Is the Honda Civic Type R a Good Daily Driver? (+ Civic Si)
Although Honda’s spiciest Civic, the Type R is a practical and surprisingly comfortable daily driver.
And what about the Civic Si for daily use?
5 Solid Reasons to Daily Drive a Civic Type R
#1 Remarkable Comfort for a Sports-Tuned Car
Compromise is an inaccurate descriptor for the masterful balance the Civic Type R achieves in athleticism and ride comfort.
It delivers excellent performance and sharp handling without sacrificing comfort, a feat many peers aim to accomplish.
The adaptive dampers are drive mode-dependent:
- +R mode – the firmest setting; delivers precision handling and maximum road feel.
- Comfort mode – compliant but never sloppy; best for driving around town.
- Sport mode – default setting; good for nearly everything in between.
Wind noise is minimal, and the exhaust is fairly quiet given the turbocharged engine, although you’ll hear the sound of the tires on pavement, especially at highway speeds.
Even though the seats feature aggressive bolsters for spirited driving, they’re generously padded and hugely supportive for short and long-drive comfort.
If you desire a race car that you can daily drive, look no further than the Civic Type R.
#2 Strong Fuel Economy from the Turbo Engine
The Type R carries a potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces a healthy 300-plus horsepower and has adopted enhancements to improve its handling and braking.
It returns mid-20s-mpg in mixed city/highway driving – a moderate efficiency for an everyday car, similar to other powerful four-cylinder compacts like the Hyundai Veloster and Volkswagen Golf R.
Compared to other entry-level sports cars under $40,000 – like the Subaru BRZ and Ford Mustang – daily driving the racy yet efficient and reliable Civic Type R is a viable cost proposition.
| Fuel Economy | |
| Honda Civic Type R | 25 mpg combined |
| Hyundai Veloster N | 25 mpg combined |
| Volkswagen Golf R | 24 mpg combined |
| Subaru BRZ | 24 mpg combined |
| Ford Mustang | 24 mpg combined |
| Subaru WRX | 23 mpg combined |
| Ford Focus RS | 22 mpg combined |
#3 Roomy Cabin for a Compact Car
Sharing similar interior dimensions with a standard Civic hatchback, the Type R offers plenty of room up front.
The rear-seat space, although modest in knee room, is commendable for a compact.
EPA interior volume for the Type R stands at 122 cubic feet; it compares favorably with the Hyundai Veloster at 109 cubic feet and Volkswagen Golf R at 111 cubic feet.
The generously-sized cabin and relatively slim roof pillars mean outward visibility is good in all directions, including out the back where the massive wing sits outside the large rear window.
Sports cars are typically low-slung, which compromises visibility and ease of driving, but you face no such problems in the Type R.
#4 Impeccable Safety Ratings
The 2021 Honda Civic Type R received 5/5 stars ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Those ratings apply to the Overall Side Crash and Rollover tests – NHTSA did not provide frontal crash ratings.
Elsewhere, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) honored the Civic sedan and four-door hatchback with the Top Safety Pick award.
Although the rating does not apply to the Type R hot hatch, it is the closest acknowledgment to the crash safety of the performance-focused variant.
| IIHS Awards | |
| 2022 Honda Civic 4-Door Hatchback | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2021 Honda Civic 4-Door Hatchback | Top Safety Pick |
| 2020 Honda Civic 4-Door Hatchback | Top Safety Pick |
| 2017 Honda Civic 4-Door Hatchback | Top Safety Pick |
#5 Generous and Versatile Cargo Area
As you’d expect with a four-door hatchback, the Type R is as practical as a compact car can be.
Its cargo capacity behind the rear seats is among the roomiest among rivals at over 25 cubic feet – the Hyundai Veloster and VW Golf R have just under 20 cubic feet.
With the rear seatback folded, the Type R’s 46 cubic feet still leads the Veloster (44.5 cubic ft.) and the Golf R (34.5 cubic ft.).
Hot hatches are typically ideal combinations of performance, practicality, and utility.
Civic Type R Comparison with Other Vehicles
Honda Civic Type R vs. Subaru WRX STI as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Civic Type R | 2.0L-i4-T–FWD | 306-hp | 25-mpg | Prem-ReC | $368+ | Good | Good |
| WRX STI | 2.5L-flat-4-T–AWD (2015-2021) | 305-310-hp (2015-2021) | 18-19-mpg (2015-2021) | Prem-ReQ (2015-2021) | $758 | Good | Poor |
The WRX STI is a decent high-performance driver but has little to offer in day-to-day livability.
To a great extent, the Civic Type R trounces the WRX STI as a better all-around daily driver, offering commendable ride comfort given its blistering speed capabilities and lower running costs via higher fuel efficiency and cheaper maintenance cost.
