Which Civic is the fastest?
The Honda Civic Type R is the fastest production Civic currently available.
To understand why, this article compares the speed-focused Type R against other Civics across generations, detailing horsepower, torque, transmission, and performance figures that define the crown jewel of the Civic lineup.
Current leader: Civic Type R
Key performance figures for the latest Civic Type R (the FL5 model introduced for the 2023 calendar year) define its speed benchmark within the Civic family.
Below are the main specifications that contribute to its sprint and highway speed:
- Engine/transmission: 315 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 paired with a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip front differential.
- Torque: approximately 310 lb-ft of peak torque.
- Performance figures: 0-60 mph in roughly 4.9–5.0 seconds; top speed around 169 mph (varies by market and tire/wheel setup).
- Chassis and aero: track-focused suspension, aerodynamic enhancements, and weight-conscious construction that optimize handling and cornering speed.
Note: Real-world times can vary depending on tires, road surface, and launch technique. Nevertheless, the Type R remains the speed benchmark in the Civic lineup.
Historical context: how previous Civics fared
Understanding earlier generations highlights how the Type R came to hold the speed crown among Civics. The latest previous flagship, the FK8 Civic Type R, offered strong performance for its era but with lower horsepower and less advanced aero than the current model.
- FK8 Civic Type R (2017–2021): about 306 horsepower, around 295 lb-ft of torque; 0-60 mph near 5.0 seconds; top speed around 168 mph.
- Civic Si (non-Type R): approximately 205 horsepower, around 6.0–6.5 seconds 0-60 depending on market and year; top speed typically in the 140–150 mph range.
- Other Civics (base LX/EX/Sport, etc.): offer spirited performance relative to non-sport trims but do not approach Type R levels in speed.
Conclusion: Across generations, no non-Type-R Civic has matched the Type R's speed, though the Si remains the most capable non-Type-R option for those seeking a balance of daily usability and performance.
What makes the Civic Type R the standout
Engineering for maximum speed drives the Type R: a high-output turbocharged engine, aggressive gearing, weight-reducing construction, aerodynamic enhancements, and a chassis tuned for cornering performance all contribute to its swift acceleration and track-ready handling.
Other fast Civics worth noting
While not as fast as the Type R, other Civics offer compelling performance gains over standard models. The Civic Si remains the best high-performance non-Type-R choice for enthusiasts who want a hands-on manual experience with everyday practicality.
Summary
The fastest Civic in production today is the Honda Civic Type R (FL5), delivering a 315-hp turbocharged engine, roughly 310 lb-ft of torque, a six-speed manual, and estimated 0-60 times around 4.9–5.0 seconds with a top speed near 169 mph. Historically, the FK8 Civic Type R was the previous speed leader, while non-Type-R Civics like the Si offer strong performance but do not match the Type R’s speed crown.
