The Honda Civic 2023 Specs – Performance – Reliability and More. It’s difficult to believe that anyone on the planet hasn’t heard of the Honda Civic. Since the release of the first generation Civic in 1972, it has become one of the best-selling vehicles on nearly every continent. There’s a good reason for this. The Honda Civic embodies a unique combination of practicality, good chassis dynamics, affordability, and accessibility, all of which are easy to achieve on their own but difficult to combine into a single package. Fortunately, the torch is carried on by the 11th-generation 2023 Honda Civic.
The 11th-generation Honda Civic represents a departure from the tenth generation’s maximalist attitude. From the styling to the minimally invasive tech in the interior, the 11th-generation returns control to the driver. Because 2023 is only the second model year for the 11th-generation Civic, there are a lot of changes to talk about. This guide covers everything you need to know about the most recent Honda Civic generation, including specs, interior and exterior styling, and technological advancements.
Trim Options for the 2023 Honda Civic
Even if you’ve decided that the 2023 Honda Civic is the vehicle for you, there are a few other factors to consider before heading to the dealership. One of the most important factors to consider is which 2023 Civic trim option is best for your needs. While the 2023 Civic is fundamentally the same regardless of trim level, there are some significant differences between trim levels that may sway you one way or the other.
For the 2023 Honda Civic, there are four trim levels to choose from. The 2023 Honda Civic LX sedan, 2023 Honda Civic Sport sedan, 2023 Honda Civic EX sedan, and 2023 Honda Civic Touring sedan are among them. The price difference between the entry-level LX Civic and the top-tier Civic Touring is $6,600, which warrants some consideration. Engine options, internal technology, and aesthetic changes are the primary differences between trims. We’ll go over the highlights of each trim level below.
Honda Civic Sport Sedan 2023 – $23,100 MSRP
- Paddle Shifters and Continuously Variable Transmission
- System of three driving modes
- Apple CarPlay Compatibility
- Auto Integration for Android
- Steering Wheel in Leather
- Alloy Wheels in Gloss Black 18″
- 7-Inch Audio Display with Electrostatic Touch-Screen
- Remote engine start and push button start
- Walk Away Auto Lock Smart Entry
Honda Civic EX Sedan – MSRP $24,700
- 1.5L turbocharged DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower
- Front seats that are heated
- Audio system with eight speakers and a power output of 180 watts
- Power Moonroof with One-Touch Operation
- USB ports on the front
- Automatic dual-zone climate control
- Rear seatback splits 60/40 and folds down.
$28,300 MSRP – Honda Civic Touring 2023
- 1.5L turbocharged DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower
- Fog lights made of LEDs
- Seats with leather trim
- Integration of wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android AutoTM
- Charger for wireless phones
- Bose Premium Audio System with 12 Speakers,
- Subwoofer
- 18-Inch Aluminum Wheels
- Honda Satellite Navigation SystemTM*
- Front power seat
The most significant distinction between the Civic LX and Civic Sport and the Civic EX and Civic Touring is found under the hood. The 158 horsepower naturally aspirated 2.0L K20C2 4-cylinder with iVTEC variable valve timing is found in the first two 2023 Civic trim levels. Under the hood of the higher trim levels is a 180-horsepower turbocharged 1.5L L15B7 4-cylinder with iVTEC.
Both have proven to be extremely reliable powerhouses, with very few major issues to report. Both engines come with the same Honda CVT transmission. Finally, if you’re not concerned with power figures, the less powerful 2.0L 4-cylinder has plenty of pep. If you prefer a little more pep, the turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder engine is an excellent choice.
Aside from engine differences, the main differences between the 2023 Civic trim options are interior technology and exterior styling. If you require a high-quality sound system, the last two trim levels are your best bet. The 2023 EX sedan has an 8-speaker audio system, while the 2023 Touring has a 12-speaker Bose premium system. The EX trim level adds an electronic moonroof, heated seats, and black 18-inch alloy wheels.
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Honda Civic Si 2023
The 2023 Honda Civic Si is a model that is not part of the standard Honda Civic lineup. While the base Civic isn’t known for its track pedigree, the Si has always been the Civic’s more powerful sibling. While the standard Civic’s main competitors are the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Altima, the 2023 Civic Si targets the Subaru WRX and Golf GTI. With a 200-horsepower, turbocharged L15CA inline 4-cylinder under the hood, the Honda Civic Si is clearly aimed at a more sport-oriented audience.
