Written byHonda has re-established the second generation of the 2025 Honda Civic Type R as one of the best performance cars available. Now, it has received another award for a performance car that won a prestigious Kelley Blue Book (KBB) award. Its unique combination of power, handling, and everyday practicality makes it an Editors’ Choice winner! Yet, as the prize cements its place, one question comes to mind—what the hell is going on with Honda doubling the price by $800 for this year’s model?
The Civic Type R has long filled the car niche and can go around a track without daily issues. With its 6-speed manual transmission, turbocharged 2.0L engine, and aggressive aerodynamic features, it is not just your average daily driver. This award further cements its position at the top of the segment for KBB and only proves that Honda has honed its formula to near perfection.
However, a price bump to about $45,000 has potential buyers asking what justifies it. Could it be better specs, improved tech, or more expensive production? Arguably, more important than the price hike is whether the model does enough to justify extra cash.
Here, we’ll cover why the Civic Type R earned KBB’s honors, review changes to the car, and examine whether the price bump is worth it. With this high-performance hatchback, are you still getting the most bang for your buck? If you’re wondering about that and more, read on.
Must Check: 2025 Honda Civic Si specs, features, and 0-60
2025 Honda Civic Type R Overview
The Honda Civic Type R remains a great example of the hot hatch balance between performance and practicality. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, making 315 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque from 2,600 to 4,000 rpm. A precise 6-speed manual transmission with rev-match control manages this power, guaranteeing crisp downshifts and an involving driving experience.
Despite boasting identical performance specs to the 2024 model, the Civic Type R remains an outright bonkers car for the iteration. The same goes for the engine specs, which deliver solid acceleration and responsiveness. The adaptive damper system and dual-axis front suspension still provide the R with superb handling and cornering behavior, which are traditional attributes of the Type R linear.
Design-wise, the version shares the aerodynamic tweaks of its predecessor; they were first introduced in the latest-generation model. Parts like the front lower spoiler and rear wing another drag over and assist downforce, both boosting high-speed stability. Those wide fenders enable 265 mm Michelin® Pilot® Sport 4 S tires for excellent grip in hard cornering.
Regarding tech, the Civic Type R has a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster flanked by a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. It comes with a wireless phone charging pad so that devices can stay charged up without tons of cords getting in the way. Standard Honda Sensing® suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking for greater driver confidence and peace of mind.
The Honda Civic Type R offers an exciting mix of performance, tech, and livability that keeps it near the top of the hot hatch leaderboard.
Why Did the 2025 Civic Type R Win the KBB Award?
Kelley Blue Book (KBB) awarded the Honda Civic Type R its Best Performance Car Award based on its driving dynamics, reliability, resale value, interior space, and efficiency. The Type R surpassed its competitors in these areas, which KBB uses to evaluate performance cars.
Exceptional Driving Dynamics
That 2.0-liter turbocharged engine pumps out 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a slick six-speed manual transmission. Substantial power figures with excellent grip, crisp steering response, and track-ready capabilities tether its lightweight chassis, limited-slip differential, and adaptive suspension to the road, resulting in one of the most thrilling hot hatches you can buy.
Reliability & Resale Value
Honda’s reputation for reliability helped the Type R win. The Civic Type R regularly has superior resale value over competitors such as the Volkswagen Golf R and Hyundai Elantra N, making it an intelligent purchase for those who like to go fast.
Interior Comfort & Tech
Many performance cars take an all-or-nothing approach, but not the Type R, which comes equipped with well-bolstered yet supple suede-trimmed chairs, a 10.2-inch digital driver display, and a top-end infotainment featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—daily useability — which adaptive cruise and even blind-spot monitoring bring.
Impressive Fuel Efficiency
The Civic Type R is an impressively efficient car for its high performance, returning 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway—better than rivals like the Subaru WRX STI.
Beating the Competition
More engaging to drive than the Toyota GR Corolla, Golf R, and Elantra N, the Civic Type R also features a more premium interior and best-in-class resale value, thus earning it the honor of KBB’s 2025 Best Performance Car.
The $800 Price Increase—What’s Changed?
The starting price of the 2025 model is $800 higher than the 2024 version, and while that sounds like a small hike, there’s more to the story. Car price changes are common among automakers, whether it’s larger macroeconomic forces like inflation or input costs such as raw materials or added features. So, actually, what is causing this price increase? Let’s break this down.
