The 11th generation Honda Civic (2022-present) lineup spans five sedan trims and four hatchback trims, from the $22,550 LX to the $45,595 Type R. In the middle of that range sits the EX sedan, a trim that rarely generates headlines but consistently accounts for a significant share of Civic sales. The EX is the volume trim that bridges the gap between the style-focused Sport and the fully loaded Touring, and it does so by making one critical upgrade over the lower trims: the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. This article examines the 11th-gen Civic EX across its 2022-2025 model run, covering what it includes, what it omits, how it drives, and where it fits in the lineup.
Where the EX Sits in the 11th Gen Lineup
The 11th-gen Civic sedan is offered in five trims: LX, Sport, EX, Touring, and Si. The EX slots third from the bottom in price but second from the top in powertrain capability, because it shares the 1.5T engine with the Touring and Si while the LX and Sport make do with the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated K20C2. The EX is the cheapest way to get the turbocharged engine in the sedan body style.
For the 2022 model year, the EX sedan started at $25,550 including destination. The LX was $22,550, the Sport was $23,950, the Touring was $28,350, and the Si was $27,300. The EX’s $2,000 premium over the Sport bought the turbo engine, a sunroof, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a blind-spot monitor — a package that represented strong value relative to the Sport’s mostly cosmetic upgrades. (Sources: Cars.com, Edmunds, Honda official pricing, 2022)
The EX-L hatchback trim (available on the hatchback body style) added leather upholstery and a power-adjustable driver’s seat for approximately $1,700 more than the EX sedan. The EX sedan itself uses cloth seats and manual driver seat adjustment, which is the primary differentiator from the Touring’s leather and power seats.
| Trim | 2022 MSRP | Engine | HP / Torque | Key Upgrades over Previous Trim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $22,550 | 2.0L NA | 158 hp / 138 lb-ft | Base trim |
| Sport | $23,950 | 2.0L NA | 158 hp / 138 lb-ft | 18-inch wheels, keyless entry, 8-speaker audio, leather wheel |
| EX | $25,550 | 1.5T | 180 hp / 177 lb-ft | Turbo engine, sunroof, heated seats, dual-zone climate, blind-spot monitor |
| Touring | $28,350 | 1.5T | 180 hp / 177 lb-ft | Leather, Bose audio, 9-inch screen, navigation, parking sensors |
| Si | $27,300 | 1.5T HO | 200 hp / 192 lb-ft | 6MT, LSD, adaptive dampers, limited-slip diff |
The 1.5T Engine: Why the EX Makes Sense
The defining feature of the EX is the L15CA 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, rated at 180 hp at 6,000 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 rpm. This is the same engine used in the Touring and, in a higher-output calibration, the Si. Compared to the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated K20C2 in the LX and Sport (158 hp, 138 lb-ft), the 1.5T delivers 22 more horsepower and 39 more lb-ft of torque, with peak torque arriving at 1,700 rpm versus the 2.0L’s 4,200 rpm.
The real-world difference is substantial. The 2.0L Civic requires aggressive throttle input to feel responsive, particularly from a stop and during highway merging. The 1.5T, by contrast, delivers strong low-end torque that makes the car feel lighter and more responsive in everyday driving. The 0-60 mph time for the EX is approximately 7.2-7.5 seconds, compared to approximately 8.2-8.5 seconds for the LX and Sport with the 2.0L engine. The 1.5T also achieves better highway fuel economy: the EX is rated AT 33 city / 42 highway / 36 combined MPG, versus the LX’s 31 city / 40 highway / 35 combined. (Sources: EPA fueleconomy.gov, Car and Driver testing, Honda official specs)
The 1.5T in the EX uses the same CVT as the 2.0L models, but the transmission is calibrated differently to handle the higher torque output. The CVT in the 1.5T models uses a steel belt and higher clamping pressure than the 2.0L CVT. The EX does not offer a manual transmission — that is exclusive to the Si and the hatchback Sport trim.
