Overview
The 2023 Honda Civic Type R’s styling is dialed-back versus its wildly-designed predecessor, but that shouldn’t keep it from being more exciting to drive. Offered as a hatchback only, the Civic Type R is built from the more civilized 11th-generation Civic, reviewed separately. The new-generation Civic Type R uses the same turbocharged four-cylinder as the last model, but with output dialed up to 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The front-wheel-drive Type R’s six-speed manual transmission has also been upgraded to handle the power increase, and Honda has improved brake cooling to help handle track day punishment. Built in Japan with a powertrain from Ohio, the CTR’s new 19-inch wheels should start rolling off dealership lots later this fall and will be available in five fancy colors including the legendary Type R Championship White.
What’s New for 2023?
While we haven’t put the new 2023 Honda Civic Type R through our rigorous testing procedure yet, it’s no secret that Honda’s hottest new hatch aims to provide the same entertainment the last car did, but with more power and brakes this time around. The new CTR’s muscles have grown into a larger chassis, but it stands on smaller 19-inch wheels wrapped in wider Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The front and rear tracks are also wider, and the Type R now uses lighter two-piece front brake rotors that reduce weight and hope to improve cooling. The CTR’s output gains nine horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque from an upgraded 315 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and six-speed manual transmission. The Type R’s onboard datalogger no longer requires a smartphone app, as its lap recording and performance instrumentation can now be accessed from the car’s 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Honda hasn’t said how much the 2023 Civic Type R will cost, but we expect it’ll start just under $40,000 when it goes on sale. However, Honda says the new CTR won’t go on sale until later this fall.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The new Civic Type R will continue to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but a redesigned turbocharger with a more efficient exhaust system has increased power output to 315 horsepower at 6500 rpm with 310 pound-feet of torque at 2600 to 4000 rpm. The Civic Type R also benefits from additional improvements such as a larger radiator and lighter two-piece front brakes. Honda has also increased the RPM at which the active exhaust valve opens, to heighten the car’s four-cylinder symphony. A lighter flywheel paired with a revised rev-match system should further reward rowing at the new CTR’s six-speed manual transmission. The front-drive-only Honda will continue to use its innovative dual-axis strut front suspension that does a terrific job of suppressing torque steer. While the next Civic Type R isn’t as visually extreme, it still sports a prominent rear wing and other aerodynamic addenda as well as 19-inch wheels wrapped with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance tires. We’re very much looking forward to strapping our test gear onto the new Civic Type R and seeing what it can do. When we get the chance, we’ll update this story with test results and driving impressions.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Neither the EPA nor Honda has said how fuel efficient the 2023 Civic Type R will be in the city or on the highway. Once those estimates are announced and we have the chance to run one on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Although the new Civic Type R wears a more minimalist interior design than its predecessor, it has no shortage of racy visual cues. The latter includes red accents, faux carbon-fiber trim, and a familiar set of super comfy and supportive front seats. Just mind the ambient temperature before searing your palm on the aluminum shift knob. Atop the new digital cluster is a row of shift light indicators to help prevent slapping up against the redline between shifts. Passenger and cargo space are the same as the normal Civic hatchback, which should make the Civic Type R a great dual-purpose car.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Honda’s latest infotainment system runs through a 9.0-inch touchscreen mounted on top of the Civic Type R’s dashboard. It comes standard with popular features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless smartphone charging.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2023 Civic Type R hasn’t been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). We also expect it’ll continue to come with a host of standard driver-assistance technology. Key safety features should include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Honda provides an average limited and powertrain warranty that doesn’t include any complimentary maintenance. Those who want more comprehensive coverage will want to check out Hyundai’s plans, which are better in all three phases.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance