2009 Honda Civic: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2009 Honda Civic’s biggest change is a mid-cycle styling refresh, not a full redesign. Honda also broadened the sedan lineup and expanded USB audio and stability control to more versions.

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About the 2009 Honda Civic

8th generation (2006-2011), mid-cycle refresh year.

The 2009 Civic is Honda’s compact car for buyers who want one model range that can cover a lot of needs: basic commuting, everyday family use, high fuel economy, alternative fuel, or sporty driving. Honda markets it around smart engineering, futuristic styling, and easy everyday livability. Its big advantage over many rivals is lineup breadth, paired with solid fuel economy, a roomy cabin for its size, and a tidy, responsive feel on the road.

The 2009 range runs from the basic DX and value-focused VP and LX to the better-equipped EX and comfort-focused EX-L. The Hybrid emphasizes fuel-saving gas-electric power, the GX runs on compressed natural gas, and the Si pairs a 197-hp engine with a six-speed manual transmission. The LX-S adds a sportier look without the Si’s performance-focused engine and suspension.

What changed, by category

Styling

Honda revised the front grille and bumper, updated the rear design and lighting details, and introduced new wheel designs.

Trim lineup

The sedan range expanded with the DX Value Package, also called VP, and the sport-styled LX-S.

Tech

A USB audio interface became standard on EX, Hybrid, and Si models.

Safety

Stability control expanded to more versions, including the EX-L and Hybrid.

2009 Honda Civic specs and features by trim

Feature	2009 Honda CivicDX0 in stock	2009 Honda CivicEX0 in stock	2009 Honda CivicGX0 in stock	2009 Honda CivicLX0 in stock	2009 Honda CivicSi0 in stock	2009 Honda CivicVP0 in stock	2009 Honda CivicEX-L0 in stock	2009 Honda CivicLX-S0 in stock	2009 Honda CivicHybrid0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, VTEC, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, VTEC, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, NGV, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, VTEC, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, VTEC, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, VTEC, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, VTEC, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, VTEC, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.3 Liter
Transmission	Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive	Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, CVT
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Natural Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Hybrid
MPG City	26 mpg	26 mpg	24 mpg	26 mpg	21 mpg	26 mpg	26 mpg	26 mpg	40 mpg
MPG Highway	34 mpg	34 mpg	36 mpg	34 mpg	29 mpg	34 mpg	34 mpg	34 mpg	45 mpg
Horsepower	140 hp	140 hp	113 hp	140 hp	197 hp	140 hp	140 hp	140 hp
Torque	128 lb-ft	128 lb-ft	109 lb-ft	128 lb-ft	139 lb-ft	128 lb-ft	128 lb-ft	128 lb-ft	123 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	11.5–12 cu-ft	11.5–12 cu-ft	6 cu-ft	11.5–12 cu-ft	11.5–12 cu-ft	12 cu-ft	11.5–12 cu-ft	12 cu-ft	10.4 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	30.3–34.6 in	30.3–34.6 in	34.6 in	30.3–34.6 in	30.3–34.6 in	34.6 in	30.3–34.6 in	34.6 in	34.6 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	2–4	2–4	4	2–4	2–4	4	2–4	4	4
Safety & Security
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Alarm System
Cruise Control
Stability Control
Traction Control
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Power Mirrors
Rear Spoiler
Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release
Entertainment & Electronics
AM/FM Radio
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Comfort & Convenience
Automatic Air Conditioning
Folding Rear Seat
Heated Front Seats
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Power Locks
Remote Keyless Entry

How the 2010 Honda Civic compares

The 2010 Honda Civic is essentially a carryover from 2009. The main change is that satellite radio moved from standard to optional on the EX-L trim.

See the full 2010 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2009 Honda Civic fully redesigned?

No. The 2009 Civic received a mid-cycle refresh within the eighth generation, with revised front and rear styling rather than a new platform or full redesign.

Which sedan trims were new for the 2009 Honda Civic?

The DX Value Package and LX-S were the notable new sedan trims for 2009. The value-focused DX Value Package adds everyday basics, while the LX-S adds sportier exterior and interior details with the regular 1.8-liter engine.

Did the 2009 Honda Civic get a new engine?

No major powertrain change defined the 2009 update. The regular Civic retained its 140-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder, while the Hybrid, natural-gas GX, and 197-hp Si continued as specialized versions.

Which 2009 Honda Civic trims have a USB audio interface?

The 2009 EX, EX-L, Hybrid, and Si include a USB audio interface. It lets the audio system access compatible portable music devices through a wired connection.

Is the 2009 Honda Civic meaningfully different from the 2008 model?

Yes, but the differences are modest. The 2009 model is most relevant to shoppers who value the refreshed exterior, the added VP and LX-S sedan choices, USB audio on higher trims, or wider use of stability control; otherwise, it remains closely related to the 2008 Civic.