Standard Equipment: What the EX Includes
The EX adds several comfort and convenience features that are not available on the LX or Sport. The complete list of EX-specific equipment includes:
Powertrain and mechanical: 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, CVT, 17-inch alloy wheels (machined with painted accents), sport-tuned suspension (shared with the Si but with different damper tuning), and larger front brake rotors than the LX/Sport.
Interior and comfort: Dual-zone automatic climate control (upgraded from single-zone on LX/Sport), heated front seats, power moonroof, heated power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, rear center armrest with cupholders, and an additional 2.5-amp USB charging port in the rear.
Audio and infotainment: 7-inch color touchscreen (2022-2023) or 9-inch touchscreen (2024+), 8-speaker audio system (upgraded from 4 speakers on LX and 8 on Sport), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard from 2022), and HondaLink connected services.
Safety and driver assistance: Blind-spot information system (BSI) with cross-traffic monitor — this is a key differentiator, as the LX and Sport do not offer blind-spot monitoring. All other Honda Sensing features (collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition) are standard across all trims.
(Sources: Honda Information Center, 2022 Civic Sedan specifications; Edmunds, 2022 Civic trim comparison; Cars.com, 2022 Civic trims)
What the EX Omits
The EX is not the fully loaded Civic, and understanding what it leaves out is important for buyers deciding between the EX and Touring. The EX does not include:
Leather upholstery. The EX uses cloth seats with a premium fabric pattern. The Touring adds leather-trimmed seats. The EX-L hatchback offers leather as an option.
Power-adjustable driver’s seat. The EX has a manual 6-way adjustable driver’s seat with height adjustment. The Touring adds 8-way power adjustment with power lumbar support.
Bose premium audio. The EX’s 8-speaker system is adequate but not exceptional. The Touring adds a 12-speaker Bose system with a subwoofer.
9-inch touchscreen (2022-2023 models). Early EX models used the 7-inch screen. The 9-inch screen with the volume knob was exclusive to the Touring until the 2024 model year refresh, when it became standard on the EX as well.
Navigation. The EX relies on smartphone integration for navigation. The Touring adds Honda satellite-linked navigation with voice recognition and real-time traffic.
Front and rear parking sensors. Not available on the EX. The Touring adds front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking.
Wireless phone charger. Not available on the EX. The Touring adds a Qi wireless charging pad.
Auto-dimming rearview mirror. Not standard on the EX. Available as a dealer accessory.
The EX also does not offer the Si’s 6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, adaptive damper system, or 200 HP engine calibration. If any of those are priorities, the Si is the correct choice despite its higher price and reduced feature content (the Si omits the sunroof and has cloth seats).
Driving Experience: The EX vs the 2.0L Cars
The EX drives noticeably differently from the LX and Sport because of the 1.5T engine’s torque curve. The 2.0L cars require the driver to work the CVT to access power, particularly when merging onto highways or climbing grades. The EX’s 1.5T delivers 177 lb-ft of torque from 1,700 rpm, which means the car feels responsive at part throttle and does not require the engine to rev to 4,000+ rpm to produce meaningful acceleration.
The CVT calibration on the 1.5T models is also different. The transmission holds lower ratios during acceleration and simulates stepped shifts more convincingly than the 2.0L CVT. The EX does not have paddle shifters (those are exclusive to the Touring and Si), but the CVT’s Sport mode provides adequate control for most driving situations.
The EX shares the same suspension hardware as the LX and Sport: MacPherson struts up front, a multi-link rear, and fixed-rate dampers. The ride quality is compliant and well-damped for the class, with noticeably better body control than the 10th-generation Civic. The 17-inch wheels with 215/50R17 all-season tires provide a comfortable ride without the harshness of the Sport’s 18-inch wheels or the Si’s 18-inch wheels with lower-profile tires. The EX is the best-riding non-hybrid Civic trim because its tire sidewall height (50-series) absorbs road imperfections more effectively than the Sport’s 45-series or the Touring’s 40-series tires.
