The 2015 Honda Civic comes with three unique engines, starting with the standard 1.8L i-VTEC four-cylinder. For those after something a bit sportier, the Civic SI’s 205-hp i-VTEC 2.4L should do the trick, and for those who dare to be different, a natural gas version of the base 1.8L.
Key Points
- Of the 2015 Honda Civic‘s three engine options, the base 1.8L inline-four engine is slow but still delivers great fuel economy, as much as 35 mpg on the highway.
- The 2015 Civic Si’s 2.4L i-VTEC four-cylinder is the best choice for enthusiasts. It has 62 more horsepower than the 1.8L and is only available with a manual transmission.
- The 2015 Honda Civics natural gas engine is 37-hp down on the base inline-four and doesn’t offer any significant fuel economy gains.
- No engine-related recalls have been issued for the 2015 Honda Civic, and annual maintenance costs are estimated at just $350, one of the lowest in its class.
- Overall, either the base 1.8L or the SI’s quicker 2.4L are fantastic options, where one caters to fuel-conscious drivers, and the other, speed enthusiasts.
2015 Honda Civics 143-hp Base 1.8L Engine Delivers Underwhelming Performance but Excellent Fuel Economy
The base engine in the 2015 Honda Civic is a 1.8L i-VTEC inline-four. It produces a modest 143-hp and 129 lb.-ft. of torque, and propels the 2015 Civic from zero to 60 mph in an uninspiring 8.1 seconds. While it’s not exactly a powerhouse, its fuel economy is excellent.
The EPA rated the 2015 Honda Civic with the base engine at an impressive 29 mpg city and 37 mpg on the highway. Equipped with the manual transmission, the 2015 Civic puts out 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
If the occasion calls for a replacement engine, it is reasonably priced. A used unit with 43,000 miles costs just $975 pre-labor per Car Part Planet. Meanwhile, a professionally rebuilt block costs $3,488.00 uninstalled.
As for oil capacity and type, Honda recommends using 3.9 quarts of 0W-20 fully synthetic.
205-hp 2.4L i-VTEC Engine in 2015 Civic Si Models Delivers Significant Performance Upgrade and a 6.5-second 0-60 Time
For buyers who want a sporty experience with the 2015 Honda Civic, the 2.4L inline-four found in the Si is the best choice. With 205-hp and 174 lb.-ft. or torque, the 2.4L takes the 2015 Civic Si from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, which is a genuinely quick time for a compact car. This engine is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.
In terms of fuel economy, the 2.4L does take a noticeable hit. The 2015 Honda Civic Si gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg highway.
Purchasing a used 2.4L inline-four engine is a bit more expensive than the 1.8L. A used block with 85,000 miles costs $1,750. However, a rebuilt block costs $3,580.00 without labor, which is around the same as the 1.8L engine.
2015 Civic’s Optional 1.8L Natural Gas Engine Gets Nearly Identical Fuel Economy as Base and Loses 37 Horsepower
This engine is a curious case for the 2015 Honda Civic. It is a modified version of the base 1.8L inline-four that runs on compressed natural gas and produces just 110 horsepower and 106 lb.-ft. of torque. Unsurprisingly, that makes it the weakest of the 2015 Civic engines.
Typically, with alternative engines like this, what is lost in performance is gained in fuel economy. That is not the case with the natural gas engine. In fact, it gets about the same fuel economy as the base engine. The natural gas engine gets 27 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway respectively.
Looking at the numbers, there’s really no benefit to this powertrain setup. It doesn’t gain any real fuel efficiency compared to the base engine, and to add salt to the wound, it’s far less powerful than the base engine, which is arguably down on performance in the first place.
All the 2015 Honda Civics Engines are Recall-free, Very Reliable, and Can Easily Last to 250k Miles and Beyond
Honda Civics are famous for having some of the most reliable engines in the automotive industry, and the 2015 Honda Civic and its three engines are no exception to that legacy. This means that with regular maintenance, they can last up to 250,000 miles or more.
That reliability also comes at an affordable price. The 2015 Honda Civics annual repair cost is just $350, according to Repair Pal. That’s one of the best rates in the compact class.
In addition, the base 1.8L inline-four, the 2.4L i-VTEC, and the natural gas engine have zero recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Despite its Uninspiring Performance, the Base 1.8L Inline-four is Still the Best Engine Choice Overall
The base 1.8L inline-four may not be a powerhouse, but it is a finely-built powertrain that is not only reliable but very fuel-efficient. Its 33-combined mpg and its ability to last well beyond 200,000 miles cancel out its lack of horsepower.
Also, when considering the natural gas engine’s complete lack of performance and the 2.4L being solely available in the manual-transmission-restricted Civic Si, we have to recommend the base engine as the one to buy.
Photos: Honda
