What is the difference between the base model and SI Honda Civic?

The base Civic LX focuses on practicality and efficiency, while the Civic Si is a performance-minded, manual‑transmission variant with more power, sport-tuned handling, and extra equipment.

In the current US-market lineup (11th generation, introduced for 2022), the LX uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine with standard comfort and safety features, and a CVT is typically offered. The Civic Si, by contrast, pairs a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with a 6-speed manual transmission, adds sport-oriented hardware, and carries a higher price tag. The differences extend beyond power to touchpoints like interior styling, wheels, brakes, and available technology.

Powertrain and performance

These sections compare what powers the two trims, how they drive, and what hardware supports their performance goals.

Base Civic LX powertrain

The LX relies on a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing roughly 158 horsepower and about 138 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in most configurations, and front-wheel drive only. Expect efficiency-oriented tuning and smooth daily-driving performance rather than sporty responsiveness. Official EPA estimates for the LX with CVT place fuel economy in the practical city/highway range, often around the low 30s MPG in mixed driving, with higher highway efficiency.

Civic Si powertrain

The Civic Si uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 that makes about 200 horsepower and around 192 lb-ft of torque. It is sold exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission and a sport-tuned chassis, including a limited-slip differential on most model years. This setup delivers a noticeably more aggressive acceleration and a keener on-road feel compared with the LX. Performance data generally show stronger straight-line speed and more engaging handling, with a fuel economy expectation typically in the upper 20s to around 30 MPG depending on driving style.

Key mechanical contrasts at a glance:

• Engine and output: 158 hp / 138 lb-ft (2.0L) in the LX vs 200 hp / 192 lb-ft (1.5L turbo) in the Si.


• Drivetrain: LX uses a CVT with front-wheel drive; Si is manual-only with sport-tuned hardware.


• Handling: LX emphasizes comfort and daily usability; Si adds sport-tuned suspension and a limited-slip differential for sharper cornering.


• Brakes and wheels: Si typically features larger brakes and 18-inch wheels; LX uses smaller brakes and lighter wheels.


• Drive feel: LX focuses on refinement and efficiency; Si targets an engaging, performance-oriented driving experience.

In short, the Si delivers markedly more power and a sportier driving character, while the LX prioritizes everyday practicality and efficiency.

Features, equipment, and pricing

These sections outline the standard equipment, notable differences in technology and interior feel, and the typical price spread between the two trims.

Standard features and technology

The base LX offers the essentials for value and safety, including Honda Sensing active safety features, a usable touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, and comfortable seating. The Si adds sport-oriented enhancements such as a larger display, upgraded audio or interior accents, exclusive exterior styling cues, and performance-focused interior touches. Because the Si is aimed at enthusiasts, it also includes the manual transmission as standard and sport-tuned components that aren’t present on the LX.

List of notable differences in equipment (high level):

• Transmission: CVT in LX vs 6-speed manual in Si.


• Display/infotainment: LX typically has a solid touchscreen with CarPlay/Android Auto; Si offers upgraded graphics and sport-inspired cockpit touches.


• Interior and trim: Si features sport seats, unique stitching or accents, and performance-oriented design cues.


• Wheels and brakes: Si includes larger brakes and 18-inch wheels; LX uses smaller wheels with standard brakes.


• Drive modes and performance hardware: Si includes sport-tuned suspension and differential; LX emphasizes comfort and efficiency.

Pricing and value are driven by these differences. In the US market, the LX sits in the lower-mid $20,000s (before destination charges), while the Civic Si typically starts around the high $20,000s to the $30,000 range, depending on year, options, and regional incentives. The Si represents a clear premium for the added power, manual transmission, and sport-focused hardware.

In summary, the LX is the sensible, budget-friendly choice for daily commuting and reliability, whereas the Si targets enthusiasts who want a more engaging drive and are prepared to accept a higher price and the demands of a manual gearbox.

