Honda Civic Type R: Price, Specs & Review
The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance hot hatch built for drivers who want serious track ability without giving up everyday usefulness. It combines a 315-hp turbocharged engine, six-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive, a limited-slip differential, adaptive dampers, Brembo front brakes, and a practical hatchback cargo area.
It is not an easygoing compact car. The Type R has a firm ride, loud summer tires, four-passenger seating, and no automatic or all-wheel-drive option. But for buyers who care about steering feel, cornering confidence, and a manual transmission that feels special every time you use it, it is one of the most rewarding new performance cars available.
This page covers the Honda Civic Type R only. The regular Honda Civic Hatchback, Honda Civic Sedan, and Honda Civic Si are separate models.
WheelPedia Rating: 8.8/10
The Honda Civic Type R earns an 8.8/10 WheelPedia Rating for its outstanding driving experience, practical hatchback shape, strong standard equipment, and performance that rivals far more expensive cars.
Its biggest drawbacks are a high purchase price, expensive tires and brakes, firm ride quality, front-wheel drive only, and four-person seating.
| Rating Category | Score | Weight |
| Safety | 8.8/10 | 20% |
| Reliability and ownership | 8.7/10 | 15% |
| Performance and driving | 10/10 | 15% |
| Comfort and practicality | 8.7/10 | 15% |
| Efficiency | 7.5/10 | 15% |
| Features and technology | 8.8/10 | 10% |
| Price and value | 9.2/10 | 10% |
| Overall WheelPedia Rating | 8.8/10 | — |
See how we rate cars for the full methodology.
Key Highlights
- Starts from $47,395 MSRP in the US, before destination, taxes, registration, accessories, and dealer pricing.
- Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 315 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Available only with a six-speed manual transmission.
- Front-wheel drive with a helical limited-slip differential.
- EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.
- Adaptive damper system, dual-axis front suspension, and four driving modes.
- Brembo four-piston front brake calipers with 13.8-inch two-piece front rotors.
- 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires.
- 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
- Seats four people, not five.
- Best for driving enthusiasts who want a track-capable car that can still handle daily errands and weekend trips.
Quick Specifications
| Specification | Honda Civic Type R |
| Vehicle type | High-performance compact hatchback |
| Seating capacity | 4 |
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Output | 315 hp / 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual with Rev-Match Control |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Differential | Helical limited-slip differential |
| Drive modes | Comfort, Sport, Individual, +R |
| Fuel economy | 22 / 28 / 24 mpg city/highway/combined |
| Required fuel | Regular unleaded; premium recommended |
| Cargo capacity | 24.5 cu. ft. |
| Length | 180.9 in. |
| Width | 74.4 in. |
| Height | 55.4 in. |
| Wheelbase | 107.7 in. |
| Curb weight | 3,188 lbs. |
Expert Tip
Buy the Civic Type R for its driving experience, not just its 315-hp output. If you want an automatic, all-wheel drive, softer ride quality, or easy winter use, a Volkswagen Golf R, Toyota GR Corolla, or another performance car may suit you better.
About the Honda Civic Type R
The Civic Type R is Honda’s most focused factory performance car. It sits above the Civic Si and uses far more serious hardware, including a larger turbocharged engine, adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, a wider body, 19-inch wheels, and track-focused aerodynamics.
Unlike many modern performance cars, the Type R does not rely on all-wheel drive or an automatic transmission to feel quick. It sends power only to the front wheels and asks the driver to shift manually. Honda makes that formula work through a dual-axis front suspension, helical limited-slip differential, wide Michelin summer tires, and carefully tuned steering.
The result is a car that feels far more precise than most front-wheel-drive performance cars. It is quick in a straight line, but its real strength is how confidently it brakes, turns, and puts power down when leaving a corner.
Price and Trim
The Civic Type R is sold in one well-equipped trim. Check the current Honda Civic Type R lineup before buying, as pricing and availability can vary by location.