Steering feel is consistent across all non-Si trims: the electric power steering is light and accurate but provides minimal feedback. The EX does not have the Si’s variable-ratio Steering Rack or the adaptive damper system, so it prioritizes comfort over cornering precision. For daily driving, this is the correct trade-off.
Fuel Economy: The EX’s Practical Advantage
The EX’s EPA ratings of 33 city / 42 highway / 36 combined MPG make it the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid Civic trim. The 1.5T engine achieves better highway fuel economy than the 2.0L despite producing more power, because the turbocharged engine operates at lower engine speeds during cruising. At 70 mph, the 1.5T turns approximately 1,700 rpm in the CVT’s tallest ratio, while the 2.0L turns approximately 2,200 rpm.
Real-world fuel economy from owner reports on CivicXI and Fuelly indicates that the EX typically achieves 34-38 MPG in mixed driving and 40-44 MPG on highway trips, depending on driving style and conditions. The 2.0L LX and Sport typically achieve 30-34 MPG mixed and 36-40 MPG highway. Over 15,000 miles per year at $3.75 per gallon, the EX saves approximately $150-200 annually in fuel costs compared to the 2.0L models, partially offsetting its higher purchase price. (Sources: EPA fueleconomy.gov, Fuelly owner-reported data, CivicXI forum)
The Civic Hybrid, introduced for the 2025 model year, achieves 50 city / 47 highway / 49 combined MPG and would save approximately $500-600 per year in fuel over the EX. However, the Hybrid starts at $28,350 (Sport Touring Hybrid), which is $2,800 more than the EX. The payback period for the Hybrid premium is approximately 5-6 years at 15,000 miles per year.
Model Year Changes: 2022 to 2025
The EX has seen minor changes across its model run, primarily in infotainment and standard equipment.
2022 (first year): The EX launched with a 7-inch touchscreen, 8-speaker audio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the full Honda Sensing suite. The 2022 model was the only year to offer the EX without the blind-spot monitor as standard — it was added mid-year as a running change.
2023: No significant changes. Blind-spot monitor now confirmed as standard from the start of the model year. A rear-seat reminder system was added to the Honda Sensing suite.
2024 (mid-cycle refresh): The EX received the 9-inch touchscreen with a physical volume knob, which was previously exclusive to the Touring. The front end received a revised grille design, and new paint colors were added (Urban Gray Pearl, Solar Silver Metallic). The EX-L hatchback trim was discontinued for the 2024 model year, simplifying the hatchback lineup to LX, Sport, and Sport Touring.
2025: The EX sedan continued with no significant changes. The hybrid powertrain was introduced for the 2025 model year but was not offered on the EX trim — it was reserved for the Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims. The EX remained the most affordable way to get the 1.5T engine in the sedan body style.
| Model Year | MSRP (EX Sedan) | Screen Size | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $25,550 | 7-inch | First year; blind-spot monitor added mid-year |
| 2023 | $25,850 | 7-inch | Rear-seat reminder added; minor price increase |
| 2024 | $26,350 | 9-inch | 9-inch screen with volume knob; revised grille; new colors |
| 2025 | $26,550 | 9-inch | No significant changes; hybrid not offered on EX |
EX vs EX-L: The Hatchback Difference
The EX-L hatchback trim was offered from 2022-2023 and added leather upholstery, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel to the EX package. The EX-L started at approximately $27,250 and was the mid-range hatchback trim between the Sport hatchback and the Sport Touring hatchback.
The EX-L was discontinued for 2024, leaving the hatchback lineup with only three trims: LX, Sport, and Sport Touring. Buyers who want leather upholstery in the hatchback body style must now step up to the Sport Touring at approximately $31,500, which also adds the Bose audio system, navigation, parking sensors, and a wireless charging pad. The discontinuation of the EX-L means there is no mid-range leather hatchback option in the current lineup.
