2021 Honda Civic — Full Specifications
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Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2021 Honda Civic is a hatchback offered with 3 engines (1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 41 mpg (UK) / 34 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 30–41 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Honda Civic workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2021 listings: Honda Civic 4Dr, Honda Civic 5Dr.
Compared with the 2020 Honda Civic: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 41 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating. EPA passenger volume changes from 91 to 98 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo · 2L 4-cyl · 2L 4-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 98 cu ft (2,775 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 41 combined / 37 urban / 48 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 34 combined / 31 city / 40 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 161 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,950 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 7 configurations for the 2021 Honda Civic across 3 engines (1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 25 to 34 mpg (US), or 30 to 41 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (29/35) | 173 | $2,550 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 40 | 33 (30/38) | 165 | $2,050 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 41 | 34 (31/40) | 161 | $1,950 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (29/37) | 170 | $2,550 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (29/37) | 172 | $2,100 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 40 | 33 (30/38) | 167 | $2,050 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/28) | 222 | $3,300 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 98 cubic feet (about 2,775 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Honda Civic
Running Costs: 2021 Honda Civic
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Honda Civic at 41 mpg combined, expect roughly 887 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $1,950 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Honda Civic Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Honda Civic (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Fuel system (1), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 26V332000, reported 21 May 2026. Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Air bags — campaign 24V064000, reported 1 February 2024. Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fuel system — campaign 23V858000, reported 18 December 2023. Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Service brakes — campaign 23V458000, reported 29 June 2023. Risk: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 159 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Honda Civic. The most-reported areas are Steering (67), Forward collision avoidance (33), Electrical system (21). Complaints include 7 reported crashes, 3 reported fires, 3 reported injuries. That is well below the median of 332 complaints across the 17 Honda Civic model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Honda Civic
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Steering (67 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Driver-assist sensors (33 owner complaints) — Check that driver-assist warning lights are off and sensors are clean and undamaged.
- Brakes (1 recall campaign · 17 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Electrical system (21 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Honda models in our database average about 35 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Honda Civic's 41 mpg is 6 mpg above that make average. Its 161 g/km CO₂ figure is 36 g/km lower than the 197 g/km Honda average.
Of the 17 Honda Civic model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 9th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (41 mpg UK combined, against a high of 43 mpg). See every Honda Civic year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Honda Civic
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Honda Civic have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2021 Honda Civic: 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.5L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (variable gear ratios).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Honda Civic?
The most efficient configuration returns around 41 mpg (UK) combined, or 34 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 30 to 41 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Honda Civic cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $1,950 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Honda Civic have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Honda Civic have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Honda Civic (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Fuel system (1), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Honda Civic?
Among the 159 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Steering (67 complaints), Forward collision avoidance (33 complaints), Electrical system (21 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Honda Civic have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 98 cubic feet (about 2,775 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.