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Powertrain | Key Reason to Choose |
| Civic Type R | $47,395 | 315-hp turbo engine, six-speed manual, FWD | Track-capable hot hatch with genuine everyday practicality |
Is the Honda Civic Type R Worth the Price?
The Civic Type R is expensive for a Honda Civic, but it is not simply a Civic Hatchback with more power. Its engine, transmission, front suspension, brakes, cooling, aerodynamics, chassis tuning, seats, tires, and bodywork are all built around high-performance driving.
Choose the Civic Type R if you want one of the best manual-transmission cars on sale, enjoy track days or challenging roads, and still need a usable hatchback for daily life.
Skip it if you want an automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, a quiet ride, lower ownership costs, or a regular five-passenger rear seat.
Engine, Powertrain, and Performance
The Civic Type R uses a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine producing 315 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque from 2,600 to 4,000 rpm.
| Component | Details |
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged inline four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 315 hp at 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft at 2,600–4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual with Rev-Match Control |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Differential | Helical limited-slip differential |
| Redline | 7,000 rpm |
| Drive modes | Comfort, Sport, Individual, +R |
| Front brakes | 13.8-inch ventilated two-piece discs with Brembo four-piston calipers |
| Rear brakes | 12.0-inch solid discs |
The six-speed manual is one of the Type R’s defining features. It has a short, precise shift action, an integrated LED shift light, and Rev-Match Control to help match engine speed during downshifts.
The helical limited-slip differential helps direct power to the front wheel with the most traction during hard acceleration. This reduces wheelspin and makes the Type R feel unusually controlled when exiting corners.
According to Honda, the Type R’s engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension, and core performance hardware are standard on every model. Honda’s official specifications list the full equipment and measurements.
0–60 MPH Performance
Honda does not publish an official 0–60 mph time for the Civic Type R. Independent testing of this generation has recorded a 4.9-second 0–60 mph time.
That makes the Type R properly quick, but its appeal goes beyond acceleration. The steering, brakes, shifter, traction, and chassis balance are what separate it from many cars with similar power figures.
Driving Experience
The Civic Type R is one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars ever sold in the US. Its dual-axis front suspension is designed to reduce torque steer, while the adaptive damper system gives the car different characters depending on the selected drive mode.
- Comfort mode is the best choice for longer drives and rougher roads.
- Sport mode sharpens the car without making it too demanding for normal driving.
- +R mode gives the most aggressive steering, damper, throttle, and instrument-cluster settings for track use.
- Individual mode lets drivers set selected preferences separately.
The Type R feels stable at high speeds, eager to change direction, and unusually confidence-inspiring when driven hard. Its 265-mm-wide Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires provide huge grip, while its Brembo front brakes deliver strong stopping power.
The trade-off is that the car never fully hides its performance focus. Road noise is noticeable, bumps are more obvious than in a regular Civic, and the summer tires are not suitable for freezing weather or snow.
Fuel Economy
| Model | EPA-Estimated City / Highway / Combined Fuel Economy |
| Honda Civic Type R | 22 / 28 / 24 mpg |
The Type R’s 24-mpg combined rating is reasonable for a 315-hp manual performance car, but it is far less efficient than the Honda Civic Hatchback Hybrid, which can return up to 48 mpg combined.
Honda lists regular unleaded as the required fuel, although premium unleaded is recommended for the best performance. The Type R has a 12.4-gallon fuel tank.
Interior, Comfort, and Technology
The Type R interior feels like a Civic designed around the driver. It has red-and-black suede-effect sport seats, red stitching, a metal shift knob, sport pedals, red ambient lighting, and a Type R serial-number plate.
The front seats are heavily bolstered to keep occupants in place during hard cornering. They are supportive and comfortable for many drivers, but some buyers may find them restrictive during long trips.
