This page consolidates the verified technical specifications for the 9th generation Honda Civic (2012–2015) across all body styles, engine variants, and trim levels sold in the North American market. Data is sourced from Honda press releases (hondanews.com), the official 2015 Civic Si fact sheet (hondacertified.com), and auto-data.net dimensional records. Where specifications changed between model years within the generation, the variation is noted. The 9th generation was a significant departure from the 8th: the Si moved from the 2.0L K20Z3 to the 2.4L K24Z7, the Hybrid switched from IMA to a new two-motor system, and a natural gas GX variant continued in limited markets.
Generation Overview
The 9th generation Civic was produced from model year 2012 through 2015. It was offered in four body styles in North America: four-door sedan, two-door coupe, four-door sedan hybrid, and a natural gas GX sedan. A five-door hatchback was not offered in North America for this generation. The generation launched to mixed reviews — the 2012 model was widely criticised for interior quality regression and a harsh ride — and Honda responded with a significant mid-cycle refresh for 2013 that revised the suspension tuning, interior materials, and feature content. The 2013 refresh is the more desirable buy within the generation.
Engine Specifications
| Specification | R18Z1 (DX / LX / EX / EX-L) | K24Z7 (Si) | LEB (Hybrid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine code | R18Z1 | K24Z7 | LEB (1.5L Atkinson + two-motor IMA) |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 16-valve i-VTEC | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve i-VTEC | Inline-4, SOHC, 16-valve Atkinson cycle + dual electric motors |
| Displacement | 1,799 cc (1.8 L / 109.8 cu in) | 2,354 cc (2.4 L / 143.7 cu in) | 1,497 cc (1.5 L / 91.3 cu in) |
| Bore × Stroke | 81.0 × 87.3 mm | 87.0 × 99.0 mm | 73.0 × 89.4 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 | 13.0:1 (Atkinson cycle) |
| Horsepower (SAE net) | 140 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 205 hp @ 7,000 rpm | 110 hp combined (ICE + electric) |
| Torque (SAE net) | 128 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm (174 N·m) | 174 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm (236 N·m) | 127 lb-ft combined (172 N·m) |
| Redline | 6,800 rpm | 7,000 rpm | 6,000 rpm |
| Fuel injection | Sequential multi-point PGM-FI | Sequential multi-point PGM-FI | Sequential multi-point PGM-FI + IMA electric assist |
| Throttle control | Drive-by-wire (electronic throttle) | Drive-by-wire (electronic throttle) | Drive-by-wire |
| Fuel requirement | Regular unleaded (RON 91 / AKI 87) | Premium unleaded (RON 95 / AKI 91) required | Regular unleaded (RON 91 / AKI 87) |
| Oil capacity (with filter) | 3.9 qt / 3.7 L | 4.4 qt / 4.2 L | 3.5 qt / 3.3 L |
The K24Z7 in the 9th gen Si is a significant upgrade over the 8th gen’s K20Z3: displacement increases from 2.0L to 2.4L, torque rises from 139 lb-ft to 174 lb-ft, and peak torque arrives 1,700 rpm lower (4,400 vs. 6,100 rpm), making the 9th gen Si substantially more tractable in everyday driving despite a modest 8 hp increase. The 9th gen Hybrid replaced the single-motor IMA system with a two-motor arrangement that allows limited EV-only operation at low speeds — a first for the Civic Hybrid nameplate.
Transmission Specifications
| Trim / Variant | Manual | Automatic | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DX / LX / EX / EX-L (R18Z1) | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic | MT available on LX and EX coupe/sedan. EX-L sedan: AT only. DX coupe: MT standard. |
| Si coupe / Si sedan (K24Z7) | 6-speed close-ratio manual | Not available | MT only. Final drive ratio: 4.76. Gear ratios: 1st 3.267 / 2nd 2.040 / 3rd 1.429 / 4th 1.073 / 5th 0.830 / 6th 0.647 / Rev 3.583. |
| Hybrid (LEB) | Not available | 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) with electric motor integration | DCT only. Allows EV-only operation at low speeds. Significant change from 8th gen CVT-based IMA. |
| GX (natural gas) | Not available | 5-speed automatic | AT only. Limited market availability (California and select US states). CNG tank occupies trunk. |
Fuel Economy — EPA Ratings (North America)
| Variant | Transmission | City (mpg) | Highway (mpg) | Combined (mpg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L R18Z1 sedan | 5-speed MT | 28 | 39 | 32 |
| 1.8L R18Z1 sedan | 5-speed AT | 28 | 36 | 31 |
| 1.8L R18Z1 coupe | 5-speed MT | 28 | 39 | 32 |
| 1.8L R18Z1 coupe | 5-speed AT | 28 | 36 | 31 |
| 2.4L K24Z7 Si coupe | 6-speed MT | 22 | 31 | 25 |
| 2.4L K24Z7 Si sedan | 6-speed MT | 22 | 31 | 25 |
| 1.5L Hybrid sedan | 7-speed DCT | 44 | 47 | 45 |
| 1.8L GX (natural gas) sedan | 5-speed AT | 27 (GGE) | 38 (GGE) | 31 (GGE) |
GGE = gasoline gallon equivalent. The 9th gen 1.8L shows a meaningful improvement over the 8th gen (28/36–39 vs. 25–26/34–36 mpg) due to revised R18Z1 calibration and improved aerodynamics. The Hybrid’s 44/47 mpg rating was class-leading at launch for a non-plug-in compact.
