Honda Civic Si

• Overview

  

  Some people think the only way to get great performance in a vehicle is to go with a muscle or sports car that sacrifices comfort and passenger space for pure power. Fortunately, that is not the case, and you actually have a variety of options available to you for a great vehicle that delivers a pulse-pounding ride. Foremost among them is the Honda Civic Si, which is essentially a sporty, performance-tuned version of the standard Honda Civic. This means you get to enjoy a stylish and roomy interior designed with passenger comfort in mind while also getting the most from an engine and components built for exhilarating power.

  The first Sport Injected (or Si) variant of the Honda Civic was introduced in Japan in late 1984 as part of the model's third generation. Although we got a sporty Civic S model in the US, the first Civic Si did not hit the road here until 1985, still part of the Civic’s third generation. Since then, the Civic Si has remained a powerful and sporty option across most years and generations, though it has taken some breaks, such as a brief hiatus between 1996 and 1998. Often available as either a coupe or sedan, the Civic Si represents a fantastic option for any driver interested in impressive power and a well-appointed interior.

  In general, the Civic Si tends to feature a version of the standard Civic's engine that's been tuned for greater performance. This is often accompanied by other performance-focused changes and components that provide a sportier ride with boosted power. In more recent years, Honda has leaned further into the idea of a performance sedan by canceling the coupe version of the Civic Si, delivering a four-door car that is as functional as it is exhilarating. With the introduction of the Civic Type R here in the US in recent years, the Si is no longer the top dog in terms of powerful Civic models from Honda, but that simply means you have more options than ever before to get a fantastic driving experience.

  200

  Horsepower (hp)

  192

  Torque (lb-ft)

  27/37

  Fuel Economy (city/hwy MPG)

  Starting at

  $29,100^[a]

• 2019

  

   

  Although the Civic Si launched its tenth generation with the 2017 model year, it received updates and some interior changes for 2019, making this a terrific iteration for any fan of sport sedans. One thing that has not changed with this model is its engine, which is perfect because it has one of the most impressive powertrains we have ever seen. You get a sleek 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 205 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque; that’s remarkable power packed into such a nimble ride, and it is paired with a six-speed manual transmission that keeps you in control every moment you are behind the wheel.

  Inside, the revised interior provides you with a comfortable ride that is far more spacious than what you would expect in such a powerful and sporty vehicle. Choosing the sedan version gives you a bit more legroom in the back, but the coupe version still offers plenty of space to stretch out, making this a much more attractive option for passengers than a lot of other sports cars. You also get a spacious trunk on the Honda Civic Si, which makes this the perfect vehicle for your daily commute, running errands, and hitting up the track.

  The interior updates for the 2019 Civic Si are particularly appealing when it comes to your controls and how easy the dash is to operate. Honda has revised the infotainment system on the Civic Si, providing more tactile controls rather than relying on the touchscreen; this includes things like a volume knob and climate control buttons, though the on-screen controls and features are still excellent, with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The controls on the steering wheel have also been improved, along with an updated parking brake switch and larger cup holders, making the revised Civic Si more enjoyable to drive overall.

• 2022

  

   

  For the 2022 model year, Honda launches an all-new, eleventh generation of the incredible Civic Si, bringing its robust power and sleek design into a new era. Prior to this, the Civic Si had not been available for 2021 as Honda took their time making it better than ever, delivering a fully redesigned beauty for us to enjoy. This includes a redesign for the interior, which features sport seats up front that have added bolstering for support while getting the most from the powerplant under the Civic Si’s hood. Red contrast stitching sets the Si apart from other Honda Civic models, plus you get a spacious interior and a large trunk that is perfect for both work and play.

  The star of the show with the Civic Si is the impressive 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which delivers 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. This beauty has been tuned for quick, nimble performance and features front-wheel drive that is perfect for such a lightweight ride. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission (as no automatic is available), the updated transmission features a rev-match option that helps improve performance for some drivers. We should mention that Honda has discontinued the coupe model as part of the redesign, making this Civic Si available only as a sporty and sophisticated sedan.

  Interior features and tech have been updated for this new generation, including a standard 9.0-inch infotainment display that looks great and is easy to use. After updates during the previous generation, the 2022 Civic Si continues to have a number of physical buttons, including a volume knob and climate controls, making it easy to adjust these things while keeping your attention on the road. Wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, plus you get a twelve-speaker Bose sound system that delivers incredible audio. Best of all, this model comes with the same impressive Honda Sensing suite of safety features as the standard Civic, including a Collision Mitigation Braking System and more.

• 2024

  

   

  Now well into its eleventh generation, the 2024 Honda Civic Si remains the most impressive compact sports sedan on the road. Fortunately, Honda has taken an “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” approach with the Civic Si and it remains every bit as impressive as it has been for several years now. This starts with the robust engine, a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder beauty that delivers 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, providing you with a fantastic driving experience; this is paired with a rev-matching six-speed manual transmission that ensures you always remain in control, with smooth, fluid shifting that is incredibly rewarding. The front-wheel drive on this nimble ride feels excellent and well-weighted, with a firm suspension that handles beautifully at any speed.

  Inside the 2024 Civic Si, you find a beautiful interior that is as well-appointed as the standard Honda Civic, making it one of the finest compact sedans out there. The model-exclusive seats have side bolsters for added support when turning and getting the most from its powerful engine, though they are not too firm, so you will still find the ride quite comfortable. Unique red accent stitching sets the Si apart from other Civic models and adds a stylish touch that we love; plus, it is quite spacious up front and in the back for you and your passengers to stretch out.

  You will find a 9.0-inch infotainment system inside the Civic Si, along with a twelve-speaker Bose premium sound system that delivers deep, rich audio perfectly tuned for getting around town or hitting up the track on the weekend. Like other Civic models, the Si comes with Honda Sensing standard, which includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Adaptive Cruise Control to keep you safe while you enjoy everything this car offers. No matter what you are looking for in a sporty sedan, this Civic Si has you covered and will put a smile on your face every time you hit the road.

The Civic Si at Ralph Honda