11th Gen Honda Civic LX – Base Model Specs, Features & Used Buyer Guide

11th Gen Civic LX (2022–2025) — Base Model in 2026: What You Actually Get vs What You Miss

The Honda Civic LX has been the entry point to the Civic lineup since the model’s inception, and in the 11th generation (2022–2025) it remains the most affordable way to get into a new Civic sedan or hatchback. But what does the LX actually include, and what do you give up compared to the Sport, EX, Touring, or Si? This article covers the LX’s standard equipment, its omissions, the driving experience, and where it fits in the lineup in 2026. Data is drawn from Honda official specifications, Edmunds, Cars.com, NHTSA, and IIHS.

Where the LX Sits in the 11th Gen Lineup

The 11th-gen Civic sedan is offered in five trims: LX, Sport, EX, Touring, and Si. The LX is the base trim, positioned below the Sport. For the 2022 model year, the LX sedan started at $22,550 including destination, while the LX hatchback started at $23,550. The Sport sedan was $23,950, the EX was $25,550, the Touring was $28,350, and the Si was $27,300. (Sources: Cars.com, Edmunds, Honda official pricing)

The LX uses the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated K20C2 engine, which produces 158 hp at 6,500 rpm and 138 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm. This is the same engine used in the Sport trim but contrasted with the 1.5-liter turbocharged L15CA engine in the EX, Touring, and Si. The LX is available only with a CVT — there is no manual transmission option on the LX. The LX sedan achieves 31 city / 40 highway / 35 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel. (Sources: EPA fueleconomy.gov, Honda official specs)

Standard Equipment: What the LX Includes

The LX is not a stripper model in the traditional sense. It includes several features that were optional or unavailable on base Civics of previous generations. The LX comes standard with:

Powertrain and mechanical: 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, CVT, 16-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, 215/55R16 all-season tires, MacPherson strut front suspension, Multi-link Rear Suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, electric power steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, electric parking brake with auto brake hold, and hill start assist.

Interior and convenience: Cloth seats with manual 6-way driver adjustment (height and reclining) and 4-way passenger adjustment, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, automatic single-zone climate control, push-button ignition, remote keyless entry, power windows with auto up/down on the driver’s side, tilt and telescopic steering column, and a 7-inch partial digital instrument cluster.

Infotainment and audio: 7-inch touchscreen (2022-2025), wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4-speaker audio system, Bluetooth hands-free link text message function, speed-sensitive volume compensation, and one USB-A port.

Lighting and visibility: LED headlights with auto-on/off, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, automatic high-beam headlights, body-colored power side mirrors, and variable intermittent windshield wipers.

Safety and driver assistance (Honda Sensing): Collision mitigation braking system with forward collision warning, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, traffic sign recognition system, driver attention monitor, rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, and vehicle stability assist with traction control. All 11th-gen Civics achieve a 5-star NHTSA overall rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

The LX also includes a full passive safety features: 10 airbags (dual front, front side, full-length side curtain, driver’s knee, front passenger’s knee), 3-point seat belts AT all seating positions, and an Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure. (Sources: Honda Information Center, 2022 Civic Sedan specifications; Edmunds, 2022 Civic trim comparison; NHTSA; IIHS)

What the LX Omits: The Feature Gap

The LX omits several features that are standard on the Sport trim and above. The most significant omissions are:

Engine: The LX does not offer the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. The 2.0L naturally aspirated engine is adequate for daily commuting but feels noticeably slower than the 1.5T, particularly during highway merging and passing. The 0-60 mph time for the LX is approximately 8.2-8.5 seconds, compared to approximately 7.2-7.5 seconds for the EX with the 1.5T. (Source: Car and Driver testing, CivicX forum owner reports)

Wheels: The LX rides on 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers. The Sport adds 18-inch alloy wheels, the EX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, and the Touring adds 18-inch alloy wheels with a different design. Steel wheels are functional but visually basic.

Audio system: The LX’s 4-speaker audio system is the weakest in the lineup. The Sport and EX upgrade to 8 speakers, and the Touring offers a 12-speaker Bose premium system. The 4-speaker system lacks sufficient volume at highway speeds and has minimal bass response.

Interior comfort: The LX has single-zone automatic climate control (not dual-zone), no heated seats, no sunroof, no leather-wrapped steering wheel, and no power-adjustable seats. The Sport adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The EX adds heated seats, dual-zone climate, and a sunroof.

Convenience features: The LX has remote keyless entry via the fob button but does not have proximity keyless entry (smart entry), remote engine start, or a wireless phone charger. The proximity keyless entry and remote start are standard on the Sport trim and above.

