What is the difference between the Honda Civic and Honda Civic Sport?
The Honda Civic is one of the most popular compact cars on the market, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and sleek design. Within the Civic lineup, the Honda Civic Sport stands out as a trim level that offers additional features and a sportier aesthetic. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between the Honda Civic and the Honda Civic Sport to help you decide which one is right for you.
1. Exterior Design and Styling
One of the most noticeable differences between the Honda Civic and the Honda Civic Sport is their exterior design. While both models share the same overall body style, the Civic Sport adds unique touches to enhance its sporty appeal.
- Honda Civic: The base Civic features a clean and modern design with standard 16-inch wheels and a more understated look.
- Honda Civic Sport: The Sport trim includes larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a center exhaust outlet, and blacked-out accents such as the grille and side mirrors, giving it a more aggressive and athletic appearance.
2. Interior Features
Inside the cabin, the Honda Civic Sport offers additional features that cater to drivers looking for a more dynamic driving experience and enhanced comfort.
- Honda Civic: The base Civic comes with standard cloth upholstery, a 7-inch touchscreen display, and basic connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Honda Civic Sport: The Sport trim upgrades the interior with leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, sport pedals, and additional tech features like an upgraded audio system for a more premium feel.
3. Performance and Handling
While both models share the same engine options, the Honda Civic Sport is tuned to provide a slightly more engaging driving experience.
- Honda Civic: The base Civic is equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It offers smooth and efficient performance for everyday driving.
- Honda Civic Sport: The Sport trim uses the same engine but includes paddle shifters for manual control and a sport-tuned suspension for sharper handling and a more responsive ride.
4. Price Difference
As expected, the Honda Civic Sport comes at a slightly higher price point than the base Civic due to its additional features and sporty enhancements. The exact price difference will depend on the model year and any optional packages, but typically, the Sport trim costs a few thousand dollars more than the base model.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Honda Civic and the Honda Civic Sport ultimately depends on your preferences and budget:
- Choose the Honda Civic: If you’re looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient car with a lower price tag and don’t need the extra sporty features.
- Choose the Honda Civic Sport: If you want a car with a more aggressive design, enhanced interior features, and a slightly sportier driving experience.
Both models are excellent choices, offering the quality and dependability Honda is known for. Whether you prioritize affordability or sporty aesthetics, there’s a Civic for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Civic Sport fast?
The 2025 Civic Sport sedan we tested was 0.1 second slower than the nearly identical 2022 Civic Sport sedan we tested, getting to 60 mph in a lackadaisical 8.9 seconds. That's hardly a noticeable drop from the seat-of-your-pants perspective, but many competitors are quicker.
What is the top of the line Honda Civic?
Civic Touring
The top-trim Civic Touring adds chrome-colored door handles, LED headlights with auto on/off, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, integrated LED turn indicators on side mirrors, heated rear outboard seats, a 450-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers including subwoofer, satellite-linked navigation with voice ...
Does sport mode use more gas?
Does Sport Mode Burn More Gas? By switching to more performance-oriented throttle and transmission settings, your vehicle's engine will rev higher and longer than it would during normal operation. This requires more fuel, and over a long drive, it can negatively impact fuel economy.
Is Civic Sport a turbo?
The Feature: The Civic Hatchback makes available a turbocharged powerplant that offers both exhilarating performance and excellent efficiency. In addition to the intercooled turbo, this powerplant features direct injection, Variable Timing Control™ (VTC™) on both camshafts and a dual-exhaust system.
What makes a Honda Civic Sport different?
Appearance. The 2023 Civic Sport rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and sports sleek LED headlights. Keyless entry and ignition are standard, making it effortless to hop in and start driving. The EX trim, meanwhile, comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, and a sunroof.
What is the difference between normal and sport mode Honda Civic?
The 3-mode drive system has an effect on several functions: In Normal mode, the powertrain, steering, instrument panel and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are calibrated to provide a pleasing balance of comfort, performance and efficiency. Sport mode makes for more immediate responsiveness to the driver's input.
What does sport mean in Honda Civic?
With Sport Mode engaged, you'll instantly notice that your Honda will prioritize certain characteristics. Suspension settings will be adjusted and models equipped with the adaptive damper system will become more firm to improve handling. Both throttle and engine response will be sharpened to boost acceleration.
Is it better to drive in sport mode or regular?
When to Use Sport Mode. Sport mode is most useful when you want to explore your automobile's full performance capabilities. Since this setting will likely make the throttle response sharper, the steering heavier, and the suspension not quite as comfortable, you'll want to avoid using it while commuting.
Which Honda Civic is the most expensive?
Honda Civic Type R #01 (2017) – $200,000
It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that delivers 306 horsepower. The Honda Civic Type R sprints from 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 169 mph.
Is a Honda Civic Sport a fast car?
The 2025 Civic Sport sedan we tested was 0.1 second slower than the nearly identical 2022 Civic Sport sedan we tested, getting to 60 mph in a lackadaisical 8.9 seconds.
