Which Honda Civic Is Automatic?

Understanding the Honda Civic’s Automatic Options

When we talk about the Honda Civic, we’re diving into a long lineage of trims, engines, and transmission choices. And if you’ve ever found yourself wondering which Honda Civic is automatic, you’re not alone. Over the years, Honda has offered the Civic with various automatic transmissions—ranging from traditional torque-converter automatics to CVTs and even automated manuals in limited markets.
In this guide, we break everything down clearly: every automatic option across generations, trims, and engines—so we fully understand what’s out there.

The Evolution of Automatic Transmissions in the Civic

Before we explore specific models, we need to understand how the Civic’s automatic journey has evolved.

From 3-Speed Automatics to Advanced CVTs

Honda has gradually refined its automatic systems:

• 1980s–1990s: 3- and 4-speed automatics
• 2000s: 4- and 5-speed automatics
• 2010s–present: CVTs and advanced dual-clutch–style systems
• Hybrid Civics: e-CVT technology unique to Honda’s hybrid system

The evolution reflects Honda’s push toward smoother shifts, better performance, and higher fuel efficiency.

Which Honda Civic Models Come with Automatic Transmission?

To make things simple, here’s the big-picture answer:

Every Honda Civic generation from the 1980s onward has offered automatic models.

But the exact trims and engines vary. Let’s go deeper.

Automatic Honda Civic by Generation

Honda Civic 10th Generation (2016–2021)

The 10th-gen Civic is one of the most popular on the road today—and almost all its trims offer automatics.

Automatic Options

• 1.0 Turbo CVT
• 1.5 Turbo CVT
• 2.0 NA CVT
• 1.6 i-DTEC diesel automatic (limited markets)
• Civic Type R: Manual only (no automatic)

Trims Offering Automatics

• LX
• EX
• EX-L
• Touring
• Sport (CVT optional depending on market)
• SR (UK)
• SE (UK)

The bottom line? Nearly every 10th-gen Civic can be automatic except the Type R.

Honda Civic 11th Generation (2022–present)

The newest generation simplifies the lineup and fully commits to CVTs and hybrid e-CVTs.

Automatic Options

• 2.0 NA CVT
• 1.5 Turbo CVT
• Civic e:HEV hybrid (e-CVT)

Trims Offering Automatics

• LX
• Sport
• EX
• Touring
• Advance (UK)
• Sport (UK hybrid)

Again, all trims except the Type R are automatic.

Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012–2015)

The 9th-gen Civic came with a more traditional automatic setup before Honda switched fully to CVTs.

Automatic Options

• 5-speed automatic (petrol)
• 5-speed automatic (North America)
• CVT (Asian markets)

Trims Offering Automatics

• LX
• EX
• EX-L
• Si: Manual only
• SE
• Sport (UK manual only)
• Hybrid: e-CVT automatic

This generation includes one of the most reliable automatic gearboxes Honda ever made.

Honda Civic 8th Generation (2006–2011)

This generation famously introduced the futuristic dashboard and stronger engines.

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Automatic Options

• 5-speed automatic (petrol models)
• e-CVT (Hybrid)

Popular Automatic Trims

• LX
• EX
• EX-L
• Hybrid
• Limited SE automatic variants

In the UK, many popular 1.8 i-VTEC models were offered with a smooth 5-speed automatic.

Honda Civic 7th Generation (2001–2005)

A more compact, early-2000s design with a mix of manual and automatic choices.

Automatic Options

• 4-speed automatic
• Hybrid e-CVT

Trims Offering Automatics

• LX
• EX
• GX
• Hybrid

This generation marks Honda’s early hybrid technology, making the e-CVT model particularly popular.

Honda Civic Hybrid Models (All Years)

If it’s a hybrid Civic, it’s automatic—always.

Hybrid Automatic Systems

• e-CVT (2003–2015 Civic Hybrid)
• e-CVT (2022+ Civic e:HEV)

Hybrids rely entirely on automatic transmissions because of their electric motor integration.

Which Honda Civic Models Are Automatic in the UK?

If you're targeting the UK market, here’s the simplified answer:

UK Automatic Civics by Engine

• 1.0 VTEC Turbo CVT
• 1.5 VTEC Turbo CVT
• 1.8 i-VTEC 5-speed auto (older models)
• 1.4 i-VTEC automated manual (rare)
• Civic Hybrid e-CVT
• Civic e:HEV hybrid (new models)

UK Trims Offering Automatics

• SE
• SR
• EX
• EX-L
• Sport (depending on year)
• Advance (latest models)

Which Honda Civic Models Are Automatic in the US?

