Which Honda Civic is top of the range?
In Honda's current Civic lineup, the highest non-performance trim is the Touring, while the ultimate performance variant is the Civic Type R, which sits above all standard trims. For buyers seeking a balance of comfort and capability, the Si sits between these extremes in most markets.
The standard Civic range: trims and features
Here is how the regular Civics are typically arranged, with the Touring representing the top of the line among non-performance variants.
- Honda Civic LX
- Honda Civic Sport
- Honda Civic EX
- Honda Civic EX-L
- Honda Civic Touring
Touring is the highest-equipped non-performance trim, offering premium materials, more advanced technology and enhanced comfort features compared with the base levels.
Beyond the standard trims: the performance flagship
The Civic lineup also includes performance-oriented variants that sit above the regular trims, designed for higher speed, sharper handling and track-ready capabilities.
Performance lineup at a glance
The main performance models are the Civic Si and the Civic Type R, each with distinct focus areas.
- Civic Si: turbocharged 1.5-liter engine around 200 hp, paired with a 6-speed manual, tuned for engaging everyday driving
- Civic Type R: turbocharged 2.0-liter engine around 315 hp, 6-speed manual, optimized for high-performance handling and aero features
For enthusiasts, the Type R represents the apex of Civic performance, while the Si provides a meaningful performance upgrade over the standard trims without sacrificing daily usability.
How to choose the right Civic
Decide based on your priorities: daily comfort and refined technology point you toward Touring, while a passion for raw performance points you to the Type R. The Si sits in the middle, offering sportier dynamics with practical everyday usability. Transmission availability and your local market may influence which trims are offered, so always check current specs at your dealer.
Summary
The top-of-the-range answer depends on how you define “top.” For non-performance Civics, Touring leads the way; for performance, the Civic Type R is the flagship. The Civic Si sits as a high-performance option below the Type R, offering a blend of sportiness and practicality. Buyers should weigh comfort, features, and power to choose the right Civic for their needs.
