What engine is in the Honda Civic LX?

The current U.S.-market Honda Civic LX (2022–2025 generation) uses a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated DOHC i‑VTEC inline‑four rated at about 158 horsepower and 138 lb‑ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). However, the engine fitted to the LX trim has changed over the years and can vary by market and body style, so the exact answer depends on model year and region.

Why the engine can vary by model year and region

Honda has sold the Civic globally for decades, with different engines, emissions calibrations, and trim structures for various markets. In the U.S., “LX” has consistently denoted a base or near-base trim, typically equipped with a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. In recent generations, the LX has featured Honda’s 2.0-liter port-injected i-VTEC engine, while higher trims often received a 1.5-liter turbo. Earlier generations used 1.8-liter and 1.7-liter engines. If you’re looking at a specific used Civic LX, confirming the exact engine for its model year (and country) is important.

Current model (U.S., 2022–2025 Civic LX)

For the 11th-generation Civic in the United States, the LX trim is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated DOHC i‑VTEC inline‑four producing approximately 158 hp and 138 lb‑ft. It is paired with a CVT. This applies to the sedan; availability by body style and trim naming can vary by year. For 2025, Honda expanded hybrid offerings on higher trims, but the LX continues with the 2.0-liter non-turbo engine.

U.S. Civic LX engines by popular generations

The following list summarizes the engines commonly fitted to the U.S.-market Honda Civic LX across recent generations. This helps you match an engine to a likely model year range when shopping or researching.

• 11th generation (2022–2025): 2.0-liter naturally aspirated DOHC i‑VTEC inline‑4, about 158 hp/138 lb‑ft (CVT).
• 10th generation (2016–2021): 2.0-liter naturally aspirated DOHC i‑VTEC inline‑4, about 158 hp/138 lb‑ft (CVT; manual available in select early years).
• 9th generation (2012–2015): 1.8-liter SOHC i‑VTEC inline‑4; about 140 hp (2012) and 143 hp (2013–2015). Transmissions include 5MT/5AT early, CVT in later years.
• 8th generation (2006–2011): 1.8-liter SOHC i‑VTEC inline‑4, about 140 hp (manual or 5-speed automatic).
• 7th generation (2001–2005): 1.7-liter SOHC inline‑4, about 115 hp (manual or 4-speed automatic) for LX; higher-output VTEC engines were typically reserved for EX/Si.
• 6th generation (1996–2000): 1.6-liter SOHC inline‑4, about 106 hp in most U.S. LX models.

While the LX has largely stuck with naturally aspirated engines in the U.S., remember that horsepower ratings can vary slightly by year due to emissions standards, testing protocols, and minor updates. International models may differ.

What about other markets and special cases?

In Canada and some other regions, the Civic LX naming and available engines can differ from the U.S. specification. For example, recent Canadian LX models have also commonly used the 2.0-liter non‑turbo engine, but availability by body style or year may not mirror the U.S. exactly. In many markets, turbocharged 1.5-liter engines are reserved for mid/high trims rather than the LX.

How to confirm the engine in your specific Civic LX

If you want to verify the exact engine in a particular Civic LX—especially a used one—these steps will help you confirm beyond trim assumptions.

1. Check the window sticker (Monroney) or original sales invoice, which lists displacement and output.
2. Look up the VIN on Honda’s owner site or a trusted VIN decoder to view the engine family and build details.
3. Consult the owner’s manual and service booklet; they indicate engine specifications for your vehicle.
4. Inspect the emission control label under the hood; it lists the engine family and displacement.
5. Ask a Honda dealer to run the VIN in their system for definitive engine information.

These sources provide authoritative confirmation and are especially useful for markets where trim names and engine pairings differ by year.

Common misconceptions

It’s easy to mix up Civic engines across trims and years. Here are a few clarifications to keep in mind.

• The LX trim in recent U.S. models typically does not have the 1.5L turbo; that engine is usually found on EX and higher trims (or on hybrid variants in the 2025 lineup).
• Si and Type R models use different, higher‑output engines and are distinct from the LX.
• Power ratings can shift slightly with refreshes or testing standard changes; always check the model year.

Keeping these points in mind will help you avoid assuming all Civics share the same powertrain—or that “LX” means turbocharged performance.

Summary

In today’s U.S. market, the Honda Civic LX uses a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated DOHC i‑VTEC four-cylinder (about 158 hp/138 lb‑ft) paired with a CVT. Historically, the LX has featured non‑turbo four‑cylinders—2.0L in the last two generations, 1.8L in the 2006–2015 period, and smaller SOHC engines in older models. Because details can vary by year and region, confirm the engine for any specific Civic LX via the VIN, window sticker, or dealer records.

Which Honda has a K24 engine?

The Honda K24 engine is featured in a variety of Honda and Acura models, including the Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Acura TSX, Honda Civic Si, and Acura ILX. Several variants of the K24 exist, such as the K24A4, K24A8, K24W, and K24Z7, each used in different model years and vehicles, offering a blend of power, fuel efficiency, and reliability across the range.
 
Here are some examples of Honda and Acura models that used a K24 engine:

• Acura TSX: Used in various years, like the 2004-2008 models. 
• Honda Accord: Found in different generations and trims, including the 2003-2005 and 2006-2007 models. 
• Honda Civic Si: Used in select model years, such as 2012-2015. 
• Honda CR-V: Featured in models like the 2002-2006 and 2008-2012 CR-V. 
• Honda Element: Powering the vehicle from 2003 to 2011. 
• Acura ILX: Equipped with the K24Z7 engine in the 2013-2015 models. 

The K24 engine was developed to provide more low-end torque for larger vehicles like SUVs and sedans, and its versatility has made it a popular choice for both stock applications and high-performance builds.

What engine does a Honda Civic LX have?

The CX, DX and LX all have SOHC (D16Y7) 4-cylinder engines; whereas the EX has a 1.6L 16-valve SOHC VTEC (D16Y8) engine producing 127 hp (95 kW), and the HX has a D16Y5 VTEC-E engine producing 115 hp (86 kW). The USDM Si and Canadian SiR came with a 1.6L 16-valve DOHC VTEC (B16A2) engine producing 160 hp (119 kW).

Is a 1.5 or 2.0 engine better?

1.5 Turbo vs.
This engine is ideal for those who prioritize fuel economy and everyday usability. In contrast, the 2.0L turbo engine delivers a robust 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, providing a more exhilarating driving experience with greater towing capabilities.

Is a Honda Civic a V4 or V6?

Honda Civics are exclusively equipped with inline-4 engines; they have never been offered with a V6 from the factory. If you encounter a Civic with a V6, it’s likely due to an engine swap. 
Elaboration:

• Factory Configuration: Honda has consistently used inline-4 engines in the Civic, including the current generation. 
• Engine Swaps: It’s possible to replace a Civic’s original engine with a V6 from another Honda model like the Accord or Acura vehicles, but this is not a standard factory option. 
• Other Honda V6 Options: If you’re looking for a Honda with a V6, consider models like the Accord, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Pilot, or Acura vehicles. 
• Civic Engine Options: The Civic lineup offers a variety of inline-4 engines, including naturally aspirated and turbocharged options, with varying horsepower and torque. 
• Example: The 2024 Civic offers a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. 
• Performance: While the Civic has never had a V6, some turbocharged four-cylinder engines can provide impressive power and performance.