The Honda Civic Si Is Still a Hoot: Review

In an period the place manuals are fading and sedans are vanishing, the Honda Civic Si endures. It stays one of many longest-running inexpensive efficiency automobiles within the US and continues to be provided completely with a handbook transmission—no CVTs right here.

For 2026, Honda has given the Civic Si a delicate refresh. It options mildly up to date styling, a refined rev-matching system, and a bigger touchscreen. Mixed with its persistently wonderful driving dynamics, these updates make the Civic Si much more interesting for the brand new mannequin 12 months.

Honda Civic Si Execs

• Nonetheless Enjoyable As Heck
• Nonetheless Has A Handbook
• Nonetheless Inexpensive
• Nonetheless Environment friendly

What makes the Civic Si so lovable is what’s beneath the hood: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. It’s a punchy and lovable engine for the worth, sending its energy completely to the entrance wheels.

A limited-slip differential comes customary, together with among the best handbook transmissions within the section. The Si’s six-speed is fast, exact, and extremely satisfying to make use of. Paired with sharp driving dynamics, it’s simple to see why the Civic Si has remained a standout within the inexpensive efficiency section so lengthy.

Photograph by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Photograph by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Equally spectacular is how the Si performs if you’re not pushing it exhausting—which, realistically, is more often than not. The small turbocharged engine is as environment friendly as it’s enjoyable, delivering 27 miles per gallon within the metropolis, 37 on the freeway, and 31 mixed. That’s higher than the rest in its class.

Even higher, the Civic Si stays probably the most inexpensive choices within the section, beginning at $32,190 for 2026. Even with extras like premium paint ($455) and upgraded wheels ($1,600), a completely loaded Civic Si nonetheless is available in beneath $35,000 MSRP.

Honda Civic Si Cons

• Barely Underpowered
• No Adaptive Dampers
• A Bit Loud

As enjoyable because the Civic Si is, it’s exhausting to not want for a bit extra energy—particularly when so many inexpensive efficiency automobiles are extra highly effective than ever nowadays.

Take into account the competitors: the most recent Volkswagen Jetta GLI delivers 228 horsepower, the Hyundai Elantra N pushes 276, and the Toyota GR Corolla climbs all the way in which to 300. By comparability, the Civic Si can really feel a bit underpowered. An additional 10 to twenty horsepower would make a noticeable distinction with out stepping on the toes of the extra aggressive Kind R.

Journey high quality is one other small disadvantage. With out adaptive dampers, the suspension feels stiff and sometimes harsh over tough roads. A softer setup would assist with every day driving. Cabin noise can also be a difficulty—wind and tire noise are noticeable at freeway speeds, making the inside loud at freeway speeds.

Photograph by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Honda Civic Si Verdict

General, the Civic Si is the punchy efficiency sedan we’ve come to like over time. It affords simply sufficient energy for every day hooning, a near-perfect handbook gearbox, and a well-tuned suspension that delivers wonderful dealing with and street really feel.

So long as you are not overly centered on how a lot energy the competitors affords, the Civic Si continues to be a compelling, well-rounded efficiency choice. You actually can’t go fallacious right here.