Standard features include:
- 9-inch touchscreen
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- Type R performance display and LED shift light
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless phone charger
- Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System
- Bose 12-speaker premium audio system with subwoofer
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- HondaLink connected services
- 60/40-split folding rear seat
- Rear-seat heater ducts
The Type R is well equipped, but it does not include some comfort items buyers may expect at this price, including a sunroof and heated front seats.
Dimensions, Cargo, and Practicality
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length | 180.9 in. |
| Width | 74.4 in. |
| Height | 55.4 in. |
| Wheelbase | 107.7 in. |
| Front legroom | 42.3 in. |
| Rear legroom | 37.4 in. |
| Front shoulder room | 57.0 in. |
| Rear shoulder room | 56.0 in. |
| Cargo capacity behind rear seats | 24.5 cu. ft. |
| Passenger volume | 99.0 cu. ft. |
| Seating | 4 passengers |
The Civic Type R is more useful than most performance cars. Its liftgate opens wide, the rear seats fold in a 60/40 split, and its 24.5-cubic-foot cargo area can handle luggage, groceries, track-day gear, or everyday errands.
The biggest practical limitation is its four-passenger layout. Honda removes the center rear seating position, so this is not the right choice for buyers who regularly carry five people.
Exterior Design
The Type R looks much more aggressive than the regular Civic Hatchback. Its wider stance, vented front fenders, large rear wing, functional diffuser, triple-outlet exhaust, black side sills, and red Honda badges make its purpose obvious.
Key exterior details include:
- 19-inch matte-black alloy wheels
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
- Large front grille and hood vent for cooling
- Front brake ducts
- Wide front and rear fenders
- Gloss-black rear wing spoiler
- Aluminum hood
- Center-mounted triple-outlet exhaust with active exhaust valve
- LED headlights, daytime running lights, brake lights, and taillights
The styling is not subtle, but the aerodynamic pieces are there for more than appearance. Honda designed the grille, ducts, underbody parts, diffuser, and rear wing to improve cooling, stability, and downforce.
Safety Features and Ratings
Every Civic Type R includes Honda Sensing and a broad set of driver-assistance features:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Blind Spot Information System
- Cross Traffic Monitor
- Auto High-Beam Headlights
- Driver Attention Monitor
- Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
- Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control
- Front, front-side, knee, and side-curtain airbags
The 2026 Civic Hatchback is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with Good ratings in small-overlap front, updated moderate-overlap front, side-impact, and headlight tests. However, IIHS testing is listed for the Civic Hatchback range and its test documentation identifies a Civic Sport rather than the Type R. Treat those results as useful platform-level context, not as a Type R-specific crash-test result.
Read the full IIHS Civic Hatchback rating before buying.
Reliability, Warranty, and Ownership
The Type R has a solid ownership case for a high-performance car, especially if it is maintained properly. Honda dealer coverage and parts availability are strong, while the Civic platform has a long history of dependable daily use.
Still, the Type R costs more to run than a standard Civic. Its Michelin summer tires, Brembo brake components, clutch, and turbocharged engine are performance-focused parts. Track use and aggressive driving will increase tire and brake wear.
| Coverage | Length |
| New vehicle limited warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain limited warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Rust perforation warranty | 5 years / unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Honda Service Pass maintenance | 1 year / 12,000 miles |
For used Type R buyers, inspect the tires, brakes, clutch, suspension, underbody, service records, and any modifications. A clean, stock example with documented maintenance is usually a safer purchase than a heavily modified car with unclear history.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Exceptional steering, chassis balance, and braking performance
- One of the best manual transmissions in any new car
- Strong 315-hp turbocharged engine
- Limited-slip differential and dual-axis front suspension work exceptionally well
- Adaptive dampers make it more usable than most track-focused cars
- Practical 24.5-cubic-foot hatchback cargo area
- Strong standard technology and Bose audio
- Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires included
- Genuine track capability without sacrificing daily usefulness
- Strong value beside more expensive performance cars
What We Don’t Like
- High purchase price for a Civic-based model
- Only four seats
- No automatic transmission
- No all-wheel-drive option
- Summer tires are expensive and unsuitable for snow or freezing weather
- Firm ride and noticeable road noise
- No heated front seats or sunroof
- Higher insurance, tire, brake, and maintenance costs than a regular Civic
- Official crash-test information is not Type R-specific
Competitors
The Civic Type R is hard to replace because few cars combine a manual transmission, serious track ability, hatchback practicality, and usable daily manners.
