Speed, Practicality, and Style: How to Choose Your 2023 Honda Civic
As you narrow in on a 2023 Civic at Hudson Honda—your local Honda dealer—you might be surprised by the sheer variety of options beyond deciding between a sedan or a hatchback. Today's Civic lineup offers a diverse range of prospects suitable for all types of buyers, from first-timers on a tight budget to street-savvy drivers looking to level up their performance.
One of the most exciting facts about the 2023 lineup is that, whichever trim you choose, your Civic includes the same legendary reliability, ease of ownership, and sleek style that has made Honda a household name over the past few decades. Not only that, but even the least expensive Civic incorporates the latest driver-assist technology for peace of mind while you're on the go, along with some impressive fuel economy ratings, which saves you time and money.
Honda believes that cost-conscious buyers shouldn't have to compromise on connectivity technology, either, so Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across every Civic. Meanwhile, Honda clings to nostalgia with the Civic Si, offering an old-school manual gearbox to help drivers eke out every one of the 200 ponies produced by the standard 1.5L four-cylinder engine. And if that's not enough power, the explosive Civic Type R will deliver even larger performance dividends. Are you still wondering which Civic works for you? Use our handy guide to help you decide...
Practical and Stylish: Civic Sedan or Hatchback
Earning a perfect 10 out of 10 from the respected editors at Car and Driver, the 2023 Honda Civic continues accruing accolades for its practicality and affordability.[a] Offered in sedan and hatchback body styles, the compact Civic aligns nicely with most first-time buyers' budgets without alienating those looking for some extra creature comforts. The eight-trim lineup includes four sedan trims and four hatchback trims starting at $23,750 MSRP.[b]
With the base LX, Honda says "no way" to stripped-down base models. Along with smartphone connectivity, the Civic LX includes standard LED headlights, a push-button start, and a 7.0-inch color touchscreen. Automatic climate control is also included, along with a USB charging port and a four-speaker audio system that pumps out 160 watts of sound. Six safety technologies—including Adaptive Cruise Control, which automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to match traffic conditions—round out the well-equipped Civic LX's standard features.
The mid-range Sport adds additional comfort and convenience features, including upgraded wheels, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and an eight-speaker audio system. The EX has heated front seats and a one-touch power moonroof, as well as a dual-zone automatic climate control system that allows the driver and front passenger to dial in their preferred temperature.
Sitting at the top of the lineup, the 2023 Civic Touring Sedan embodies near-luxury at a price tag that still starts at just $30,350.[b] Honda elevates the Touring trim's cabin amenities with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and leather seating surfaces. A standard powerful 12-speaker Bose premium sound system produces concert-grade sound. The upgraded 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen includes navigation with real-time traffic updates, and it connects seamlessly with your smartphone.
The Edgy Civic Si Sedan
If you crave a throwback performance sedan with a smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential for extra grip, and a powerful 200-hp engine with 192 lb-ft of torque that kicks in at low gears for tons of off-the-line acceleration, we invite you to sit back in the specially-contoured exclusive driver's seat and test drive the Civic Si. From the polished alloy sport pedals to the stylized honeycomb-patterned dash, the Si purposefully stands out from its more practical siblings on the lot of our Honda dealership in West New York, NJ.
The 2023 Civic Si is positioned as an affordable sports performance sedan but handles like a pricey European export. This is year two for the eleventh-generation Civic Si; with a single trim option that's loaded with standard features, buyers only need to decide between the six available exterior colors. Hues like Blazing Orange Pearl make the Civic Si's angular contours pop, while Platinum White Pearl or Sonic Gray Pearl provide a more understated curb profile.
Along with the Civic Si's performance-focused attitude, Honda sticks to the script for fuel efficiency, with 27 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.[c] Red stitching on the doors, steering wheel, and dash accents the cabin; these combine with the analog speedometer to give off a race car vibe, which fits since the Civic Si achieves a zero-to-sixty time of just 6.6 seconds. And, of course, a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is mounted front-and-center on the dash.
The Civic Si offers high performance safeguarded by advanced safety technologies for worry-free cruising. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Civic Si a 5-star Overall Safety Rating—the agency's highest possible rating.[d] Honda offers 2023 buyers two years of free maintenance, which translates to free oil changes and tire rotations, potentially saving buyers hundreds.
The Civic Si sits lower and features a sleek, sloping roofline. With nimble road handling and an increasingly rare manual transmission, the Civic Si is ideal for drivers who like the feel of a true sports sedan. Cornering feels precise and stable, especially with its optional summer tires. Despite its positioning as a sports car, the Civic Si is still a practical daily commuter, with comfortable seating and plenty of in-vehicle tech.
Performance in Focus: Civic Type R
Power hungry and ready to tear up the asphalt? Set your eyes on the high-performance 2023 Civic Type R, a reimagined Civic that aligns with the industry's fastest and most exhilarating sports sedans. Boasting 315 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, a six-speed manual transmission, and a zero-to-sixty time of just 4.9 seconds, this Civic distances itself from its more practical siblings and prioritizes go-fast manners for thrill-seekers.
Honda engineered the Civic Type R with lightweight components so drivers can focus on speed and agility. The unique dual-axis MacPherson Strut front suspension promotes sticky cornering, essentially eliminating the torque steer commonly seen in powerful front-wheel drive cars. The multi-link rear suspension, limited-slip differential, and adaptive damper system also add to handling confidence, as do the standard Brembo brakes. Standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires grip pavement like an Indy car.
Inside, Honda delivers critical vehicle and performance data in a fully digital LED Driver Information interface with LED shift lights; crisp graphics display the tachometer and driving data gathered by the performance monitor, a system that collects lap times and other key driving feedback for true enthusiasts to monitor their driving performance. The Honda LogR system analyzes and scores your lap performance so you can make small tweaks to improve over time.
Though the Type R is at home on the racetrack, this sports sedan works for everyday driving, too, with convenience features like smartphone connectivity, navigation, and a wireless charging dock for compatible devices. Bolstered seating supports you during tight track turns and long highway drives. You'll smile as you glance at the dash-mounted serial plate, which displays your Type R's production number and reminds you that only a select few get to call this go-fast Civic their own.
The Diverse Civic Lineup
Whether you're just starting out in your first post-college job and you need a reliable commuter with a low monthly payment, or you have an itch for speed and can't wait to log some weekend track time, Honda's 2023 Civic lineup has the answer. From hatchbacks to sedans, high-horsepower engines, and cushy cabins with leather seating, there's a Civic tailor-made for your budget and lifestyle, down to the color you want at the price you want to pay.
Our showroom is stocked with 2023 Civics in a rainbow of colors, trims, and body styles. The Civic remains our favorite in the compact segment thanks to its class-leading reliability, fuel efficiency, and fun-to-drive characteristics. If your plans include finding a new Civic, there's no better time than the present. Thanks to the Civic's diverse trim lineup, feel free to make your "must-have" list as specific as you want because you won't ever have to compromise. Contact us at Hudson Honda today to learn more.