It all started with a subtle hint. After reviewing the 2024 Acura Integra Type S, I mentioned in my review for the Los Altos Town Crier the difficulty in making the common comparison to the Honda Civic Type R, as my scheduled review of the Civic Type R back in January 2023 had been unfortunately cancelled. Sometimes, it pays to ask, or perhaps just drop a hint in the right place. Just three days later, DriveShop, Honda’s Northern California prep and delivery team, reached out. They had seen my piece, still had a 2023 Honda Civic Type R in their fleet, and were ready to bring it to my driveway in mid-March. And am I glad they did.
The buzz around the 2023 Honda Civic Type R is real, and after spending time behind the wheel, I can confidently say it absolutely earns its reputation. This isn’t just a hot hatchback; it’s a genuinely thrilling sports car experience available at a surprisingly accessible price point.
Unleashing Performance: Engine and Handling of the 2023 Civic Type R
At the heart of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R lies a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, generating a robust 315 horsepower. While sheer power is a key ingredient for fun, it’s just one piece of the puzzle that makes the Type R such an exceptional driver’s machine. Opening the hood reveals more about the engineering prowess under the skin.
Honda pairs this powerful engine with a sublime short-throw six-speed manual transmission – arguably one of the best gearboxes available today. Further enhancing the driving dynamics, the 2023 Civic Type R is equipped with a limited-slip differential, ensuring optimal power delivery to the front wheels. Stopping power is equally impressive, thanks to four-wheel disc brakes featuring striking red Brembo front calipers. The sophisticated rear multi-link suspension and adaptive dampers contribute to exceptional handling, while the four-mode adaptive drive system (Normal, Sport, Individual, and the track-focused +R mode) allows drivers to tailor the car’s behavior to their preferences and driving conditions. Selecting the +R mode sharpens the vehicle’s responses for maximum performance.
On the Road: Experiencing the Thrill of the 2023 Civic Type R
The performance figures speak for themselves: zero to sixty miles per hour in around five seconds. Impressively, torque steer, often a concern in high-powered front-wheel-drive cars, is virtually nonexistent in the 2023 Honda Civic Type R. Pushing the car on winding roads in the Sierra foothills, the Type R felt incredibly planted and secure. The large rear wing visibly contributes to downforce, and the 265/30 R19 high-performance summer tires provide immense grip, inspiring confidence in corners. Despite its exhilarating performance, the Civic Type R manages a respectable EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg combined.
Practicality and Interior: Beyond the Performance
Surprisingly, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R isn’t just a weekend toy. It offers a level of practicality rarely found in cars with this level of performance. The rear seats are genuinely usable, offering a generous 37.4 inches of legroom and even including cupholders.
The interior of the 2023 Civic Type R is sporty and purposeful, dominated by a red and black color scheme. This bold interior is the only option available, emphasizing the car’s performance-focused nature. The supportive front seats are designed to keep you firmly in place during spirited driving.
The driver-centric cockpit features a traditional manual transmission, a deliberate choice by Honda to maximize driver engagement. While modern automatics may offer quicker shifts and improved fuel economy, the manual gearbox in the 2023 Honda Civic Type R is integral to the driving experience, demanding and rewarding driver involvement. The instrument panel is cleanly designed and provides essential driving information at a glance.
Features, Tech, and Pricing of the 2023/2024 Honda Civic Type R
The base price for the 2024 Honda Civic Type R starts at $45,890, including destination charges. Solid colors like Rallye Red and Crystal Black Pearl come at no extra cost. Premium paint options such as Sonic Gray Pearl, Boost Blue Pearl, and the Championship White of my test car are available for an additional $455. Beyond the performance enhancements, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R comes well-equipped as standard. This includes a comprehensive suite of active safety features, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, a 9-inch color touchscreen with navigation, voice recognition, and a multi-view rear camera. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and dual-zone automatic climate control are also included. Further standard features encompass suede-effect sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver’s seat height adjustment, an aluminum shift knob, and practical elements like a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback and a cargo area cover.
With the optional paint being the only addition on the test vehicle, the as-tested price for the 2024 Honda Civic Type R (adjusted from the ’23 model tested) comes to $46,345.
Civic Type R vs. Acura Integra Type S: Meaningful Choices
Having now driven the 2023 Honda Civic Type R, my assumptions about its differences compared to the Acura Integra Type S were partly confirmed and partly revised. The price difference is indeed significant, with around $7,000 separating the two models. While the Integra Type S undoubtedly presents a more refined and mature driving experience, the Civic Type R doesn’t come across as juvenile in comparison. It’s a touch more raw and visceral, offering a more direct and engaging connection to the road. Even for drivers who might not consider themselves the target demographic, the Civic Type R’s appeal remains strong.
Ultimately, Honda deserves high praise for creating two exceptional compact sports cars based on a shared platform, yet distinct enough to offer buyers a genuinely meaningful choice. The 2023 Honda Civic Type R stands out as a performance bargain, delivering an exhilarating driving experience and surprising practicality, solidifying its place as a leader in the sports car segment.