- The Honda Civic Si is the lower-cost choice for buyers who want a manual Civic but do not need Type R performance.
- The Honda Civic Hatchback Hybrid is the sensible alternative for buyers who want hatchback utility, strong everyday acceleration, and far better fuel economy.
- The Volkswagen Golf R is a better fit for buyers who want all-wheel drive, an available automatic transmission, and a more understated design.
- The Toyota GR Corolla is worth considering if all-wheel drive, rally-inspired character, and a more compact package appeal to you.
- The Hyundai Elantra N offers strong performance at a lower price, though it is a sedan rather than a hatchback.
- The Acura Integra Type S adds a more premium interior, extra power, and a hatchback body, but costs considerably more.
Related Content
Before financing a Type R, read how car financing works and consider getting car loan preapproval before visiting a dealer.
First-time performance-car buyers should also understand the added cost of insurance, tires, brakes, premium fuel recommendations, and track-day maintenance.
Should You Buy the Honda Civic Type R?
Buy the Honda Civic Type R if driving enjoyment is a major reason you want a car. It is ideal for enthusiasts who want a manual transmission, sharp handling, strong brakes, and a vehicle that can handle both a back road and a normal workweek.
It is also one of the few cars that can work as both a weekend performance car and a practical hatchback. You get four doors, useful cargo space, modern safety technology, and a cabin that remains easy to live with.
Skip the Type R if you need five seats, all-wheel drive, an automatic transmission, low-cost ownership, or a calm luxury-car ride.
FAQs
How much does the Honda Civic Type R cost?
The Honda Civic Type R starts from $47,395 MSRP in the US, before destination charges, taxes, registration, accessories, and dealer pricing.
How much horsepower does the Civic Type R have?
The Civic Type R produces 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
Is the Civic Type R manual only?
Yes. The Type R is available only with a six-speed manual transmission.
Is the Civic Type R all-wheel drive?
No. The Civic Type R is front-wheel drive only. It uses a helical limited-slip differential and dual-axis front suspension to improve traction and reduce torque steer.
How fast is the Honda Civic Type R?
Honda does not publish an official 0–60 mph time. Independent testing has recorded a 0–60 mph time of about 4.9 seconds.
What fuel economy does the Civic Type R get?
The Civic Type R is EPA-rated at 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.
Does the Civic Type R need premium gas?
Honda lists regular unleaded as the required fuel, but recommends premium unleaded for the best performance.
How many people can the Civic Type R seat?
The Civic Type R seats four people. It has two front seats and two rear seats, with no center rear seating position.
How much cargo space does the Civic Type R have?
The Type R has 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The rear seatback folds in a 60/40 split for longer items.
Does the Civic Type R have heated seats?
No. The Type R has heavily bolstered sport seats but does not include heated front seats.
Does the Civic Type R have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Is the Honda Civic Type R safe?
The Type R includes Honda Sensing, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic monitoring, and a full set of key airbags. IIHS safety ratings are published for the Civic Hatchback platform, but buyers should not treat them as Type R-specific crash-test results.
Final Verdict
The Honda Civic Type R is one of the best new performance cars for drivers who still want to feel connected to the machine. Its engine is strong, its manual transmission is excellent, and its chassis gives it a level of confidence that few front-wheel-drive cars can match.
It is expensive, firm-riding, and not built for buyers who simply want a fast commuter car. But for someone who wants a properly engineered hot hatch with real track ability and usable cargo space, the Type R remains a standout choice.
Prices, specifications, safety ratings, warranties, and feature availability can change by model year, trim, and market.