Is the Honda Civic quick?
The Honda Civic is generally quick for a compact sedan, with turbocharged trims and sport-focused models delivering noticeably brisk acceleration. Base models are practical and capable, while Si and Type R variants push the pace much further.
To evaluate the question, this article examines typical acceleration across the current Civic lineup, notes how transmission choices impact speed, and explains the design choices that influence how quick the car feels in daily driving and on the track. It reflects the lineup as of the 2024 model year, which sits in the 11th generation introduced in 2022.
Lineup performance at a glance
Before breaking down numbers, here is a practical snapshot of how quickly different Civics get from 0 to 60 mph, depending on engine and transmission. Individual results can vary by year and testing methodology.
- LX and EX/Touring with the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine (CVT): roughly 8.0–8.5 seconds to 60 mph.
- Sport with the 1.5L turbo (CVT): roughly 7.0–7.5 seconds to 60 mph.
- Civic Si with the 1.5L turbo and a 6-speed manual: roughly 6.0–6.5 seconds to 60 mph.
- Civic Type R with the 2.0L turbo and a 6-speed manual: around 5.0 seconds to 60 mph or slightly faster.
In practical terms, this means that for everyday driving the non-performance Civics feel quick enough for merging and passing, while the Si and Type R offer notably stronger acceleration and a more engaging launch experience.
Engine options and horsepower
Engine choice is the main driver of acceleration differences. The 2.0L naturally aspirated engine in the base Civics provides adequate power for daily driving but trails the turbocharged options. The 1.5L turbo enhances acceleration across most non-Si trims, and the Si and Type R push performance higher still, with the Type R delivering the strongest straight-line speed in the lineup.
What makes the Civic feel quick
Several factors influence how quick the Civic feels on the road. A turbocharged 1.5L engine helps deliver strong torque at lower RPMs, improving off-the-line response. The Si and Type R swap to tightly geared manual transmissions with precise shift action, which helps maximize acceleration on launches and during spirited driving. Drive modes such as Sport or S+ sharpen throttle response and tuning for quicker access to power. Weight is kept competitive for a compact sedan, contributing to a favorable power-to-weight ratio across trims.
Driver experience and practicality
Beyond raw speed, acceleration interacts with steering feel, braking performance, and ride comfort. The Civic’s chassis aims to balance everyday comfort with confident handling, so even quick acceleration feels controllable in daily traffic. For buyers prioritizing speed, the Si and Type R deliver the most engaging experiences, while base 2.0L and 1.5L turbo trims emphasize efficiency and practicality with adequate punch when needed.
Summary
Overall, the Honda Civic offers a spectrum of speed that is impressive for its class. Regular trims provide respectable, everyday acceleration, while the Si adds a tactile, enthusiast-oriented boost thanks to its manual gearbox and tuned engine. The Type R stands out as the quickest Civic, with track-ready pace and cornering prowess. If you want the sharpest acceleration, the Type R is the top choice; if you want a strong, engaging drive with everyday usability, the Si is a compelling middle ground; and if you prioritize fuel economy and smooth daily driving, the base 2.0L or 1.5L turbo variants still perform well enough for most tasks.
Is a Honda Civic fast?
Whether a Honda Civic is "fast" depends on the model, with the Civic Type R being the fastest by a significant margin. Standard Civics have moderate acceleration, while sportier versions like the Civic Si are quicker, and the Type R is a high-performance, track-focused car.
This video demonstrates the performance of the fastest Honda Civic Type R on a track: 54sAutoTopNLYouTube · Jul 4, 2025
Standard and hybrid models
- 0-60 mph: Varies by engine and trim.
- The Civic Sport Hybrid can reach 60 mph in as little as 6.2 seconds.
- The standard Civic 1.5-liter turbocharged engine can do 0-60 mph in about 7.5 seconds.
- The base 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine takes around 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph.
Sportier models
- Civic Si: This model is quicker, with a 0-60 mph time of around 6.6 seconds.
- Civic Type R: This is the performance benchmark.
- 0-60 mph: As little as 5.0 seconds.
- Top speed: Up to 170 mph.
- The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 315 horsepower.
Is the Civic or Accord faster?
The high-performance Civic Type R is faster than any Accord model, but the standard Accord is faster than the standard Civic due to its more powerful engine. The Accord has a larger, more powerful engine in its base models, while the Civic offers the highest performance in its specific Type R and Si variants.
- Standard models: The Accord's standard engine is more powerful than the Civic's standard engine, making it faster in typical driving scenarios. For example, the 2025 Accord has a 192-hp engine, while the 2025 Civic has a 150-hp engine.
- Performance models: The Civic has specialized performance versions that are significantly faster than any Accord model. The Civic Si has 200 horsepower, and the high-performance Civic Type R has 315 horsepower.
- Hybrid models: In hybrid versions, the power difference is smaller, but the Accord still has a slight edge in horsepower (204 hp vs. 200 hp). However, the Civic hybrid is more fuel-efficient.
How fast can my Honda Civic go?
What is the top speed of a Honda Civic? The 2025 Honda Civic top speed is reported to be 114 miles per hour for the Civic Sport Touring Hybrid. In 2023, the top reported speed of the Honda Civic Type R was 169 miles per hour. Type R options generally provide the best performance for the lineup.
Is a Civic faster than a Camry?
The Civic only comes in a front-wheel drive configuration, regardless of powertrain or trim, and there is no option to add it. As far as 0-60 goes, we'll look at the fastest times for both vehicles. Final thoughts: While the Civic is quicker off the line, the Camry has more overall horsepower when you need it.