What’s New in the 2025 Model Vs 2024?
Performance Tweaks
It still mounts the same powertrain, though we’d expect a slight tweak in throttle response and transmission mapping to increase competence on the road. Certain trims may receive improved mileage or suspension tweaks for a softer ride.
Tech Upgrades
The infotainment system has also been updated with a larger display and quicker processing speeds. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with possible enhanced driver-assist tech such as lane-centering or fine-tuned adaptive cruise control on some trims.
Interior Refinements
Upgraded materials at high touch points (think premium stitching on the dashboard, softer seat cushions). Trims up might benefit from a new color palette and improved cabin insulation for a quieter ride.
Materials or Production Cost Changes
Worldwide supply chain changes have impacted the cost of raw materials, steel, and semiconductor chips. Even smaller changes in these markets can trigger price changes. If new manufacturing processes focused on efficiency are implemented, increasing production costs could also be possible.
Comparison with Past Price Hikes – Is this a Trend?
Price increases have been incremental and steady in recent model years. They were about $600 from 2023 to 2024, whereas they were about $500 the prior year. It’s not simply this one-time bump, either: This $800 increase implies that the increased costs—whether for materials, labor, or tech features—are a new normal, not a temporary readjustment.
For an $800 bump over the model, the version earns its keep with some seemingly minor but impactful technological, materials, and driving refinement improvements. These changes represent a mid-cycle refresh instead of a full-blown overhaul, but they align with the industry’s desire to see incremental developments each year. If you’re considering upgrading, the new features may be worth the price.
Is the 2025 Civic Type R Still a Good Deal?
Honda continues to deliver with the Civic Type R in the performance icon department, but in a world of skyrocketing prices, is it worth the cash? Let’s break it down.
Higher Price vs. Value
Honda already raised the Type R’s price for 2025, and it’s now hitting $45,000 before dealer markups. This costs $14,000 more and shrinks its value proposition even if it continues to provide involving if not truly exciting, driving dynamics. Buyers need to decide whether its precise handling and versatility combination is worth the premium.
Performance Per Dollar: How it Compares
- Toyota GR Corolla: 300 hp from the turbo 1.6L three-cylinder, starts at around $40K. [Was] AWD and rally-bred, with a less refined drive than the Type R but more grip.
- VW Golf R: The Golf R has 315 hp and AWD, but it costs a few bucks more than the Type R. A superb contender, it is likely still a better driver’s car than the Civic, but it’s less visceral character and lack of a true track-ready edge may keep it from full-blown track stardom.
- Hyundai Elantra N: The frugal choice, the Elantra N delivers 276 hp from a turbo 2.0L for a mid-$30K entry. The good: It serves good fun, but it’s not as polished or track-ready as the Civic Type R.
Ownership Costs & Insurance
The appearance of the Civic Type R is also beyond the sticker price. Performance classification means insurance rates are high for the Type R, but Honda’s reputation for reliability will likely keep maintenance costs beneath those of its European rivals. But that will become costly, too, for parts and tires, especially for the aggressive driver.
The Civic Type R is still one hell of a hot hatch, but the escalating cost makes it a little easier to pass up for an alternative. It still tops our list if you want something ready to go on track with front-wheel-drive. Still, the GR Corolla and Elantra N represent value, particularly for buyers seeking AWD grip and a lower price tag.
Conclusion
The Kelley Blue Book (KBB) award gives the Civic Type R additional credence as one of the best-performance hatchbacks available. KBB awards its resale value, reliability, and overall driving experience because having it gives more weight to a better enthusiast or casual car driving experience. This accolade now serves to reaffirm Honda’s dedication to quality engineering while continuing the Type R’s recent history of retaining a place at the top of the hot hatch hierarchy.
The $800 premium over the old car feels well-deserved based on the Civic Type R’s mix of race-ready pace, upscale living quarters, and modern technology. The Type R always offers a good balance of power, practicality, and everyday drivability, and while price increases are never welcomed, it still feels like a worthy purchase. Being recognized for this award only adds to its pool of value propositions.
What do you think? But does the increase scream fair play or shove the Type R into more expensive rival territory? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or book a test drive to experience Honda’s award-winning boat in person!
