2023 Honda Civic Type R test drive review

Within two weeks we test drove the new Acura Integra Type S and the new Honda Civic Type R, and never before have we been so torn as to which we would choose to own. Talk about first world problems. Both Hondas are exceptional, incredibly satisfying hot hatches worth their price tag. The Acura, while more livable on the daily, is also more expensive. The Civic is more performance-focused, stripped down and affordable. Each has its charms and honestly, you can’t go wrong with either.

As we wrestled with this hypothetical decision, we were also met with unfortunate weather that rendered the Type R’s tires utterly useless, so our findings are the result of just under 100 miles of driving. That said, we were surprised at how endearing the Civic was, especially after fawning over the Integra so deeply — and surprise! It’s the one we would pick to own of the two. 

Shocking, we know. But there’s something a touch more analog, a little more alive in the Civic, and we couldn’t help but be overcome by it. Sometimes, as with the Civic Type R, less really can be more. Shop all Honda Civic Type R models

Photo by Honda Auto News

Price and value

The Type R costs a little more than the previous generation, but it feels like a good value given the performance and special engineering. The Civic Type R is considered its own model, separate from the other Civic trims, and has a starting MSRP of $43,990. Some standard features are:

• 6-speed manual transmission

• Red Ultrasuede Type R exclusive seats

• Automatic rev matching

• Brembo front brakes

• 19-inch matte black alloy wheels

• Triple exit exhaust

• Type R exclusive digital gauge cluster with +R mode, F1-style illuminated rev indicator and LogR data logger

• Lighter flywheel for quicker engine response

• Helical limited-slip differential 

• Individual drive mode for a customized driving experience

• LED headlights

The Civic Type R may not have all the luxury of its fancy cousin, the Integra, nor the power of some of its competitors, but the Type R feels undeniably special, especially in how it drives. It’s packed with top-notch Japanese engineering and should be on anyone’s shortlist who’s looking for an extremely well-rounded, practical and very fun-to-drive compact car. Shop all Honda Civic Type R models

Honda offers three years or 36,000 miles of limited warranty coverage, five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain warranty coverage, and two years or 24,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Photo by Honda Auto News

Performance

Few cars can match the Civic Type R’s balance of serious performance with everyday livability. The Civic is track focused — but don’t let that scare you off. It’s incredibly accessible, competent and never feels overwhelming. The motor, the power, the transmission, everything is so finely tuned you’ll wonder why you would ever drive anything else.

Engine

Back for another round is Civic’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It’s the same engine that powered the previous generation Type R, but Honda has made several revisions for this generation, including a revised turbocharger and exhaust system. Peak power feels like it comes on higher in the rev band than in the Integra, contributing to a more classic Honda driving experience, though the specs say it’s the same. Regardless, we love it. The engine feels more buzzy and raw here than in the smooth and composed Integra, and it adds another element of fun to the overall experience. Shop all Honda Civic Type R models

Photo by Honda Auto News

With those engine adjustments comes increased power. The 2023 Honda Civic Type R produces 315 horsepower (five short of the Integra Type S) and 310 pound-feet of torque. Could we whine about not getting more power? Sure. But the engine feels so well matched to the chassis, we don’t know if it would make for a markedly better or more fun driving experience.

Fuel efficiency

Given the Civic’s rowdy tendencies, we expected its fuel economy to be worse than it is. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates 22 mpg in the city, 28 mph on the highway and 24 mpg in combined driving. In our short 100 miles of testing, we averaged just over 23 mpg.

Photo by Honda Auto News

Drivetrain

As has been Honda’s long-standing tradition, the Civic Type R is front-wheel drive only. We wish it were all-wheel drive, if for nothing else than greater performance in the snow. That said, the Civic Type R is one of the best handling cars we’ve ever driven, front-wheel drive or not. The levels of grip and confidence are truly physics defying in how good they are. It’s so good, there were times this car felt like it was all-wheel drive.

The same praise could be said of the 6-speed manual transmission. It’s glorious and so, so satisfying to row. The pedals are perfectly positioned and spaced, too. The whole package is executed so well that novices and professionals alike will have a ball. Just don’t burn — or freeze — your hand on the aluminum shift knob.

Photo by Honda Auto News

Acceleration and handling

The 2023 Civic Type R rips. Car and Driver clocked it from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. Wringing it out through the gears is exhilarating, to say the least, and so much fun. Its handling and grip are likewise excellent. Car and Driver executive editor Mac Morrison proclaimed it to be “easily the greatest front-wheel-drive performance car” he’s ever driven. We would add it’s easily one of the best-handling cars we’ve ever driven. Go fling one around a tight canyon corner for yourself and you’ll see what we mean.

Braking

As is the case any time Brembo brakes are involved, stopping power is incredible here. Sure and confident, these brakes, with their improved cooling and brake booster designs, fit the character of the Type R well. Automated emergency braking features like collision mitigation braking are standard.

Photo by Honda Auto News

Interior comfort and convenience

While the Type R’s interior is simpler than the Integra’s, it’s still a very nice and unique place to spend time. In fact, we might even prefer it over the richer cousin’s trappings. The Type R interior, with its red accents, seats, carpet, materials and straightforward design, feels special and more in line with what you’d expect from a revered performance nameplate.

