2023 Honda Civic: Car and Driver 10Best

The Honda Civic satisfies a wide range of needs. Looking for a thrifty highway commuter? The EPA says it’ll do 42 mpg. Fancy a bit of extra space? The hatchback fits up to 18 carry-on suitcases, which is small-SUV territory. It comes standard with lots of modern conveniences and safety features, and the higher trims feature near-luxury-car equipment levels.

If this sounds very rational, you’ve got the right idea. But if your estimation stops there, you’ve missed what makes the Civic great.

The reason the entire Civic lineup wins 10Best is because even the most sensible models—the base Sport sedan and hatchback—are a joy to drive, with balanced chassis, refined road manners, and accurate steering. While the 158-hp 2.0-liter inline-four is sluggish, the optional 180-hp turbo 1.5-liter four satisfies. Even the CVT is far from offensive, limiting engine drone to when you mat the throttle. Plus, Honda offers a six-speed manual in the hatchback.

Its well-dressed interior punches well above its sub-$30,000 base price with attractive materials and exemplary ergonomics. The exterior’s clean lines mean you won’t be embarrassed to be seen in a Civic.

Jessica Lynn Walker|Car and Driver

The performance-oriented Civic Si and Civic Type R tickle our emotional nerve center. The redesigned 315-hp Type R is the hot new addition to the 2023 lineup. That’s good enough to get it to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and it’s a riot on the track as well. The Si is less powerful with just 200 horses, but its lightning-quick responses make it a blast.

Both the Type R and the Si are offered only with a six-speed manual. These are “if you know, you know” kinds of cars. But the best thing about the Civic is its affordability across its range means more drivers can join in on the fun.

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Specifications

2023 Honda Civic
158-hp 2.0-liter inline-4, 180- or 200-hp turbo 1.5-liter inline-4, 315-hp turbo 2.0-liter inline-4; 6-speed manual, continuously variable automatic
Base: $25,745–$43,990

C/D Test Results
60 mph: 4.9–8.8 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.5–16.9 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 125–169 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 153–176 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.86–1.02 g
EPA Fuel Economy Comb/City/Hwy: 24–36/22–33/28–42 mpg

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