Exterior Dimensions
| Dimension | Sedan (DX / LX / EX / EX-L / Hybrid) | Coupe (LX / EX) | Si Coupe / Si Sedan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in (2,670 mm) | 105.1 in (2,670 mm) | 105.1 in (2,670 mm) |
| Overall length | 177.3–179.4 in (4,503–4,557 mm) | 175.0 in (4,445 mm) | 175.0 in coupe / 179.4 in sedan (4,445 / 4,557 mm) |
| Overall width (excl. mirrors) | 69.0 in (1,752 mm) | 69.0 in (1,752 mm) | 69.0 in (1,752 mm) |
| Overall height | 56.5 in (1,435 mm) | 55.7 in (1,415 mm) | 55.7 in coupe / 56.5 in sedan |
| Front track width | 59.2 in (1,504 mm) | 59.2 in (1,504 mm) | 59.2 in (1,504 mm) |
| Rear track width | 59.9 in (1,521 mm) | 59.9 in (1,521 mm) | 59.9 in (1,521 mm) |
Note: the 9th gen sedan Wheelbase is 1.2 in shorter than the 8th gen sedan (105.1 vs. 106.3 in), a packaging decision that contributed to the interior space criticism the 2012 model received. Rear leg room decreased noticeably compared to the outgoing generation.
Interior Dimensions and Cargo
| Measurement | Sedan (DX / LX / EX / Si) | Hybrid Sedan | GX Sedan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Front head room | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in |
| Front leg room | 42.3 in | 42.3 in | 42.3 in |
| Front shoulder room | 54.0 in | 54.0 in | 54.0 in |
| Rear head room | 37.1 in | 37.1 in | 37.1 in |
| Rear leg room | 33.7 in (down from 34.6 in on 8th gen) | 33.7 in | 33.7 in |
| Rear shoulder room | 52.7 in | 52.7 in | 52.7 in |
| Trunk / cargo volume | 12.5 cu ft | 10.6 cu ft (battery pack reduces trunk) | 6.1 cu ft (CNG tank occupies trunk) |
Curb Weight by Trim and Body Style
| Trim | Body | MT (lb / kg) | AT (lb / kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX | Sedan | 2,716 lb / 1,232 kg | 2,778 lb / 1,260 kg |
| EX | Sedan | 2,762 lb / 1,253 kg | 2,822 lb / 1,280 kg |
| EX-L | Sedan | N/A (AT only) | 2,875 lb / 1,304 kg |
| Si (2012–2014) | Coupe | 2,877 lb / 1,305 kg | N/A (MT only) |
| Si (2012–2014) | Sedan | 2,895 lb / 1,313 kg | N/A (MT only) |
| Si (2015) | Coupe / Sedan | 3,002 lb / 1,362 kg | N/A (MT only) |
| Hybrid | Sedan | N/A (DCT only) | 2,976 lb / 1,350 kg |
| GX (natural gas) | Sedan | N/A (AT only) | 3,020 lb / 1,370 kg |
The 2015 Si is notably heavier than the 2012–2014 Si (3,002 vs. 2,877–2,895 lb) due to the addition of standard VSA, larger 18-inch wheels, and revised suspension components introduced with the 2015 refresh.
Suspension, Steering, and Brakes
| System | DX / LX / EX / EX-L / Hybrid | Si |
|---|---|---|
| Front suspension | MacPherson strut, coil springs, stabiliser bar | MacPherson strut, coil springs, 21.0 mm stabiliser bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion beam (twist beam), coil springs | Multi-link independent, coil springs, 20.0 mm stabiliser bar |
| Steering | Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion (EPAS) | Motion-adaptive electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion (EPS) |
| Steering ratio | 15.6:1 | 15.06:1 |
| Turns lock-to-lock | 2.8 | 2.78 |
| Turning diameter (curb-to-curb) | 36.7 ft | 37.7 ft |
| Front brakes | Ventilated disc — 10.3 in (262 mm) diameter | Ventilated disc — 11.8 in (300 mm) diameter |
| Rear brakes | Drum — 8.0 in (DX/LX); Solid disc — 10.2 in (EX/EX-L) | Solid disc — 10.2 in (259 mm) diameter |
| ABS / stability control | ABS standard on EX/EX-L; optional on LX. VSA standard on EX-L; optional on EX. | ABS + VSA standard on all Si. EBD and Brake Assist standard. |
The 9th gen Si received a significant brake upgrade over the 8th gen Si: front Rotor diameter grew from 11.1 in (282 mm) to 11.8 in (300 mm), improving fade resistance under repeated hard stops. The motion-adaptive EPS on the Si varies assist level based on vehicle speed and steering input rate, providing lighter effort at low speed and firmer feel at highway speed.
