2012 Honda Civic: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2012 Honda Civic is a full redesign that starts the ninth generation. It brings new exterior and interior styling, updated technology, an expanded efficiency-focused lineup, and major powertrain changes for the Hybrid and Si.

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About the 2012 Honda Civic

9th generation Civic sedan/coupe (2012-2015), first year; this is the launch year before Honda’s major 2013 refresh.

Honda positions the 2012 Civic as the smart, broad-appeal compact that can fit very different needs without leaving the same model family. In one lineup, buyers could get a simple commuter, a better-equipped daily driver, a high-mileage HF, a Hybrid, a Natural Gas model or an Si performance version. The core Civic pitch is easy ownership, strong fuel economy, practical size, good safety and long-term value, with more powertrain variety than most small cars offered at the time.

The 2012 Civic ranges from the basic DX and everyday LX to the EX with a moonroof and the leather-trimmed EX-L. The HF focuses on gas mileage, while the Hybrid uses a gas-electric system with a lithium-ion battery. The Si is the performance model, pairing a 201-hp 2.4-liter engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential for better grip when accelerating.

What changed, by category

Structural

The Civic sedan and coupe were fully redesigned for the ninth generation. The lineup added HF and Natural Gas trims, while GX, LX-S and VP were dropped.

Styling

The sedan and coupe received new exterior designs and redesigned cabins.

Powertrain

The new HF used the regular 1.8-liter gas engine with aerodynamic changes for better highway mileage. The Hybrid moved to a larger 1.5-liter gas-electric system with a lithium-ion battery, while the Si replaced its 2.0-liter engine with a 201-hp 2.4-liter engine producing 170 lb-ft of torque.

Tech

Eco Assist became standard on every trim except Si. LX and higher trims gained a 5-inch information display, and Bluetooth became standard on EX, EX-L, Hybrid and Si.

Safety

Electronic stability control with traction control became standard across the lineup.

2012 Honda Civic specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Honda CivicDX0 in stock	2012 Honda CivicEX7 in stock	2012 Honda CivicHF0 in stock	2012 Honda CivicLX13 in stock	2012 Honda CivicSi2 in stock	2012 Honda CivicEX-L0 in stock	2012 Honda CivicHybrid0 in stock	2012 Honda CivicNatural Gas0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, VTEC, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, VTEC, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, VTEC, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, VTEC, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, VTEC, 2.4 Liter	4-Cyl, VTEC, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.5 Liter	4-Cyl, NGV, 1.8 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 5-Spd	Automatic, 5-Spd	Automatic, 5-Spd	Automatic, 5-Spd	Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 5-Spd	Automatic, CVT	Automatic, 5-Spd
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Hybrid	Natural Gas
MPG City	28 mpg	28 mpg	28 mpg	28 mpg	22 mpg	28 mpg	43 mpg	27 mpg
MPG Highway	35 mpg	35–38 mpg	38 mpg	35 mpg	31 mpg	38 mpg	44 mpg	38 mpg
Horsepower	140 hp	140 hp	140 hp	140 hp	201 hp	140 hp		110 hp
Torque	128 lb-ft	128 lb-ft	128 lb-ft	128 lb-ft	170 lb-ft	128 lb-ft	127 lb-ft	106 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	11.7–12.5 cu-ft	11.7–12.5 cu-ft	12.5 cu-ft	11.7–12.5 cu-ft	11.7–12.5 cu-ft	11.7–12.5 cu-ft	10.7 cu-ft	6 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	30.8–36.2 in	30.8–36.2 in	36.2 in	30.8–36.2 in	30.8–36.2 in	30.8–36.2 in	36.2 in	36.2 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	2–4	2–4	4	2–4	2–4	2–4	4	4
Safety & Security
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Alarm System
Cruise Control
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Power Mirrors
Rear Spoiler
Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release
Entertainment & Electronics
AM/FM Radio
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Subwoofer
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Automatic Air Conditioning
Folding Rear Seat
Heated Front Seats
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Power Locks
Remote Keyless Entry

How the 2013 Honda Civic compares

The 2013 Honda Civic received a substantial early mid-cycle refresh only one year after its redesign. The headline change was a broad refinement upgrade that made it better equipped, quieter, and more polished to drive.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2012 Honda Civic fully redesigned?

Yes. The 2012 Honda Civic launched the ninth generation with new sedan and coupe body designs, a redesigned cabin, updated technology and a revised trim lineup.

What are the main differences between the 2012 and 2011 Honda Civic?

The 2012 Civic is a new-generation model rather than a light update. It has new exterior and interior designs, adds the HF and Natural Gas trims, upgrades the Hybrid with a 1.5-liter system and lithium-ion battery, and gives the Si a larger 2.4-liter engine.

What changed on the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid?

The 2012 Civic Hybrid received a larger 1.5-liter gas-electric system and a lithium-ion battery. It also gained stronger mid-range response and EPA ratings of 43 mpg city and 44 mpg highway.

What changed on the 2012 Honda Civic Si?

The 2012 Civic Si received a larger 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. It retained a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential that helps the front tires put power to the road.

Was the Honda Civic HF new for 2012?

Yes. The HF joined the Civic lineup for 2012 as an efficiency-focused gas model with a 1.8-liter engine, five-speed automatic transmission, lightweight wheels and aerodynamic changes. Its EPA highway rating was 41 mpg.