The American market offers far more automatic options.

US Automatic Engines

• 2.0 i-VTEC with CVT
• 1.5 Turbo CVT
• 1.8 i-VTEC 5-speed auto (older)
• Hybrid e-CVT

US Trims With Automatic

• LX
• EX
• EX-L
• Touring
• Sport (optional CVT)

In the US, automatic Civics outnumber manual ones significantly.

Which Honda Civic Hatchback Is Automatic?

Across most years, hatchbacks come with both manual and automatic options.

Popular Automatic Hatchback Configurations

• 1.0 turbo CVT
• 1.5 turbo CVT
• Hybrid e-CVT
• 1.8 petrol 5-speed automatic (older models)

The Honda Civic Type R hatchback is manual only, standing as the lone exception.

Which Honda Civic Sedan Is Automatic?

Sedans have always been Honda’s automatic-focused body style.

Typical Sedan Automatic Setups

• 2.0 CVT
• 1.5 Turbo CVT
• 1.8 5-speed automatic (prior years)

If you’re buying a Civic sedan, you can almost guarantee an automatic version exists.

Automatic vs. Manual Civic: Which Should You Choose?

We know many Civics are automatic, but figuring out whether you should pick one is another story.

Advantages of an Automatic Civic

• Smooth for city driving
• Higher resale value
• Better fuel efficiency with CVT
• Great for beginners
• Easier to maneuver in heavy traffic

Advantages of a Manual Civic

• More control
• More engaging driving experience
• Often cheaper to buy
• Lower maintenance costs

Most modern buyers prefer automatic simply because of convenience and economy.

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Identifying an Automatic Honda Civic by Trim

The simplest rule of thumb:

If the trim includes EX, EX-L, Advance, or Touring—there’s almost always an automatic option.

Trims That Traditionally Include Automatics

• EX
• EX-L
• Touring
• LX (mostly automatic in recent years)
• Hybrid trims
• SR and SE in the UK

Trims With Manual-Only Legacy

• Type R
• Si (US)

CVT Honda Civics: What You Need to Know

Most modern Civics (2014+) use CVTs instead of traditional automatics.

Benefits of CVT in Honda Civics

• Linear acceleration
• Great MPG
• Lower emissions
• Fewer moving parts
• Smooth, shift-free driving

Common Concerns

• Some drivers dislike the “rubber band” sensation
• CVT fluid changes are essential
• Heavy towing is not recommended

But overall, Honda’s CVT is regarded as one of the most reliable on the market.

Which Honda Civic Engines Are Automatic-Only?

Some engines never came with a manual option.

Automatic-Exclusive Engines

• Hybrid engines (all years)
• 1.0 Turbo CVT in some markets
• 1.8 i-VTEC auto in certain trims

These setups are designed to operate only with automatics due to their tuning or hybrid nature.

Which Honda Civic Is Best If You Want an Automatic?

If you want the smoothest, newest, and most fuel-efficient automatic, we strongly recommend:

Best Automatic Honda Civics

• 2022+ Civic e:HEV hybrid
• 2022+ Civic 1.5 Turbo CVT
• 2016–2021 Civic 1.5 Turbo CVT
• 2012–2015 Civic 1.8 i-VTEC auto (extremely reliable)

Each of these delivers effortless driving without sacrificing fuel economy.

Closing Thoughts

Choosing an automatic Honda Civic is easier than it seems—all generations offer automatic models, and modern Civics lean heavily toward CVTs and hybrid e-CVTs. Whether you prefer the efficiency of a CVT, the smoothness of a 5-speed automatic, or the advanced hybrid systems, there’s a Civic automatic that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

FAQs

1. Is every Honda Civic available with an automatic transmission?

Nearly every generation offers an automatic option, except for performance models like the Civic Type R.

2. What type of automatic transmission does the newest Civic use?

The 11th-gen Civic uses a CVT or an e-CVT for hybrid models.

3. Are Honda Civic CVTs reliable?

Yes—Honda’s CVT is considered one of the more robust and reliable CVTs in the industry.

4. Does the Honda Civic Type R come automatic?

No. The Type R is exclusively manual.

5. Which automatic Civic is best for fuel economy?

The Civic e:HEV hybrid offers the most efficient automatic setup.

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