What size motor is in the Honda Civic?
In brief, the Honda Civic in the United States is powered by two main engine sizes: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 and a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4. Performance variants use tuned versions of the turbo engine, and the high-performance Civic Type R relies on a larger 2.0-liter turbo.
Trims and model years can affect which engine is paired with which transmission, so it’s important to verify the exact specification for a given car. The following breakdown reflects the current lineup as of the 2024–2025 period.
Current engine options in the Civic lineup
Before detailing the options, note that horsepower and torque figures vary by year and transmission, and market-specific variants may differ.
- 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 — about 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque; used on the base trims in the current generation for efficiency and cost.
- 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 — about 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque; a common option on mid- to upper-level trims for stronger performance and efficiency.
- Civic Si — 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 tuned to roughly 200 horsepower (with peak torque around 192 lb-ft); a performance-focused variant that uses the turbo engine.
- Civic Type R — 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing around 315 horsepower; a high-performance hatchback variant distinct from the standard Civic.
These engine choices illustrate how Honda balances daily usability with sporty appeal in the Civic lineup. Prospective buyers should check the exact spec for their year and trim, as there can be minor variations by market and transmission choice.
Notes for shoppers
When shopping for a Civic, confirm the engine option on the window sticker, as a single generation can offer both engines across different trims. Transmission type (manual vs. CVT) can also influence available horsepower and torque figures.
Summary
The Honda Civic typically offers two engine displacements in the U.S.: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. Performance variants use tuned versions of the turbo engine (Si) or a larger 2.0-liter turbo in the Civic Type R for higher output. Always verify the engine size for the specific model year and trim you’re considering.
