What engine does a 1998 Honda Civic hatchback have?

It depends on the market and trim: in the United States, the 1998 Civic hatchback (CX/DX) came with Honda’s 1.6-liter SOHC non‑VTEC D16Y7 engine, while other regions offered everything from 1.4- and 1.5-liter D‑series economy units to performance‑oriented 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC B‑series engines such as the B16A2 (Europe/Australia) and the B16B in Japan’s Civic Type R.

Why the answer varies by region and trim

The 1998 Civic hatchback is part of Honda’s sixth generation (chassis codes EK/EJ, model years 1996–2000). Honda localized engines to meet emissions, tax classes, and buyer preferences. As a result, the “same” hatchback could carry different engines depending on where it was sold and which trim level was specified.

Engines by market for the 1998 Civic hatchback

The following breakdown summarizes the engines most commonly fitted to 1998 Civic hatchbacks in major markets. Exact availability can vary by trim and production month, but these are the standard pairings enthusiasts and period brochures list for that model year.

• United States (CX, DX): 1.6L D16Y7, SOHC, non‑VTEC, approx. 106 hp (79 kW) and 103 lb‑ft (140 Nm). This was the default US hatchback engine for 1998.
• Canada (CX, DX; some Si trims): Predominantly the 1.6L D16Y7 (non‑VTEC). Certain Canadian Si hatch trims in this era could be equipped with the 1.6L D16Y8 SOHC VTEC (about 127 hp/95 kW), depending on model year and equipment.
• Europe (various trims): A mix of D‑series and B‑series, including:
  

  • 1.4L D14 (e.g., D14A2/A4), SOHC, typically 75–90 hp (55–66 kW),
  • 1.5L D15Z6 VTEC‑E (economy‑tuned), around 114 hp (85 kW),
  • 1.6L B16A2 DOHC VTEC (VTi), about 160 hp (118 kW) in performance trims.

• Japan:
  

  • EK9 Civic Type R: 1.6L B16B DOHC VTEC, approx. 185 PS (182–185 hp; ~136–137 kW), high‑revving performance spec,
  • Other JDM 3‑door variants (e.g., SiR): 1.6L B16A DOHC VTEC (commonly ~170 PS; ~125 kW).

• Australia/New Zealand:
  

  • Base models (e.g., CXi/GLi): 1.6L D16Y4 SOHC non‑VTEC, roughly 88 kW (~118 hp),
  • VTi‑R (EK4): 1.6L B16A2 DOHC VTEC, about 118 kW (~158 hp).

In short, North American base hatchbacks typically used the D16Y7, while Europe, Japan, and Australasia also offered higher‑output B‑series VTEC options alongside economy‑focused D‑series engines.

How to confirm your specific car’s engine

Because trims and swaps can blur the picture 25+ years on, verifying the engine in your particular car is essential. The following checks are the most reliable ways to identify it.

• Look for the engine code stamped on the block: On D‑ and B‑series motors, the code (e.g., “D16Y7,” “B16A2,” “B16B”) is cast and stamped on a flat area at the front of the engine block, typically just below the cylinder head near the exhaust manifold.
• Check the under‑hood emissions label: The factory label lists the engine family and often enough detail to confirm the series; it’s usually on the underside of the hood or on the radiator support.
• Match trim and market: Cross‑reference your car’s trim (CX, DX, VTi, VTi‑R, Type R, etc.) and country of sale with period brochures or reliable databases for likely engine pairings.
• Consider prior modifications: These cars are commonly engine‑swapped; documentation and a physical inspection beat assumptions.

Combining the block stamp with the emissions label and original trim information will definitively identify which engine your hatchback has.

Specs snapshot: D16Y7 (typical U.S. 1998 Civic hatch)

For many readers in North America, this is the engine most likely found in a stock 1998 Civic hatchback. Here are the key specs.

• Displacement: 1,590 cc (1.6 liters)
• Configuration: Inline‑4, SOHC, 16‑valve, non‑VTEC; PGM‑FI multipoint fuel injection
• Output: ~106 hp (79 kW) @ ~6,200 rpm; ~103 lb‑ft (140 Nm) @ ~4,600 rpm
• Compression ratio: ~9.4:1
• Typical transmissions: 5‑speed manual; 4‑speed automatic availability varies by trim/market

While not a VTEC performance unit, the D16Y7 is known for durability, efficiency, and a broad parts ecosystem.

Summary

A 1998 Honda Civic hatchback does not have a single universal engine. In the United States it was the 1.6‑liter D16Y7 SOHC non‑VTEC, but other regions offered a spectrum from 1.4/1.5‑liter economy‑tuned D‑series engines to high‑revving 1.6‑liter DOHC VTEC B‑series units like the B16A2 (Europe/Australia) and the B16B in Japan’s Type R. To be certain about your car, check the block stamping and under‑hood label, and correlate with the original trim and market.

What kind of engine is in the 1998 Honda Civic?

four-cylinder engine
Under the hood resides a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine. With single-overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, the engine is good for 106 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. Top-level EX models are endowed with a 127-horsepower VTEC engine.

What civic has the D16Y8?

The Civic was introduced in 1996 initially with two 1.6-liter engines; the 1.6-liter SOHC VTEC D16Y8 4-cylinder engine producing 95 kW (127 hp) was found in the VTI coupe (EJ8), while the 1.6-liter SOHC D16Y4 4-cylinder engine producing 88 kW (118 hp) was standard across the range in the GLi and CXi models (EK1), with …

Does the 98 Civic have VTEC?

Okay so this is a 1.8 L dual overhead cam VTEC engine and it’s got just over twice oh we’re going to do the tunnel of course. Just over twice the horsepower of the stock. Engine.

What kind of engine is in the Honda Civic hatchback?

The 2024-2026 Honda Civic Hatchback offers different engines depending on the trim level: the base engine is a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylinder (158 hp), and a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (180 hp) is available on higher trims. The Civic Hatchback also offers a hybrid powertrain option, which uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors to produce a combined 200 horsepower.
 
This video demonstrates the 200 hp hybrid powertrain of the Honda Civic Hatchback: 50sTedwardYouTube · Jun 12, 2024
Standard Engine 

• 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylinder: Found in the LX and Sport trims, this engine produces 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque.

Available Engines

• 1.5-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder: . Opens in new tabThis more powerful option delivers 180 horsepower and is available on higher trims like the EX-L and Sport Touring. 
• Hybrid Powertrain: . Opens in new tabA sophisticated two-motor hybrid-electric system combines a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors to generate 200 horsepower, offering significant fuel efficiency improvements.