams HondaYouTube · Apr 22, 2024
Hybrid engine

• 2.0-liter hybrid: Some models, like the Sport Touring Hybrid, feature a 2.0-liter engine combined with a two-motor hybrid system for increased efficiency. 

Other engine options

• Older generations of the Civic have featured a variety of engines, including smaller displacement 4-cylinders and natural gas engines. 

Which Honda has a K24 engine?

Many Honda and Acura models have the K24 engine, including the Accord, CR-V, Civic Si, Element, and Acura TSX and ILX. The specific K24 variant and its performance vary across these models and different model years. 
Honda models with K24 engines

• Accord: From around 2003 to 2017, various K24 engines were used, including the K24A4, K24Z2, K24Z3, and K24W1. 
• CR-V: Many generations, from 2002 to 2019, featured the K24 engine, including the K24A1, K24Z1, K24Z4, K24Z6, and K24W1. 
• Civic Si: The performance-oriented Civic Si used the K24 engine in certain model years, primarily from 2002 to 2015, such as with the K24Z7. 
• Element: The K24 engine was the sole powerplant for the Element from 2003 to 2011, with variants like the K24A4 and K24A8. 
• Crosstour: The K24Y2 was used in the Honda Crosstour from 2012 to 2015. 
• Odyssey: Some international versions of the Odyssey have been equipped with the K24 engine, such as the K24A4 and K24W4. 

Acura models with K24 engines

• TSX: The K24 engine was a staple in the Acura TSX from 2004 to 2008, with variants like the K24A2 and K24Z3. 
• ILX: Some model years of the Acura ILX featured the K24 engine, including the K24Z7 and K24V7. 
• RDX: The RDX also used the K24 engine in certain models. 
• TLX: The K24W7 engine was used in the Acura TLX from 2015 to 2020. 

Which Honda Civics to stay away from?

Years to avoid the Honda Civic include 2001–2005, 2006–2009, and 2012 and 2016, which have been associated with problems like transmission failures, cracked engine blocks, and faulty airbags. The 2001 model is often cited as the worst due to a high number of complaints, recalls, and transmission issues. Other specific years like 2007, 2009, and 2016 also have known problems such as cracked engine blocks and issues with the AC and Bluetooth systems.
 
Specific model years to avoid:

• 2001–2005:
  • Transmission failures: The automatic transmission was known to fail around 100,000 miles. 
  • Engine problems: Cracked engine blocks are a known issue, especially in the 2006–2009 models. 
  • Airbag recalls: These models were affected by the widespread Takata airbag recall. 
  • Other issues: Faulty fuel pumps and battery problems in hybrids were also reported. 
• 2006–2009:
  • Cracked engine blocks: This was a significant problem for this generation. 
  • Airbag issues: Recalls were common, particularly for the hybrid models in 2006. 
• 2012:
  • Transmission issues: Some reports suggest problems with the transmission in this model year. 
• 2016:
  • AC unit and Bluetooth problems: This model year is known for issues with its air conditioning system and Bluetooth connectivity. 
  • Steering rack failures: Steering rack failures have been reported in some instances. 

What to look for instead:

• Most reliable years:
  • 2012–2015: These years generally have good reliability ratings. 
  • 2020–2024: Recent models are considered reliable with good fuel economy and safety ratings. 
• Good alternatives:
  • 2004–2005
  • 2011
  • 2013–2015 

Is a 1.5 or 2.0 engine better?

Neither engine is definitively "better"; the choice between a 1.5L and 2.0L engine depends on your priorities: a 1.5L engine is generally better for fuel economy, while a 2.0L engine is often better for performance and durability. A larger, turbocharged engine like a 2.0L provides more horsepower, torque, and better acceleration, making it feel more powerful and capable for tasks like towing, whereas a smaller 1.5L engine with a turbo can achieve better gas mileage. 
1.5L Engine 

• Pros: Better fuel economy, which can be more cost-effective for daily driving and commuting. 
• Cons: May have less power for quick acceleration, towing, or high-demand situations. Early models of some 1.5L turbocharged engines had known issues like head gasket problems, though later models may have improved. 

2.0L Engine

• Pros: More power, better acceleration, and more capability for heavy loads or towing. It is often built for durability, with some 2.0L engines being known for longevity.
• Cons: Generally has lower fuel efficiency compared to the 1.5L engine. 

Which one to choose

• Choose the 1.5L if: Your priority is maximizing fuel efficiency and you primarily drive in the city or commute. It offers a good balance of performance for everyday use. 
• Choose the 2.0L if: You want more power for a more engaging driving experience, frequently tow, or plan to drive the vehicle for a long time and prioritize engine longevity over fuel economy.