The Ultimate Trifecta: Three Civic Models to Be Excited for in 2023

Dec 21, 2022

A blue 2023 Honda Civic Sport is shown driving on a city street after leaving a Honda dealer near Pecos, TX.

The upcoming model year is certain to generate a great deal of excitement among fans of Honda, as the optimistic feelings that come with any new year are felt worldwide. For devotees of the Japanese manufacturer, joy and enthusiasm are sure to resonate deeply. While there’s no shortage of offerings from Honda that continue to shift the paradigm of innovation and performance, the cornerstone of the fleet has been the Civic.

First appearing in 1972, the vehicle answered the growing consumer need for more fuel-efficient vehicles at a time when fuel prices were unpredictable and stocks were in short supply. That unwavering dedication to the benefits of their customers has continued since. 2023 will see the arrival of three models of the Civic that are sure to turn heads and surpass expectations. As the most trusted Honda dealer near Pecos, TX, Classic Honda of Midland is proud to offer an in-depth look at what’s bound to be one of the best years for the Civic. Start your engines!

The 2023 Honda Civic

Like a bottle of fine wine, the Civic gets better each year. The previous year saw a complete redesign of the vehicle, and these carry over to 2023 as well. Much like the Civics of old, the vehicle comes in both a sedan and hatchback configuration, utilizing practicality and performance for the benefit of the average consumer. What this means is getting more for your money. The sedan has a low starting MSRP of only $24,650, which grants much more than the competition, and we’ll soon see how this makes the Civic worth every penny.^[a]

So, what’s underneath the hood? We’re happy to tell you that even the base offering packs a punch. A 2.0L four-cylinder engine comes with 158 hp, and an available upgrade in the form of a 1.5L turbocharged engine elevates the horsepower rating to 180. While these differences seem subtle, the division of practicality and performance is not found within the engine but in the transmission, with a six-speed manual transmission available on the hatchback versions of the Civic.

Fine-tuned for those who favor performance and control, it’s a perfect pairing to the Civics turbo-charged offering. However, for those who place practicality at the forefront of their purchases, a continuous variable transmission maximizes fuel efficiency. The 2023 Civic sedan gets an EPA-estimated 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, making the most of the time between fill-ups.^[b] The EPA estimates that this results in an estimated savings of $1,250 over a period of five years.

Behind the wheel in 2023 means having the latest technological features and comforts at your disposal. A stylish and practical interior is anchored by a seven-inch infotainment screen, which can be upgraded to nine inches if you opt for the higher-end Touring trim. The peace of mind you’ll have on the road is in the form of a wide range of standard safety features. Adaptive cruise control and the collision mitigation braking system are both standard, continuing Honda’s practice of giving more to their customers for a reasonable price. After all, why should safety come with a price tag?

A close up shows the front of an orange 2023 Honda Civic Si is shown.

The 2023 Honda Civic SI

As we mentioned at the start of our examination, the Civic made its debut when there was an ongoing fuel crisis by offering a product that could compete directly with domestic vehicles with less-than-favorable fuel consumption. The 2023 Honda Civic SI continues the brand’s tradition of competition, squaring off against some higher-end European sedans such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI. The competitive nature of the Civic SI is found in its starting MSRP of only $28,100.^[a] This underbids the Golf R, Jetta GLI, and Golf GTI from Volkswagen, as well as the Hyundai Elantra N and Toyota GR Corolla.

The sports sedan version of the Civic certainly has some stiff competition, and if its powertrain is any indication, there’s a good chance 2023 will be the year it leaves them all behind. A 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission are ideal for the semi-racing enthusiast. While the engine of the Civic SI might be diminutive in size, it’s another example of big things coming in small packages. Horsepower tops out at 200 and is complimented by the ability to generate 192 lb-ft of torque. The capability to go from 0 to 60 MPH in a mere 6.6 seconds certainly gives it an edge over many others in its class and price range. Speaking of which, it also gets an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.^[c]

It’s not just performance that grants the SI its appeal. Its interior, anchored by a nine-inch infotainment screen, features a two-toned color scheme that looks ripped right from the race track. Of course, the sounds of the engine won’t distract you from being entertained. This is due to its high-end 12-speaker Bose premium sound system. Whether it’s racing or commuting, you’ll have enough potency for both.

The 2023 Honda Civic Type-R

Well, here we are. This is where the rubber meets the road. If you’ve ever played Gran Tourismo or watched any of the Fast & The Furious movies and wondered if there was a racer in your price range, this is it. The 2023 Honda Civic Type-R possesses all of the virtues and attributes you’d expect from a race car but is attainable for much less than a Lamborghini, with a starting MSRP of $42,895.^[a] On top of that, you’re getting high-end performance at a sustainable price; let’s take a deeper look at this exceptional model.

While the Civic Type-R was conspicuous by its absence during the 2022 model year, the heart has grown fonder of what it brings to the table. A turbocharged four-cylinder boasts 315 hp and can generate 310 lb-ft of torque. This is complemented by the Type-R’s six-speed manual transmission for the authentic racing feel that’s further accentuated by its interior. Like the Civic SI, the Type-R uses a nine-inch infotainment screen and a two-toned color scheme. However, the Type-R’s chrome pedals, shifter, and bold red and black contrast create the racing cockpit’s authentic feel.

What’s more, while the Type-R is geared and built for performance, there is a level of practicality that Honda has always known for. You’ll still get adequate fuel economy while achieving an EPA-estimated 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway while breaking the sound barrier on your 19-inch wheels.^[d]

A white 2023 Honda Civic Type R is shown parked in a garage.

A Better Quality Of Life In The Fast Lane

As a standard of unsurpassed quality, the three offerings from the 2023 Honda Civic can be utilized for a variety of purposes. Whether it’s practicality, performance, or raw power, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish in the upcoming year. As an extension of the brand, Classic Honda of Midland believes in holding ourselves to the same standards of quality that have always been a part of the Honda Civic. Whether getting behind the wheel for a test drive or having routine service performed to recoup a return on your investment, we take pride in our customers and the vehicles we carry on our lot. 2023 is bound to be an exciting year; we’ll help you find the perfect Civic to experience and make it one to remember.