Aside from the powertrain, the 2023 Honda Civic Si has a firmer suspension, a limited slip differential, a six-speed manual transmission, and some external updates. Unfortunately, adjustable dampers were dropped from the new generation Si’s standard equipment. Having said that, the stiffer Si suspension is still a significant improvement over the standard 2023 Civic suspension.
The 2023 Honda Civic Si sits nicely between the subdued standard model and the big and bad Honda Civic Type-R. The Civic Si has significantly less power than its competitors, with the 2023 Subaru WRX producing 271 horsepower and the Golf GTI producing 241 horsepower. Having said that, the 2023 Honda Civic Si is significantly less expensive than both, with an MSRP of $28,500.
Honda Civic Type-R 2023
The Honda Civic Type-R is Godzilla. The Type-R is always mentioned when discussing Japanese sports hatchbacks. The previous 10th-generation FK8 Honda Civic Type-R was known for its ostentatiousness, with bizarre styling reminiscent of a 12-year-fantasy old’s come true. Having said that, it was extremely capable, lapping the Nurburgring in 7:43,90. The 2023 Civic Type-R, which is more subdued and civil than the previous model, marks the return of the famed model on the redesigned Civic platform.
To be sure, it’s only more subdued in terms of styling. The 11th-generation Civic Type-R is every bit as powerful as the previous model. The 2023 Type-R is powered by the 315 horsepower K20C1, Honda’s most powerful engine in the Civic lineup. The K20C1 received numerous updates from its 10th-generation application, including more aggressive tuning, a larger radiator, and a lighter flywheel. The 2023 Civic Type R also features improved brake cooling, an upgraded dual-axis strut front suspension setup to reduce torque steer, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires for increased grip.
Finally, if you want a fast-track car with above-average usability, the 2023 Honda Civic Type-R is an excellent choice. The Type-R is without a doubt the most expensive Honda Civic on the market today, with an MSRP nearly double that of a base model 2023 Honda Civic.
Honda Civic 2023 Performance
While track-day performance is unlikely from a Honda Civic, handling and acceleration are two of the main factors that get most people excited about a new car. Honda claims that the 11th-generation Civic has received a massive overhaul in the chassis dynamics and powertrain departments.
Engine Options for the 2023 Honda Civic
As previously mentioned, the 2023 Honda Civic is available with two engine options. Both engines are basically upgrades from the previous tenth-generation Honda Civic, albeit with a little more power. The 2.0L naturally aspirated K20C2 inline 4-cylinder with iVTEC variable valve timing and the 1.5L turbocharged L15B7 inline 4-cylinder with iVTEC variable valve timing are the two engine options. The base engine option for the 2023 Honda Civic is the 2.0L K20C, which produces 158 horsepower.
The 1.5L turbocharged Honda L17B7 engine, which is available on the higher-tier EX and Touring trims, generates a respectable 180 horsepower. While the power difference may not appear to be significant, the extra oomph of the turbocharged 1.5L is not only noticeable but could be a game changer for someone who wants to have a little more fun in their daily driver.
Honda has always been known for their dependable powertrains. Neither of these engines deviates from the trend. The L15B7 and K20C2 engines are both part of a long-running engine series that Honda has been refining for more than two decades. As a result, as long as you keep up with routine maintenance, neither of these engines is likely to leave you stranded. Because it is naturally aspirated and thus less likely to fail, the 2.0L K20C may have a slight reliability advantage.
Civic 11th-Generation Handling and Chassis Changes
The Honda Civic, as a front-engined, front-wheel-drive vehicle, has never been considered a true performance vehicle. Having said that, that layout can still be nimble and enjoyable to drive. That is precisely what Honda aimed for with the 11th-generation Civic. The chassis of the 2023 Civic has undergone significant changes. This results in an 8% increase in torsional rigidity and a 13% increase in bending rigidity.
While this may not appear to be a significant improvement, the extra rigidity will be felt through tight bends and around corners. One of the most important factors in a good-handling vehicle is chassis rigidity. Honda increased the rigidity by using significantly more structural adhesive, which is responsible for holding the underlying frame together. In addition, the 2023 Civic employs far more structural spot welds than the previous generation Civic. Because of these structural changes, the Civic not only handles better but also has improved safety characteristics.
