The Honda Civic has been on the market for several decades and remains one of the most popular vehicles today. There is no denying its popularity, but for those desiring something with more performance, the Civic Si or Civic Type R can be great options.

Both the Honda Civic Si and Honda Civic Type R are exciting, fun to drive, safe, and reasonably affordable. How do you know which is the best model for you? Let’s take a quick look at the distinctions between Civic Si and Civic Type R to give you a snapshot of what each Honda model can deliver.

Honda Civic Type R

The Honda Civic Type R is a sporty hatchback. It is characterized by an excellent design with prominent carbon fiber components and a rear spoiler wing. The triple outlet exhaust system is ready for a high-speed track outing anytime.

The interior sport seats enhance the experience for both drivers and passengers alike. The Civic Type R is built for high-speed driving and grips the roads to make every turn enjoyable and straightforward.

Honda Civic Si

The Honda Civic Si is a six-speed, stylish Civic model built for energetic drivers with a maneuverable charm. The Civic Si is a more sporty, compact car but without an overly aggressive look. The interior has new trim, seat material, and Honda’s signature safety sensing standard. The exterior updates for 2020 come complete with modern LED headlights and a new front fascia that is easily recognizable on the street. The interior has new trim, seat material, and Honda’s signature safety sensing standard. 

How do they compare?

In terms of fuel economy, the Civic Si wins out against the Type R – 28/38/32 vs. 22/28/25 (city/hwy/comb). The Civic Si will also offer a few more standard features, such as heated front seats and a power moonroof, that are not offered on the Type R at all. The Type R shines when it comes to horsepower and torque, though. The Civic Si brings 205 hp, and the Type R brings a significant increase of 306 hp. When it comes to torque, it’s a comparison of 192 vs. 295.

Outside of performance, the biggest differentiator in these two models is the price. The Honda Civic Si has a starting price of around $25K. The Civic Type R will start just over $36K. In this case, you will pay more for performance and design but within their individual class, you can’t go wrong.

Which is right for you?

The Honda Civic Si is the best option for you, for stylish design and a selection of modern features that is unmatched amongst other sport sedans at this affordable price point. If power is what you’re after and speed is only eclipsed by your need to own the track with a powerful, performance-driven Honda vehicle, then the Civic Type R is easily the best choice for you.