2025 Honda Civic Type R Review

The 2025 Honda Civic Type R continues to stand out as the most performance-focused version of the Civic lineup, blending everyday usability with track-ready performance. The new model still features the popular turbocharged engine from last year, making the Type R is the top choice for those seeking excitement without sacrificing comfort or space.

Motopickers Rating

Motopickers tested the 2025 Honda Civic Type R and found it delivers a strong balance of speed and usability. The car feels quick in city driving yet remains easy to handle in tight turns, making it approachable for both new and experienced drivers.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces enough power through a 6-speed manual transmission that shifts smoothly and keeps the driver engaged. During the review, the Civic Type R impressed with its steering response and road grip. It stayed stable on winding roads while still offering a comfortable ride for daily use.

Cargo is spacious, even with the rear seats up, enough for groceries, luggage, or sports gear. Folding the seats expands the space further, adding flexibility for weekend trips or bulkier items.

Motopickers Scorecard:

Category	Rating (out of 10)
Engine Specs	9
Performance Data (0–60)	9
Ride Comfort	8
Cargo	8
Value	8

The 2025 Honda Civic Type R earns praise for combining strong performance with everyday practicality. It remains a car that drivers can enjoy daily without sacrificing fun.

What’s New / Updates Over Previous Version

The 2025 Honda Civic Type R carries over most of its design and performance features from the 2024 model. Honda chose not to make major mechanical or styling changes, keeping the car’s familiar 315-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and six-speed manual transmission.

One noticeable update comes in pricing. The 2025 Civic Type R now starts at $46,690, which is about an $800 increase compared to the previous year. While not a huge jump, it does place the car closer in cost to some V8-powered rivals, though it remains one of the most refined front-wheel-drive performance cars available.

Honda kept the interior and exterior design mostly unchanged, so buyers will see the same aggressive hatchback styling, supportive sport seats, and digital displays. This consistency may appeal to drivers who liked the 2024 design but were waiting to purchase.

In contrast to the standard Civic lineup, which now includes a hybrid option and updated front-end styling, the Type R remains focused on performance. This decision highlights Honda’s strategy of keeping its flagship hot hatch true to its racing-inspired character.

Competitors

The 2025 Honda Civic Type R competes in a small but exciting group of performance-focused compact cars often called hot hatchbacks. These cars mix everyday usability with strong acceleration, sharp handling, and practical cabin space.

The Volkswagen Golf R remains one of its closest rivals. With all-wheel drive and about 315 horsepower, it offers strong grip in all weather. It also provides a more understated look, which may appeal to drivers who want performance without drawing too much attention.

The Toyota GR Corolla takes a different approach with its rally-inspired design and standard all-wheel drive. Its 300-horsepower turbocharged engine and aggressive stance make it appealing to drivers who enjoy a raw, sporty feel.

The Hyundai Elantra N is not a hatchback but still competes with its 276-horsepower turbocharged engine and sharp handling. It delivers strong value for the price, and its sedan layout gives it a different kind of practicality for small families or those who need more rear seat space.

Other options include the Civic Si, which is less powerful but more affordable, and the Golf GTI, which offers a balanced mix of comfort and performance. The Subaru WRX also enters the conversation with standard all-wheel drive and a reputation for durability, making it a good fit for buyers in snowy climates.

For shoppers, these choices highlight how the Civic Type R fits into a class where power, handling, and everyday usability matter equally. Each competitor brings its own mix of strengths, whether it’s extra traction, lower cost, or more subtle styling.

Exterior Spotlight

The 2025 Honda Civic Type R carries an aggressive hatchback profile with sharp lines and functional details that highlight its performance focus. Its design balances track-inspired styling with everyday practicality, making it stand out among sporty compact cars.

Color Options

Honda offers the Civic Type R in a limited but carefully chosen set of colors that emphasize its bold character. Popular shades include Championship White, Rallye Red, and Boost Blue, each designed to highlight the car’s sharp bodywork.

Neutral colors like Crystal Black Pearl and Sonic Gray Pearl offer a subtle, understated appearance for those who like a simpler look. The hatchback body style benefits from these finishes by showing off its wide fenders, sculpted hood, and large rear wing.

For drivers using the Civic hatchback as both a daily commuter and weekend performance car, the color selection provides a mix of practicality and individuality.

Wheel Options

The 2025 Civic Type R comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels finished in matte black. These wheels not only enhance the car’s aggressive stance but also pair well with the hatchback’s wide track and performance tires. The design focuses on weight reduction, which helps improve handling and responsiveness.