Summary

The Honda Civic LX and Civic Si sit at opposing ends of the spectrum within the current Civic lineup. The LX emphasizes practicality, efficiency, and everyday comfort with a (typically) CVT, while the Si emphasizes performance, driving involvement, and manual control with a turbocharged engine, sport-tuned hardware, and exclusive styling. Prospective buyers should weigh the value of added power and engagement against the higher cost and the necessity of manual shifting when deciding between these two trims.

Is a Honda Civic Si faster than a Sport?

At 7.0 seconds to 60 mph, it's 0.4 second quicker than the Si, but the Civic catches it, crossing the quarter-mile mark in the same 15.4 seconds, albeit at a slightly slower 92.1 mph trap speed.

What is the difference between the Civic Si and the regular Civic?

The main differences between a Civic Si and a regular Civic are in performance, features, and styling, with the Si being the sportier, more performance-oriented version. Key Si upgrades include a more powerful turbocharged engine, a limited-slip differential for better traction, a sport-tuned suspension, and larger brakes. A regular Civic is more focused on fuel efficiency and comfort, though some trims offer a turbocharged engine and a manual transmission. 
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between the Civic Si and other models: 59sAuto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosYouTube · Dec 22, 2020
Performance

• Engine: The Si has a more powerful turbocharged engine, delivering more horsepower and torque for quicker acceleration. 
• Drivetrain: The Si includes a limited-slip differential, which helps put power down more effectively, especially when cornering or accelerating hard. Standard models do not have this feature. 
• Suspension: The Si features a sport-tuned or adaptive suspension that can be made firmer, improving handling and performance. 
• Brakes: The Si comes with larger, more effective brakes for better stopping power. 
• Transmission: The Si is exclusively available with a 6-speed manual transmission, while regular Civics may be available with a manual or automatic transmission. 

Styling and features

• Exterior: The Si typically has a slightly more aggressive look with special badging and trim. 
• Interior: The Si often includes sport seats with more bolstering, and interior accents like red stitching or different trim colors. 
• Infotainment: Both models may offer similar infotainment screens, but the Si often comes standard with a higher-end audio system like a Bose stereo, notes CivicX.com. 
• Modes: The Si may include a "SPORT" mode that adjusts steering, throttle response, and suspension, whereas standard models often have an "ECON" mode focused on fuel efficiency. 

Trade-offs

• Fuel economy: The Si's higher-performance engine is less fuel-efficient and requires premium fuel. 
• Cost: The Si is more expensive than a standard Civic, and the premium fuel requirement adds to the long-term ownership cost. 
• Availability: Some lower-trim standard models may offer more cargo space (like the hatchback), which the Si does not, though this may vary depending on the model year. 

This video compares the Civic Si and the Civic Type R: 58sBros FOURR SpeedYouTube · Jan 1, 2025

What does SI mean on a Honda Civic?

On a Honda Civic, "Si" stands for "Sport Injected" and designates a performance-oriented, sportier version of the car. These models feature enhanced engines, upgraded suspension, sporty styling, and a manual transmission, making them a higher-performance trim compared to standard Civic models. 

• Origin: The "Sport Injected" name originates from the 1980s when the Si models were some of the first Civics to feature fuel injection instead of carburetors. 
• Performance upgrades: While all modern cars use fuel injection, the Si badge today represents a package of performance upgrades. These include a more powerful engine (like the turbocharged 200-horsepower engine in the 2025 model), a retuned suspension, a stiffer chassis, and a limited-slip differential. 
• Manual transmission: A key characteristic of the modern Si is that it is exclusively available with a six-speed manual transmission. 
• Sporty features: Beyond the engine and handling, Si models come with other sporty features like a sport-tuned exhaust, unique wheels, sport seats, and a rear spoiler. 

What's so special about the Honda Civic Si?

The Honda Civic Si is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. This engine produces 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, giving it a solid balance of power and handling. The turbocharged setup provides strong mid-range torque, making the Si feel quick and responsive on the road.