2023 Honda Civic Si

Overview

Built with affordability and driving enthusiasts in mind, the Honda Civic Si is a front-wheel-drive sport compact sweetheart that doesn't cost a lot and is a lot of fun to pilot. Sold exclusively as a four-door sedan and only with a six-speed manual transmission, the Civic Si uses a 200-hp version of the normal Civic's turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four. Black cloth seats with red stitching and Sport Injected (Si) accents throughout the interior highlight a cabin with modern tech, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While crossovers like the Volkswagen Taos and Hyundai Kona have replaced fun compact cars such as the Golf and Veloster, the Civic Si thrives as an entertaining alternative to a world largely populated by the mundane. Although it doesn't have as much horsepower as the Golf GTI hatchback, its lower starting price and standard equipment make it a temptation worth exploring—and one we are happy to have on our 2023 10Best cars list.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

1

Honda Civic Type R

STARTING AT: $44,390

2

Toyota GR Corolla

STARTING AT: $36,995

3

Honda Civic Si

STARTING AT: $29,595

4

Volkswagen Golf GTI

STARTING AT: $31,625

5

Volkswagen Golf R

STARTING AT: $45,835

6

Hyundai Elantra N

STARTING AT: $34,015

What's New for 2023?

A brand-new Civic Si debuted last year, so the fun-to-drive sport compact returns for 2023 without any equipment changes.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

This one's easy. Since the Si is only offered as a fully loaded model, there aren't many extras to choose from. However, for maximum cornering performance, we'd pay the additional $200 required to snag the optional summer tires.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood of the Civic Si is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. That power is sent to the front wheels through a standard limited-slip differential and a six-speed manual transmission; an automatic option isn't currently offered. Our hands-on experience revealed some engine coarseness when pushed, but there was little turbo lag, and we loved the shifter's short throws and light action. The manual gearbox also now has a rev-match feature for drivers who haven't perfected the heel-and-toe technique, and it's easy to turn on or off. At the test track, our long-term Civic Si managed a 6.6-second 60-mph time, 0.7 second quicker than a Civic hatchback we tested with the six-speed manual. Compared with the regular Civic, the Si has larger brake rotors and is available with a set of summer tires. The latter, combined with the car's firmer suspension, gives the Si an edge in the handling department. And while adaptive dampers are no longer included, the standard suspension was smooth, steady, and never felt harsh.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Civic Si is rated at 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Once we have the opportunity to run one on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the Civic's fuel economy, visit the EPA website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

An exclusive set of sport seats with added bolstering, distinctive Si logos in the headrests, and red contrast stitching are some of the primary ways Honda differentiates the Si's interior from the standard-issue Civic. The red stitching extends to the doors, steering wheel, and other surfaces to denote the car's sportiness. The ornate mesh that spans the length of the dashboard and conceals the HVAC vents also gets exclusive red trim. In the Si, the driver faces a gauge cluster with an analog speedometer and a digital tachometer to the left. Unfortunately, unlike its predecessor, the Si isn't offered with heated seats anymore. With the same dimensions as the less sporty Civic sedan, it provides an equally comfortable back seat and a trunk that'll hold six carry-on suitcases.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

As with the best-equipped Civic models, the Si's standard infotainment system features a 9.0-inch touchscreen that sprouts from the middle of the dashboard. The unit includes a handy volume knob and a couple of other physical buttons. Honda packages every Si with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's also a standard 12-speaker Bose audio system for jammin' out on the way to the grocery store or the racetrack.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Honda offers the same diverse selection of standard driver-assistance technology on the latest Civic Si. For more information about the Civic's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features 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

The Civic Si comes with a competitive, albeit wholly unremarkable, warranty. For those interested in complimentary maintenance, all 2023 Hondas come with a plan that covers oil changes and basic services for the first two years or 24,000 miles.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for two years or 24,000 miles

More Features and Specs