Honda equips the Type R with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, sized 265/30R19, giving it excellent grip for both spirited driving and daily use. The wide tire setup complements the car’s suspension tuning, helping it stay planted during cornering.

For buyers who want a practical balance, the wheel and tire package works well for hauling friends or family while still delivering track-ready performance.

Interior Analysis

The cabin of the 2025 Honda Civic Type R blends everyday practicality with purposeful design. It focuses on driver engagement while still offering enough comfort and space for passengers.

Features

The Civic Type R includes a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drivers can also use built-in performance displays that track lap times, G-forces, and boost pressure.

Honda equips the model with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless charging pad, and multiple USB-C ports. These features make it easier to stay connected and entertained on daily commutes or longer trips.

The interior also highlights red accents, suede-like upholstery, and aluminum trim. These details remind drivers that this is a performance-focused car, not just a standard Civic.

Comfort

The front sport seats provide strong bolstering to keep drivers and passengers secure during spirited driving. Despite their supportive design, they remain comfortable for longer drives.

Rear seat space is adequate for two adults, though taller passengers may find legroom slightly tight compared to midsize sedans. Still, the back seats are usable for short trips or hauling friends.

Climate control is dual-zone automatic, allowing both driver and passenger to set their preferred temperature. For everyday use, the Civic Type R feels practical enough for families or anyone who needs a balance of comfort and performance.

Cargo

The Civic Type R offers 24.5 cu ft (694 liters) of cargo space with the rear seats up. This is larger than most compact hatchbacks and provides enough room for groceries, luggage, or sports gear.

Folding down the split rear seats expands the space further to 46.2 cubic feet (1,240 liters), making it possible to carry bulkier items. This flexibility makes the car more versatile for road trips or weekend projects.

Pet owners and families will appreciate the wide hatch opening, which makes loading easier. For a performance car, the Civic Type R delivers a surprisingly useful cargo area without sacrificing its sporty character.

Power and Performance

The 2025 Honda Civic Type R delivers strong turbocharged power, sharp handling, and responsive braking. It pairs everyday usability with the traits of a performance car, making it both practical and exciting to drive.

Engine Specs

The Civic Type R uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It produces 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is among the highest outputs for a front-wheel-drive hatchback.

A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, giving drivers full control and a more connected experience. The gearbox includes rev-matching technology, which helps smooth downshifts. This makes spirited driving easier for beginners while still rewarding skilled drivers.

Honda designed the engine to balance power delivery with reliability. The turbocharger provides strong mid-range acceleration without feeling overwhelming in daily use.

Performance Data (0-60)

The Civic Type R accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in about 4.9 to 5.0 seconds. This places it in the same league as many higher-priced performance cars.

The six-speed manual transmission plays a large role in this result. Drivers can shift quickly and precisely, which makes the car feel more engaging than an automatic. For enthusiasts, this hands-on control is a major selling point.

Performance tires and a limited-slip differential help the car put power to the ground. Even though it is front-wheel drive, the Civic Type R manages traction well during hard launches.

Fuel Economy

Despite its power, the Civic Type R offers reasonable efficiency for a performance model. The EPA rates it at about 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (10.7 and 8.4 L/100 km).

This balance makes it easier to use as a daily driver compared to some rivals. Owners can enjoy strong acceleration without facing extreme fuel costs. This car offers a practical mix of performance and fuel economy, making it ideal for both commuting and weekend drives.

Suspension, Braking, And Handling

The Civic Type R uses adaptive dampers that adjust based on driving mode. In Comfort mode, the ride feels manageable for daily use. In “+R” mode, the suspension stiffens for sharper cornering.

Large Brembo front brakes provide strong stopping power, and the pedal feel remains consistent under heavy use. This gives drivers confidence during spirited driving or track sessions.

The steering is quick and precise, helping the car feel light on its feet. Combined with performance tires, the Civic Type R maintains grip through tight turns while still being easy to manage on city streets.

Tech Overview

The 2025 Honda Civic Type R focuses on blending everyday usability with modern driving technology. It balances an intuitive infotainment system with performance-focused settings that allow drivers to fine-tune the car’s behavior.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Civic Type R comes with a 9-inch touchscreen that is easy to see and use. The interface responds quickly, and the menus are simple enough for drivers who prefer minimal distractions.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, making it convenient to connect a smartphone without dealing with cables. For those who prefer a more stable link, wired connections are also available.