Honda Civic Type R vs. VW Golf R as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Civic Type R | 2.0L-i4-T–FWD | 306-hp | 25-mpg | Prem-ReC | $368+ | Good | Good |
| Golf R | 2.0L-i4-T–AWD (2022-present) 2.0L-i4-T–AWD (2015-2019) 2.0L-i4-T–AWD (2012-2013) | 315-hp (2022-present) 288-292-hp (2015-2019) 256-hp (2012-2013) | 23-mpg (2022-present) 24-25-mpg (2015-2019) 22-mpg (2012-2013) | Prem-ReC | $903 | Good | Good |
These hatchbacks are compelling options for daily use.
Although both are comfortable hot hatches, the Civic Type R beats the Golf R as the more economical daily driver with superior Honda reliability and inexpensive upkeep.
Opt for the VW Golf R if you live in snowy climes because its all-wheel-drive system is handy when grip is in short supply.
Still, the light and nimble Type R continues to redefine the limits of front-wheel propulsion.
Is the Honda Civic Si a Good Daily Driver?
The Si is the Civic’s intermediate performance trim level.
A standard Honda Civic remains the ideal passenger car, while the most-potent Civic, the Type R, is a compelling option for a performance-oriented everyday vehicle.
The Civic lineup’s versatility in fulfilling daily driving duties means the midlevel Civic Si is a natural fit for everyday use.
The latest iteration of Civic Si comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder in a four-door layout, and these are its daily driver credentials:
- Outstanding fuel economy – above 30 mpg combined from a 200-hp engine.
- More performance than regular sedans – not as aggressive as the Type R, but can do some light track-day duty.
- Comfortable for daily use – although stiffer than the standard Civic, it still absorbs most road imperfections and leaves its occupants unaffected.
- Four-door practicality – easy to enter and exit for the passengers.
- Impeccable crash safety – multiple-time winner of the IIHS Top Safety Pick award.
- Strong reliability – it’s a Honda, after all. Plus, low running cost counts among its pluses.
Civic Si Comparison with Other Vehicles
Civic Si vs. Civic Type R as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Civic Si | 1.5L-i4-T–FWD (2017-present) 2.4L-i4-FWD (2012-2015) 2.0L-i4-FWD (up to 2011) | 200-205-hp (2017-present) 201-205-hp (2012-2015) 197-hp (up to 2011) | 30-32-mpg (2017-present) 25-mpg (2012-2015) 23-24-mpg (up to 2011) | Prem-ReC (2017-present) Prem-ReQ (2012-2015) Prem-ReQ (up to 2011) | $368+ | Good | Good |
| Civic Type R | 2.0L-i4-T–FWD | 306-hp | 25-mpg | Prem-ReC | $368+ | Good | Good |
Honda makes reliable vehicles; moreover, both Civic models are comfortable driving machines, so your decision will depend on what matters more.
The Civic Type R edges the Civic Si as the more practical daily driver, with its hatchback body providing higher cargo capacity and utility.
The Type R is the higher-performance version of the two but at an extra $10k.
If you want to save on the initial outlay and fuel cost, the Civic Si sedan is perfect, as it also has more performance than regular everyday cars while keeping its occupants comfortable.
Honda Civic Si vs. Subaru WRX as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Civic Si | 1.5L-i4-T–FWD (2017-present) 2.4L-i4-FWD (2012-2015) 2.0L-i4-FWD (up to 2011) | 200-205-hp (2017-present) 201-205-hp (2012-2015) 197-hp (up to 2011) | 30-32-mpg (2017-present) 25-mpg (2012-2015) 23-24-mpg (up to 2011) | Prem-ReC (2017-present) Prem-ReQ (2012-2015) Prem-ReQ (up to 2011) | $368+ | Good | Good |
| Subaru WRX | 2.4L-flat-4-T–AWD (2022-present) 2.0L-flat-4-T–AWD (2015-2021) | 271-hp (2022-present) 268-hp (2015-2021) | 22-mpg (2022-present) 23-24-mpg (2015-2021) | Prem-ReC (2022-present) Prem-ReQ (2019-2021) Prem-ReC (2015-2018) | $682 | Good | Average |
Although the engine isn’t as powerful, the Civic Si manages to be thriftier on fuel, cost less to maintain, and provide a livable ride quality, making it a better daily driver overall than the WRX.
The WRX’s poor fuel economy is a sticking point in its daily-driving viability.
References:
https://automobiles.honda.com/future-cars/2023-civic-type-r
https://automobiles.honda.com/civic-si-sedan
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/HONDA/CIVIC%252520HATCH%252520TYPE-R/5%252520HB/FWD