Seats

The seats in the Civic Type R are heavenly. They’re absolutely some of the best seats we’ve ever sat in. They’re not heated or ventilated, nor are they power adjustable, but they’re so comfy, you probably won’t care — too much. They’re slightly on the tighter side for larger people and for extended daily driving, but we loved them anyway. 

As was the case with the previous generation Civic Type R, there is seating only for two in the rear. While not ideal for those wanting to pack three across, there is plenty of legroom for two adults. The headroom isn’t the best in the backseat, so taller occupants may need to slouch. Shop all Honda Civic Type R models

Photo by Honda Auto News

Climate control

Automatic dual-zone climate control is standard, which kept us warm on cooler days. Interestingly, there are no rear air vents for backseat occupants.

Cargo space and cabin storage

For a performance car, it’s tough to beat the practicality of the Civic Type R and its hatchback. There’s plenty of cargo storage for all your gear, and there are several decently sized cubbies and pockets throughout the cabin for your Hostess treats.

Photo by Honda Auto News

Infotainment system

The Civic Type R boasts Honda’s excellent 9-inch color touchscreen. It’s easy to use, features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Bose Centerpoint premium sound system sounds excellent.

Photo by Honda Auto News

Exterior appearance and functionality

Honda heard your complaints about the last generation’s loud styling and has significantly matured it here for 2023. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t look special — and aggressive. The wide fenders are beautifully sculpted and give off a stout, athletic stance — like a running back ready to sprint. The large, open, lower grille and air intake look ready to swallow the road ahead. The rear wing is functional and isn’t over the top like the last generation. 

Overall, the 2023 Civic Type R looks purposeful and ready to play — and we think it’s the best the Civic has ever looked. Our tester was finished in Championship White. Other eye-catching paint colors include Crystal Black Pearl, Rallye Red, Boost Blue Pearl and Sonic Gray Pearl. Shop Honda Civic Type R models

Photo by Honda Auto News

Wheels

Every Civic Type R comes standard with lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. It’s an impressive combination, and those wide Micehlins provide an immense amount of grip — as long as temperatures remain above 40 degrees and roads are mostly dry. Four-season drivers might want to look at alternative tire options. And be prepared to replace these tires frequently — Honda warns they may not even last 10,000 miles, depending on how you drive.

Lights and turn signals

LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights are standard on the Type R, and they look magnificent. Automatic high beams and automatic on/off functionalities are standard.

Photo by Honda Auto News

Cameras and side mirrors

The Type R comes standard with a multiview rear camera. It looks fairly sharp and is helpful when backing up.

Front and rear windshield

Visibility is surprisingly pretty good, especially out the front windshield. The window is large and rectangular, the dash is flat and the A-pillars are thin, which all combine for an excellent view of the road ahead. And lest you’re concerned about the rear spoiler taking up your view out the back, don’t be. It’s perfectly placed to not obscure your view at all.

Photo by Honda Auto News

Safety

The 11th-generation Honda Civic includes the Honda safety suite and is one of the safest compact cars you can buy. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It also comes with a long list of standard safety features. Some of these include:

• Adaptive cruise control

• Lane-keeping assist

• Road departure mitigation

• Blind spot information system

Awards and ratings

The Honda Civic Type R has won quite a list of awards, including:

• Performance Car of the Year by Topgear.com

• Best Car to Buy Award by Motor Authority

• 2024 Car and Driver 10Best Award

• Car and Driver Editor’s Choice Award

• Nurburgring Front-Wheel Drive Track Record

Photo by Honda Auto News

Final impression

The 2023 Honda Civic Type R is an astoundingly good car. It’s so good to drive, so fun and so purposefully earnest in its demeanor, it’s really hard not to love it. However, it also lacks a few specific niceties like heated seats, power-adjustable seats, a heated steering wheel and all-wheel drive. None of those are necessarily deal breakers.

By the time we had driven the Civic, we had already spent a glorious week with the Integra. We thought we were sold on the Integra — until we drove the Civic. In our hands, the Civic felt to have a touch more character. It has no pretenses about what it was. Sitting in the red cockpit and seeing the red Honda badge on the steering wheel just feels special. But really, you can’t go wrong with either one.

The Honda Civic Type R is so well engineered, it honestly took me by surprise by how good it was at everything. Want a fun trip to the grocery store? Take the Type R. Want to carve up a canyon? Take the Type R. Want to pick up the kids from school? Take the Type R. Honda builds the ultimate performance Civic, with few compromises.

Thank you, Honda, for answering the call. You understood the assignment and went above and beyond in ways you didn’t need to, and the result is a driving experience we’ll never forget.

Shop Honda Civic Type R models

Highs: 

• Superb driving dynamics

• Excellent seats

• Unique interior

• Lots of standard equipment

• Room for four adults

• Hatchback versatility

• Fun to drive, no matter the situation

Lows: 

• Front-wheel drive only

• Tires wear out quickly

• No heated or power seats

• No heated steering wheel

• Red upholstery doesn’t extend to the backseat

FAQs

Is the Civic Type R fun to drive?

Absolutely. No matter the driving task or errand at hand, you’re going to have a good time.

Is it good for families?

For small families, sure. There’s plenty of backseat space for two passengers, and the hatch’s cargo area is extremely versatile. 

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.

About the author: Having owned everything from a DeLorean to an E46 BMW M3 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who loves sharing his passions as a teacher, automotive journalist and social media manager. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press where he serves on the Board of Directors. Contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com.