A 12-speaker Bose audio system delivers clear sound, which is useful for long commutes or road trips. The system also includes built-in navigation, Bluetooth streaming, and USB ports for charging.

Families or groups of friends will find the rear USB ports helpful for keeping devices powered on longer drives. The combination of wireless features and strong audio quality makes the cabin feel modern and practical.

Features / Drive Modes

Honda equips the Civic Type R with multiple drive modes that adjust throttle response, steering weight, and suspension stiffness. The standard Comfort mode softens the ride for daily use, while Sport mode sharpens inputs for spirited driving.

For track use, the +R mode increases responsiveness and stiffens the adaptive dampers, making the car more agile. An Individual mode allows drivers to mix and match settings, tailoring the car to personal preferences.

The digital instrument cluster changes its layout depending on the selected mode, giving clear feedback on performance. This flexibility makes the Type R suitable for both relaxed commuting and weekends at the racetrack.

Drivers who enjoy variety will appreciate the ability to switch personalities with a button press, whether hauling friends around town or chasing lap times.

Safety Capabilities

The 2025 Honda Civic Type R emphasizes both active and passive safety. It combines strong crash protection with advanced driver-assist technology to give drivers more confidence on daily commutes and spirited drives.

Safety Ratings

The 2025 Civic Type R has not yet received official crash-test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, past Civic models, including the standard Civic sedan and hatchback, have consistently earned top marks in both organizations’ testing.

The Civic hatchback, which the Type R is based on, has a history of strong performance in frontal, side, and rollover evaluations. This track record suggests the Type R will likely maintain similar safety standards.

Families and first-time buyers should find reassurance in Honda’s reputation for designing vehicles that meet or exceed federal safety benchmarks. The body structure uses Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) design, which helps distribute crash energy more evenly across the front.

Safety Features

The Civic Type R comes standard with multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. These provide coverage for both the driver and passengers in the event of a collision.

Anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, and vehicle stability assist are also included. These systems work together to maintain control during sudden stops or when cornering at higher speeds.

Driver Assists

The 2025 Civic Type R includes the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist technologies. This package comes standard and offers several key features designed to reduce driver workload and improve awareness.

Adaptive cruise control helps maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, which is especially useful for long highway drives. Lane keeping assist gently corrects steering if the car begins to drift out of its lane without signaling.

Additional features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and road departure mitigation. These systems act as an extra layer of protection for both new drivers and enthusiasts who push the car harder on winding roads.

Additional Safety Features

Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is available to help with lane changes and backing out of parking spaces. These features are practical for city driving or crowded lots where visibility can be limited.

A multi-angle rearview camera comes standard, offering normal, wide, and top-down views. This makes it easier to maneuver in tight areas and helps prevent low-speed collisions.

For added convenience, automatic high-beam headlights adjust based on traffic conditions, reducing the need for constant manual switching. These features make the Civic Type R more practical for daily use while still delivering its performance-focused character.

Trim Guide

The 2025 Honda Civic Type R comes in a single trim level designed to focus on performance. Buyers only need to decide on colors and optional accessories since the car is already fully equipped.

Trim and Price

Honda keeps the Civic Type R simple by offering just one trim. This trim includes the 315-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and front-wheel drive. Features like sport seats, adaptive suspension, and Brembo brakes are standard, so drivers don’t need to upgrade for performance.

The starting price is $46,690, which is about $800 more than the 2024 model. Compared to rivals, it sits between affordable hot hatches and entry-level performance coupes. For buyers who want practicality, it still offers four doors and decent rear seating, making it easier to haul friends or family without losing its sporty edge.

Warranty And Maintenance Information

Honda provides the 2025 Civic Type R with a standard warranty package that covers most new-car essentials. Buyers receive a 3-year/36,000-mile (57,936 km) limited warranty along with a 5-year/60,000-mile (96,561 km) powertrain warranty. This coverage helps protect against unexpected repair costs during the early years of ownership.

The Civic Type R also includes complimentary scheduled maintenance, which lasts for 2 years or 24,000 miles (38,624 km). This plan covers basic services like oil changes and tire rotations, making it easier for owners to keep the car in top condition without extra cost.

For drivers who plan to keep the car long-term, Honda offers extended warranty options at an added price. These plans can provide peace of mind for those who rack up higher mileage or want coverage beyond the standard terms.