The EX on the Used Market
The EX holds its value well because it offers the desirable 1.5T engine without the premium price of the Touring. On the used market, a 2022 EX sedan with 30,000-40,000 miles typically sells for $22,000-24,000, representing approximately 12-15% depreciation over three years. A 2022 Touring with similar mileage sells for $25,000-27,000, representing approximately 10-12% depreciation. The EX’s slightly higher depreciation rate is offset by its lower entry price.
The EX is the most commonly available used 1.5T Civic on the market because it was the volume trim for the 11th generation. Buyers searching for a used 1.5T Civic will find more EX examples than Touring examples, which provides more selection and negotiating leverage. The 2024 refresh models (with the 9-inch screen) command a premium of approximately $1,500-2,000 over equivalent 2022-2023 models on the used market.
The EX does not have any generation-specific reliability concerns that are not shared with the broader 11th-gen Civic lineup. The 1.5T engine in the 11th generation uses the L15CA variant, which includes VTEC on the exhaust cam (a feature the 10th-gen L15B7 lacked) and revised Oil dilution mitigation strategies. Early owner reports on CivicXI and Reddit r/Civic indicate lower oil dilution complaint rates than the 10th-generation 1.5T, though the sample size is still limited. The CVT in the 11th generation has been reliable, with no widespread failure patterns reported as of 2025. (Sources: CivicXI forum, NHTSA complaint database, Reddit r/Civic)
Who Should Buy the EX
The EX is the correct choice for buyers who want the 1.5T engine’s torque and fuel economy but do not need leather seats, a premium audio system, or the Si’s manual transmission. It is the sweet spot in the 11th-gen Civic lineup for buyers who prioritize powertrain performance over interior luxury.
The EX is not the right choice for buyers who want the most engaging driving experience (buy the Si), the most luxurious interior (buy the Touring), or the lowest entry price (buy the LX). It is also not the right choice for buyers who want a manual transmission, as the EX is CVT-only.
The EX competes most directly with the Toyota Corolla SE Nightshade (1.5L or 2.0L, depending on the market), the Mazda3 Select (2.5L, 191 hp), and the Hyundai Elantra SEL (2.0L, 147 hp). Among these competitors, the EX offers the best combination of power, fuel economy, and feature content at its price point. The Mazda3 Select offers more horsepower (191 hp vs 180 hp) and a more premium interior, but it achieves lower fuel economy (28 city / 37 highway) and has less rear seat space. The Corolla SE offers similar fuel economy but significantly less power (169 hp from the 2.0L).
Quick-Reference Specs
11th Gen Civic EX Sedan (2022-2025) — Engine: 1.5L turbocharged L15CA I-4 | Horsepower: 180 hp @ 6,000 rpm | Torque: 177 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm | Transmission: CVT | Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive | EPA MPG: 33 city / 42 highway / 36 combined | 0-60 mph: ~7.2-7.5 sec | Curb weight: ~2,955 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: 17-inch alloy | Tires: 215/50R17 all-season | MSRP (2022): $25,550 | MSRP (2025): $26,550 | Key standard features: 1.5T engine, CVT, 17-inch wheels, sunroof, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, blind-spot monitor, 8-speaker audio, 7-inch (2022-2023) or 9-inch (2024+) touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Honda Sensing suite | Key omissions vs Touring: Cloth seats, manual driver seat, 8-speaker audio (vs 12-speaker Bose), no navigation, no parking sensors, no wireless charger, no auto-dimming mirror
Sources: Honda Information Center (2022 Civic Sedan specifications). Cars.com (2022 Civic trim comparison). Edmunds (2022 Civic trims). Kelley Blue Book (2022 Civic specs). Autoblog (2022 Civic pricing and specs). EPA fueleconomy.gov. Car and Driver (Civic Si and Type R testing). CivicXI forum (owner reports). Fuelly (owner-reported MPG). NHTSA complaint database.
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.