2010 honda civic (automatic)

I've noticed that when I drive uphill (about 40 mph) on a street, the engine is working harder as oppose to that "cruising" mode. On a level road and driving 40 mph, my rpm is usually around 1500-2000, but when uphill, it is around 2500. Is this always gonna be the case when driving uphill? Or am i just doing it wrong? Do i need to go faster so it switches to a different gear more suited for the uphill?

 

Your transmission should down shift at a certain speed to a lower gear,or depress the pedal to increase speed it will change.

 

yes your rpm will be higher going up a hill than level.