Wheels and Tyres by Trim
| Trim | Wheel | OEM Tyre Size |
|---|---|---|
| DX | 15 in steel with full cover | 195/65R15 |
| LX | 15 in steel with full cover | 195/65R15 |
| EX | 16 in alloy | 205/55R16 |
| EX-L | 17 in alloy | 215/50R17 |
| Si (2012–2014) | 17 in alloy | 215/45R17 |
| Si (2015) | 18 in alloy | 225/40R18 (Continental ContiProContact or ContiSportContact 5) |
| Hybrid | 15 in alloy | 195/65R15 (low rolling resistance spec) |
Fluids and Service Capacities
| Fluid | R18Z1 (DX/LX/EX) | K24Z7 (Si) | Spec / Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil (with filter) | 3.9 qt / 3.7 L | 4.4 qt / 4.2 L | Honda Genuine 0W-20 full synthetic (R18Z1); 5W-30 (K24Z7) |
| Coolant capacity (total system) | 5.7 qt / 5.4 L | 6.3 qt / 6.0 L | Honda Type 2 (blue) OAT coolant; 50/50 premix |
| Manual transmission fluid | 1.9 qt / 1.8 L | 2.1 qt / 2.0 L | Honda MTF; do not substitute ATF or gear oil |
| Automatic transmission fluid | 2.5 qt / 2.4 L (drain and fill); 6.2 qt / 5.9 L (total) | N/A | Honda ATF DW-1; do not use ATF-Z1 in 9th gen (incompatible) |
| Brake fluid | — | — | DOT 3; replace every 3 years regardless of mileage |
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.2 gal / 50 L | 13.2 gal / 50 L | Unleaded. GX: 8.0 GGE CNG tank. |
Important service note: the 9th gen automatic transmission requires Honda ATF DW-1, not the older ATF-Z1 used in 8th gen automatics. Using ATF-Z1 in a 9th gen transmission causes shift quality degradation and accelerated clutch pack wear. If purchasing a used 9th gen with unknown service history, verify the correct fluid is present before driving.
Trim Level Feature Comparison (North America)
| Feature | LX | EX | EX-L | Si |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air conditioning | Manual | Auto climate | Auto climate | Manual |
| Display audio / infotainment | AM/FM/CD, 4 speakers | AM/FM/CD/Pandora, 7-inch touchscreen, 6 speakers | AM/FM/CD/Pandora, 7-inch touchscreen, 6 speakers | AM/FM/CD/Pandora, 7-inch touchscreen, 6 speakers |
| Bluetooth HandsFreeLink | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sunroof | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Leather seats | No | No | Yes | No (sport cloth) |
| Heated front seats | No | No | Yes | No |
| Rear disc brakes | No (drums) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Optional | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| VSA (stability control) | No | Optional | Standard | Standard |
| Side curtain airbags | No | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Multi-link rear suspension | No (torsion beam) | No (torsion beam) | No (torsion beam) | Yes |
| LaneWatch (blind spot camera) | No | No | Yes (2014–2015) | Yes (2014–2015) |
Model Year Changes Within the Generation
2012 (launch year). New platform with shorter wheelbase than 8th gen sedan (105.1 vs. 106.3 in). R18Z1 replaces R18A1 with revised calibration and 0W-20 oil spec. Si moves from K20Z3 (2.0L) to K24Z7 (2.4L) — the largest engine ever fitted to a USDM Civic Si. Hybrid switches from single-motor IMA with CVT to two-motor system with 7-speed DCT. The 2012 launch was widely criticised by automotive press for interior quality regression, harsh ride, and reduced rear passenger space compared to the outgoing 8th gen.
2013 (mid-cycle refresh). Honda responded to the 2012 criticism with an unusually early and comprehensive mid-cycle update. Suspension retuned for improved ride quality. Interior materials upgraded across all trims. New 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio system introduced on EX and above, replacing the previous non-touch unit. Revised exterior styling on front fascia and tail lights. The 2013 is the recommended entry point within the generation for used buyers.
2014. LaneWatch blind spot camera system added to EX-L and Si. Honda Sensing safety suite not yet available on Civic (introduced on Accord first). Minor trim and colour updates.
2015 (final year). Si receives 18-inch wheels (up from 17-inch), larger 225/40R18 tyres, and revised suspension geometry. Si curb weight increases to 3,002 lb as a result. VSA made standard on Si. No powertrain changes. Production ended to make way for the 10th generation (2016 MY), which represented a complete platform and powertrain overhaul.