The Honda Civic Type R (FL5) is Honda’s top hot-hatch and one of the best front-wheel-drive performance cars you can buy today. It first launched in 2022 and continues into 2025 with only small updates.
The car is celebrated for its keen handling, strong performance and great driving feel, yet still functional every day. This article attempts to provide a straightforward, factual summary based upon the most recent sources from November-December 2025. Data are provided by Honda, big car tests (Car and Driver), safety reports, and real owners.
- 1. Pricing and Availability (as of December 2025)
- 2. Powertrain and Performance (Verified by Independent Tests)
- 3. Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes
- 4. Dimensions and Practicality
- 5. Interior and Technology
- 6. Safety and Driver Assistance
- 7. Ownership Experience and Reliability
- 8. Pros and Cons (From Major Reviews)
- 9. Direct Competitors (2025 Pricing)
- Final Takeaway
1. Pricing and Availability (as of December 2025)
| Market | Ex-Showroom / MSRP | On-Road Estimate (major cities) | Notes |
| United States | $45,895 (incl. destination) | $47,000 – $49,000 | Single trim; $800 increase vs 2024 |
| Canada | CAD 53,350 | CAD 57,000 – 60,000 | — |
| United Kingdom | £48,150 | £50,500 – £52,000 | — |
| Australia | AUD 74,000 drive-away | — | — |
| India (grey) | ₹55 – 62 lakh | ₹60 – 68 lakh | CBU import; limited units |
| Japan | ¥5,300,000 | — | Local spec is slightly different |
The Type R has no factory options except paint and a summer tire package ($200 in the US). The huge dealer markups seen in 2023–2024 have mostly gone away in late 2025.
2. Powertrain and Performance (Verified by Independent Tests)
| Specification | 2025 Civic Type R |
| Engine | 2.0L K20C1 turbo inline-4 |
| Power | 315 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) @ 2,600–4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual with rev-matching |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive with mechanical LSD |
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | 5.0 – 5.3 sec |
| Top speed | 275 km/h |
| Nürburgring lap | 7:44.881 (FWD record) |
| Fuel (WLTP) | 8.2 L/100 km (28.7 mpg US) |
| EPA | 24 mpg combined |
| Real-world | 22–26 mpg in mixed driving |
3. Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes
- Dual-axis front suspension to reduce torque steer
- Adaptive dampers with Comfort / Sport / +R
- Brembo 4-piston brakes with 350 mm rotors
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 265/30 ZR19 standard
- Cup 2 tires available in some regions
- Lateral grip: 1.02–1.06 g (tested)
4. Dimensions and Practicality
| Measurement | Value |
| Length / Width / Height | 4,592 / 1,890 / 1,406 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,735 mm |
| Curb weight | 1,439–1,450 kg |
| Boot space | 410 / 1,212 litres |
| Seating | 4 adults comfortably |
5. Interior and Technology
- 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & CarPlay
- 10.2-inch digital cluster
- Bose 12-speaker system (standard in many markets)
- Honda LogR performance data system
- No sunroof or HUD to keep weight low
- Alcantara steering wheel and gear knob
- Red sports seats with strong side support
Also Read: Honda WR-V: The Ultimate Compact SUV for Modern Drivers
6. Safety and Driver Assistance
The Type R has 5-star ratings from both NHTSA and Euro NCAP.
Standard Honda Sensing includes:
– Collision Mitigation Braking
– Adaptive Cruise Control
– Lane Keeping Assist
– Road Departure Mitigation
US models use a camera-based blind-spot system instead of radar.
A 360-degree camera is standard.
7. Ownership Experience and Reliability
- Warranty: 3 yr / 36,000 mi basic; 5 yr / 60,000 mi powertrain (US)
- Service interval: 12 months or 7,500 mi
- Average annual maintenance: $650–$850
- Predicted reliability: Above average
- Resale value: 70–78% after 36 months
8. Pros and Cons (From Major Reviews)
| Pros | Cons |
| Best handling in the segment | Ride is firm on bad roads |
| Excellent manual gearbox | No automatic option |
| Strong brakes | Small rear seat and boot |
| High-quality interior | Dealer pricing varies |
| Fun driving modes | No all-wheel drive |
9. Direct Competitors (2025 Pricing)
| Model | Starting Price (USD) | Power | Drivetrain |
| Honda Civic Type R | $45,895 | 315 hp | FWD |
| Volkswagen Golf R | $46,905 | 328 hp | AWD |
| Toyota GR Corolla | $45,640 | 300 hp | AWD |
| Hyundai Elantra N | $34,250 | 276 hp | FWD |
Final Takeaway
2025 Honda Civic Type R If the 2025 Honda Civic Type R is still king of front-wheel-drive performance, it’s because it highlights what makes driving fun in a FWD car — sharp steering, an engaging manual gearbox and great track behavior. It is not the fastest or the most comfortable car in this class, but most car reviewers still call it the best driver’s car for the price in 2025.
If you love manual cars and enjoy driving on twisty roads or track days, the Type R is still the favorite choice. If you need more comfort, space, or all-wheel drive, the Hyundai Elantra N, Volkswagen Golf R, or Toyota GR Corolla may be better for you.
Data valid as of December 2025. Prices and specs may change by region, so always check with local dealers.