Infotainment: The LX uses a 7-inch touchscreen with wired smartphone integration. The 9-inch touchscreen with a physical volume knob, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and navigation are not available on the LX. The LX also has only one USB port (front), while higher trims add rear USB ports.

Safety: The LX does not offer a blind-spot information system (BSI) with cross-traffic monitor. This is a notable omission, as blind-spot monitoring is standard on the EX and above and is widely considered a valuable safety feature. The LX also lacks front and rear parking sensors, which are available on the Touring.

Exterior styling: The LX does not have fog lights, a rear spoiler, or the black exterior trim accents that distinguish the Sport. The LX’s exterior is intentionally basic.

Driving Experience: The LX vs Higher Trims

The LX drives differently from the higher trims because of the 2.0L engine and the smaller wheels. The 2.0L naturally aspirated engine requires more throttle input to produce meaningful acceleration, particularly when merging onto highways or climbing grades. The CVT is calibrated for fuel economy rather than responsiveness and does not have paddle shifters or a Sport driving mode to alter the transmission behavior. The 0-60 mph time of approximately 8.2-8.5 seconds is adequate for daily driving but noticeably slower than the EX’s 7.2-7.5 seconds with the 1.5T.

The LX’s ride quality is the best in the non-hybrid Civic lineup because of the 55-series tire sidewall height on the 16-inch wheels. The taller sidewall absorbs road imperfections more effectively than the Sport’s 45-series or the Touring’s 40-series tires. The LX rides comfortably on rough pavement and highway expansion joints, making it the best choice for buyers who prioritize ride comfort over cornering grip.

Steering feel is consistent across all non-Si trims: the electric power steering is light and accurate but provides minimal feedback. The LX does not have the Si’s variable-ratio Steering Rack or adaptive dampers, so it prioritizes comfort and predictability over cornering precision.

The LX’s 16-inch all-season tires provide less cornering grip than the Sport’s 18-inch tires or the EX’s 17-inch tires. On a skidpad, the LX would likely achieve approximately 0.82-0.85 g, compared to approximately 0.88-0.90 g for the Sport and approximately 0.93 g for the Si (Motor Trend testing, 2022 Civic Si). For daily driving, the difference is not noticeable, but enthusiastic drivers will prefer the higher trims.

Fuel Economy and Running Costs

The LX achieves 31 city / 40 highway / 35 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel (EPA ratings for the sedan). The hatchback is slightly lower at 30 city / 38 highway / 33 combined. Real-world owner reports on Fuelly indicate that the LX typically achieves 33-37 MPG in mixed driving and 38-42 MPG on highway trips, depending on driving style.

The LX’s fuel economy is competitive with the EX (33/42/36) despite the EX having more power, because the 1.5T engine operates at lower engine speeds during highway cruising. The LX’s advantage is that it runs on regular unleaded fuel (87 octane), while the Si requires premium fuel (91+ octane). The LX’s fuel cost per mile is approximately $0.11 at $3.75 per gallon, compared to approximately $0.12 for the Si on premium fuel.

Insurance costs for the LX are the lowest in the Civic lineup because it has the lowest replacement value and is not classified as a performance vehicle. MoneyGeek data shows the LX sedan at approximately $152 per month for full coverage ($1,824 per year), compared to $224 per month for the Si ($2,688 per year). Over five years, the LX saves approximately $4,320 in insurance costs compared to the Si. (Source: MoneyGeek, 2026)

Model Year Changes: 2022 to 2025

The LX has seen minimal changes across its model run. Honda has kept the LX intentionally simple, with no major feature upgrades between 2022 and 2025.

2022 (first year): The LX launched with the 7-inch touchscreen, 4-speaker audio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the full Honda Sensing suite. No blind-spot monitor, no heated seats, no sunroof. Steel wheels with covers.

2023: A rear-seat reminder system was added to the Honda Sensing suite. No other changes. The LX received a small price increase of approximately $300-400.

2024 (mid-cycle refresh): The EX, Touring, and Si received a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob. The LX retained the 7-inch screen. The front grille design was updated across all trims and new paint colors were added. The LX’s equipment level was unchanged.

2025: No significant changes. The hybrid powertrain was introduced for the 2025 model year but was not offered on the LX trim. The LX remained the entry point to the Civic with the same equipment as the 2022 model, adjusted for inflation.

The LX vs Sport: Is $1,400 Worth It?

The Sport trim costs approximately $1,400 more than the LX and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, proximity keyless entry with remote start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, 8-speaker audio, Sport drive mode, and gloss black exterior trim. The Sport does not add the 1.5T engine, heated seats, a sunroof, or a blind-spot monitor — those require the EX.

