Cars like the sixth-generation 2025 Honda Civic Type R, first introduced two years ago, keep the hot hatch dream alive in North America.
"Type R is very important for Honda as the pinnacle of our factory performance and an irreplaceable brand that enables enthusiasts to experience Honda’s racing spirit and seek the ultimate in speed and driving pleasure,” says Hideki Kakinuma, global Civic Type R development leader, in a press release. “The all-new Civic Type R will continue that legacy, leveraging Honda’s racetrack-proven engineering to deliver extreme performance and passion—both on the road and the racetrack,” he adds further.
Based on the standard 11th-gen Civic, aesthetically, the Japan-designed car is much tamer than its predecessor with fewer extraneous vents, faux carbon fiber trim, and general busyness. Going back to the earlier roots of an “OEM-plus” look, there’s a black mesh grille, subtly-vented aluminum hood, smoked head and tail lamp lenses, center triple-exit exhaust tips, GT-style spoiler, and, of course, red badging.
Careful attention has been paid to preserving the sporty heritage of former iterations. For example, the iconic red upholstery and carpet, serialized plate on the dash, and teardrop aluminum knob pay homage to past models. The microfiber body-stabilizing seats are supportive but lack any adjustable lumbar support, proving tough on extended drives for aging enthusiasts suffering from a bad lower back (such as myself).
The fully digital instrument panel is easy to read and, depending on the selected mode, displays important driver information front and center, like engine rpm and gear position, as well as a Formula 1-inspired illuminated rev indicator at the top.
Floating above the dash is a new nine-inch infotainment touchscreen, compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which turns into a track-day command center via the Honda LogR Performance Datalogger. Utilizing onboard sensors and a built-in app, lap times, tire friction circles, and other data are recorded. When not listening to the surprisingly quiet exhaust note, the Bose Centerpoint stereo provides great-sounding audio.
Running a similar 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder motor as the previous version, a massaged turbocharger, and a more efficient exhaust system boost output by 9 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque, compared to before, for a total of 315 and 310, respectively.
The six-speed manual transmission is fun to operate and automatically rev-matches (toggleable) on downshifts. Though I still miss the high-rpm VTEC engagement of the older Rs, accelerating towards the 7,000 redline remains a hoot. Comfort, Sport, +R, and Individual drive modes alter various vehicle dynamics, including throttle response, steering feel, damper firmness, and engine sound, to create a customized experience behind the wheel.
A stiffer platform, wider front and rear tracks, longer wheelbase, and tuned dual-axis strut/multilink suspension means this Civic is afraid of no corners. Even in wet testing conditions, the standard helical-type limited-slip differential ensures the front wheels put power to the ground evenly without too much loss of traction.
The 2025 Honda Civic Type R is built at the company’s Yorii Plant in Saitama, Japan.
Highlights:
MSRP: $54,766 (base)
Motor: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 315 @ 6,500 rpm
Torque (lb-ft): 310 @ 2,600 rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed manual
Layout: Front-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 10.5 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)