All About the 2023 Honda Civic
Starting MSRP: |
Horsepower (hp): |
Torque (lb-ft): |
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): |
$29,200 [a] |
158-315 |
138-310 |
33/42 [b] |
Trims
A Variety of Body Styles and Trims
Honda does an incredible job of packaging the Civic in high-value trims that appeal to different buyers. For example, the 2023 Civic is available as a sedan or hatchback, which offers additional cargo room without compromising the Civic’s agility, performance, or handling. Moreover, these characteristics define the Civic’s trim lineup, which includes the Sport, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Sport Touring.
The Trims of the Sedan
The Civic sedan is available in the Sport, EX, and Touring trims. The Sport is Honda’s entry-level model, starting at $24,650.[a] However, its affordable price tag is deceiving because the sedan is well-equipped and comes standard with 18-inch gloss-black wheels, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a leather-wrapping steering wheel, and a 158-horsepower engine with a three-mode drive system.
The EX builds on these features, swapping out the Civic’s standard engine for its turbocharged powerplant and adding heated front seats, a one-touch power moonroof, blind spot monitoring, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-speaker audio system. The top-tier Civic Touring exudes luxury and adds leather seating to the best-selling sedan. You’ll also find a Bose premium sound system, cross traffic monitor, wireless phone charging, and wireless smartphone integration for enhanced convenience.
The Trims of the Hatchback
The Civic hatchback shares many similarities with the sedan, including a three-trim lineup. The hatchback family starts with the Sport base model, progresses to the EX-L, and ends with the Sport Touring. The only significant difference beyond the hatchback’s design is that drivers can opt for a six-speed manual transmission with the Sport rather than Honda’s continuously variable transmission. Like the sedan, the trims offer a progressive lineup of features, from wireless smartphone integration and a nine-inch color touchscreen display to leather-trimmed seating, power front seats, and a one-touch power moonroof.
Performance
Performance Built for Commuters
The 2023 Civic is sporty and fun to drive, breaking every rule of what most consider a practical sedan. Honda proves that an engaging driving experience is attainable in its lineup, whether behind the wheel of the Civic sedan, hatchback, or the performance-oriented Type R. The performance, while made to compliment those who spend a lot of time driving to work or bringing the kids to all their activities, will surprise you when you’re in the driver’s seat.
The 11th generation Civic debuted in 2022 with a standard 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine delivering 158 horsepower. The same powerplant returns for 2023 and is paired with a continuously variable transmission. The combination optimizes the Civic’s efficiency, accounting for its EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.[b] When you opt for the Civic Sport hatchback, you can swap the continuously variable transmission for a six-speed manual that provides a physical connection to the Civic’s performance. The exchange is worthwhile and doesn’t significantly impact efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.[c]
A Little More Power in Your Ride
Recognizing that more power is always welcome, Honda answers the need and offers an available turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine. The turbocharged powerplant churns out 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated with Honda's continuously variable transmission, which balances the engine’s power output with efficiency to give the Civic an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 33 MPG in the city and 42 MPG on the highway on models like the Civic EX sedan.[b]
The Civic’s sport-tuned MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension do wonders for how the sedan and hatchback handle when cornering. Likewise, integrated paddle shifters in the steering wheel give you more control over the Civic and let you shift gears as the situation demands. You can also harness the Civic’s power with its three-mode drive system, which features modes like ECON to minimize fuel consumption and SPORT to deliver a highly responsive and engaging driving experience.
Civic Type R
Bringing Sportiness to the Civic: The Type R
The Civic Type R returns to the lineup for 2023 and promises more power and capability. So how does the newest iteration deliver? Sharing the same platform as the 2023 Civic hatchback, the Type R ups the ante with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine. The engine churns out 315 horsepower, making for a sporty feeling ride.
The hatchback’s turbocharged powerplant works with a six-speed manual transmission to provide a physical connection between the driver and the speed demon. The result is phenomenal, especially with the Type R’s other performance-oriented components. The upgraded Brembo brakes enhance the Type R’s control and stability, while four distinct driving modes give drivers more control over how the Type R performs in various conditions. This customizable driving experience is extraordinary and provides the Type R with an edge in a segment laden with mediocrity.
Styling and Interior Elements to Enhance Your Drive
Along with its high-performance engine, the Civic Type R looks the part of a road warrior. Longer, wider, and lower to the ground, the Type R sits on 19-inch lightweight black alloy wheels with custom Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The front bumper is instantly recognizable by its honeycomb grille, a design detail also found in the cabin. At the rear, the Type R features three round exhaust outlets, a redesigned rear spoiler, and a new rear diffuser that actively reduces drag and increases downforce for enhanced performance.
Inside, the Type R is just as impressive and has an immersive cockpit with signature red seats and a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge technology. This technology includes standard features like the 10.2-inch digital instrument display and an expansive center touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration. You’ll also enjoy an immersive listening experience with the Type R’s Bose Centerpoint premium sound system.
Technology
Connected and Protected
The 11th-generation Civic introduced Honda’s first all-digital LCD instrument display and an upgraded available nine-inch color touchscreen for 2022. These features return for 2023, giving drivers ample opportunities to stay connected and informed from the driver’s seat. For example, the center display offers smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration and either comes as a standard seven-inch or nine-inch high-definition color touchscreen. In addition to smartphone integration, top-tier trims offer Honda’s updated navigation system with smartphone integration and an available WiFi hotspot.
Apart from keeping you connected, Honda prioritizes your safety and equips every Civic with the Honda Sensing suite. The suite includes advanced driver-assist tools that work as virtual spotters, alerting you to potential hazards by keeping an eye on the Civic and its surroundings. These tools include a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, a Lane Keeping Assist System, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Honda’s Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow is especially significant because it can transform your experience behind the wheel, making it less stressful and more enjoyable. Unlike traditional cruise control that relies on constant driver input, the Civic’s Adaptive Cruise Control uses sensors and cameras to monitor the flow of traffic and the Civic’s position in its lane. When it senses traffic ahead slowing, it automatically adjusts the Civic’s cruising speed. With Low-Speed Follow capability, it can also work during rush hour when traffic is at a crawl.