For buyers who prioritize appearance, the Sport’s $1,400 premium is worthwhile for the alloy wheels alone, as aftermarket alloy wheels of similar quality would cost $800-1,200 plus tires. The proximity keyless entry and remote start are genuine convenience upgrades. However, the Sport shares the same 2.0L engine as the LX, so there is no performance benefit. The LX is the better value for buyers who do not care about wheel appearance or proximity entry.

The LX on the Used Market

The LX holds its value well because it is the most affordable entry point to the Civic lineup. On the used market, a 2022 LX sedan with 30,000-40,000 miles typically sells for $18,000-20,000 as of 2026, representing approximately 15-20% depreciation over four years. A 2022 EX with similar mileage sells for $22,000-24,000, representing approximately 12-15% depreciation.

The LX’s higher depreciation rate (compared to higher trims) is offset by its lower entry price. A used LX buyer pays less upfront and loses less absolute value over time, even though the percentage depreciation is higher. The LX is the most affordable way to get into an 11th-gen Civic on the used market, with the same safety equipment, chassis, and interior architecture as higher trims.

The LX does not have any generation-specific reliability concerns that are not shared with the broader 11th-gen Civic lineup. The K20C2 2.0L engine is one of Honda’s most reliable modern engines, with no widespread failure patterns reported as of 2025. The CVT in the 2.0L models has been reliable, with no major complaint patterns on the NHTSA database or CivicXI forum. (Sources: CivicXI forum, NHTSA complaint database, Reddit r/Civic)

Who Should Buy the LX

The LX is the correct choice for buyers who prioritize value, fuel economy, and simplicity over features and performance. It is the best choice for:

Commuters who spend most of their time in city traffic and do not need the 1.5T engine’s torque for highway merging. The LX’s fuel economy and low insurance costs make it the cheapest Civic to run on a per-mile basis.

First-time car buyers who want a new car with a full warranty and modern safety equipment at the lowest possible price. The LX includes Honda Sensing, LED headlights, and a 5-star NHTSA safety rating — features that were not available on base cars a decade ago.

Fleet and rental buyers who prioritize low acquisition cost and predictable resale value over feature content. The LX is the most common Civic trim in rental fleets for this reason.

Buyers who do not care about wheels: The LX’s steel wheels are functional but basic. If alloy wheels are a priority, the Sport is worth the upgrade. If not, the LX saves $1,400.

The LX is not the right choice for buyers who want the 1.5T engine’s performance (buy the EX), a manual transmission (buy the Si or Sport hatchback), heated seats or a sunroof (buy the EX), blind-spot monitoring (buy the EX), or the most modern infotainment screen (buy the Touring).

Quick-Reference Specs

11th Gen Civic LX Sedan (2022-2025) — Engine: 2.0L naturally aspirated K20C2 I-4 | Horsepower: 158 hp @ 6,500 rpm | Torque: 138 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm | Transmission: CVT | Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive | EPA MPG: 31 city / 40 highway / 35 combined | 0-60 mph: ~8.2-8.5 sec | Curb weight: ~2,877 lb | Wheelbase: 107.7 in | Length: 184.0 in | Width: 70.9 in | Height: 55.7 in | Passenger volume: 96.5 cu ft | Trunk volume: 14.8 cu ft | Fuel tank: 12.4 gal | Wheels: 16-inch steel with covers | Tires: 215/55R16 all-season | MSRP (2022): $22,550 | MSRP (2025): $23,550 | NHTSA overall rating: 5 stars | IIHS rating: Top Safety Pick+ | Key standard features: LED headlights, 7-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 4-speaker audio, automatic climate control, push-button start, Honda Sensing suite (CMBS, LKAS, ACC, RDM, TSR) | Key omissions vs Sport: 16-inch steel wheels (vs 18-inch alloy), no proximity keyless entry, no remote start, no leather-wrapped steering wheel, 4-speaker audio (vs 8), no Sport drive mode | Key omissions vs EX: 2.0L engine (vs 1.5T), no heated seats, no sunroof, no dual-zone climate, no blind-spot monitor, no rear USB ports

Sources: Honda Information Center (2022 Civic Sedan specifications). Edmunds (2022 Civic trims). Cars.com (2022 Civic LX specs). Autoblog (2022 Civic pricing and specs). Kelley Blue Book (2022 Civic specs). CarEdge (insurance and depreciation data). MoneyGeek (Honda Civic insurance costs, 2026). EPA fueleconomy.gov. NHTSA (5-star crash test ratings). IIHS (Top Safety Pick+ ratings). Car and Driver (Civic LX and Si testing). CivicXI forum (owner reports). Fuelly (owner-reported MPG).

Pricing and specifications reflect the US market. Canadian and other market trims and equipment levels may differ. This article was last updated in June 2026.