The 2023 Honda Civic received a longer wheelbase in addition to internal structural changes. The overall wheelbase was 1.7 inches longer, making it nearly identical to a previous generation Honda Accord. The longer wheelbase makes tight cornering and throwing at an apex difficult. However, that isn’t the Civic’s main purpose. The longer wheelbase improves high-speed stability and overall predictability, which the Civic excels at.
Honda Civic 2023 Exterior and Interior
Honda wanted to devote much more time and attention to both the interior and exterior design of the 11th-generation Civic. That is evident in both the refined exterior and mature interior of the 11th-generation Civic. One of the primary criticisms leveled at the previous generation’s clunky and busy exterior design, which was certainly visually appealing in the wrong way. The interior of the tenth-generation Civic was also beginning to look a little dated near the end of the generation’s run, which has been addressed by the new redesign.
Honda Civic 2023 Exterior Design
The 2022 model year saw the introduction of the Civic’s redesign, which unquestionably set a new tone for the model’s direction. Sharp, angular, abrasive, and uncoordinated lines and angles have been smoothed out, revealing a sophisticated silhouette. Honda attributes this to a redesign of the Civic’s A-pillars, which moved them nearly two inches rearward. The redesigned Civic appears to have a longer hood and a slightly more aggressive stance as a result of this.
According to Honda, the character body lines have been reworked to provide a more sweeping and connected appearance from the front fender to the rear taillights. The rear roofline is also more elegantly swept downward than in the previous generation. While the 10th-generation Civic is more of a hatchback, the 11th-generation Civic is definitely more of a sedan.
Interior Design and Cargo Volume for the 11th Generation Civic
While the exterior redesign is more visible, there are some significant changes to the new Civic’s interior as well. While the interior of the 10th-generation Civic feels firmly planted in 2010, the interior of the 11th-generation Civic feels fresh, elegant, and timeless. With fewer buttons and clutter, the central controls no longer feel crowded and overwhelming. The dual-zone automatic climate control air vents are cleverly hidden behind an attractive honeycomb mesh that adds a touch of whimsy to the interior. The digital dash is appealing and easy to read, avoiding the information overload trap that many other manufacturers’ dash designs have fallen into.
The interior dimensions of the 2023 Civic have remained unchanged between 2022 and 2023. It is important to note that the hatchback and compact sedan models have a significant difference in interior volume. The 2023 Civic hatchback has a significant advantage in terms of overall cargo space. The standard 2023 Honda Civic sedan has 14.8 cubic feet of trunk space in the back. The Civic hatchback, on the other hand, has a whopping 24.5 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats folded down. Despite the difference in storage space, the two models’ interior dimensions are identical.
Honda Civic Technology in 2023
Improved technological features, while somewhat superficial, are an important aspect of updating a model to a new generation. That certainly applies to the 11th-generation Civic. It includes some significant life-enhancing technological advancements as well as some significant safety-related advancements.
In terms of improved creature comforts, the 2023 Honda Civic features a larger 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display that runs Honda’s own interface. The 7.0-inch display is upgraded to a 9.0-inch display in higher trim levels. A 10.2-inch digital dashboard is also available as an optional extra and is highly recommended. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are also standard features, with wireless device charging available as an add-on and standard in higher-tier models. Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation and the Honda Sensing suite, which includes collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, are also standard features.
The 2023 Honda Civic: Everything You Need to Know
The changes that come with the new 11th-generation Honda Civic model are extensive and far-reaching. While the 11th generation Honda Civic debuted in 2022, the 2023 Honda Civic appears to have refined the new Civic format even further. Following the discontinuation of the base model LX Civic, the 2023 Civic Sport is an excellent starting point that offers excellent value for money. The Civic’s redesigned exterior and interior make the overall experience much more mature and liveable, without making it a boring car to drive.
The overall package for the 2023 Civic remains largely unchanged. It’s a practical, front-wheel-drive sedan/hatch that combines usability with animated performance. As a result, anyone familiar with the model will feel right at home, while newcomers will appreciate the features that made the Civic so popular in the first place.
