The saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” but Honda doesn’t subscribe to that philosophy, especially with the FL5 Type R. As spring finally thawed Colorado’s mountain passes, I seized the opportunity to test drive this latest iteration and see how it performs on some exhilaratingly twisty roads.
Fundamentally, the eleventh-generation Civic Type R builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, the tenth-gen model. It packs a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, managed by a slick 6-speed manual transmission. Equipped with summer tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on our test car, the level of grip is simply phenomenal. Honda has refined every aspect of this hot hatchback, elevating it above the previous generation to a point where it’s widely regarded as one of the best compact performance cars money can buy.
Being fresh off its debut, the 2024 model year sees minimal changes to the Type R. Predictably, the price has seen a slight increase, now $1,000 higher than the 2023 model, bringing the starting MSRP to $45,890.
Honda keeps customization relatively straightforward for the Type R, offering a comprehensive package with limited options. Premium colors like Championship White, Sonic Gray Pearl, and the striking Boost Blue (my personal favorite) add $455 to the price tag. Upgraded 19-inch forged alloy wheels are a significant $3,164 option over the standard 19-inch matte-black alloys. Accessory packages can further inflate the price, potentially exceeding $50,000 if you opt for the R Performance package, which includes the forged wheels and a larger rear wing.
Driving Dynamics: Is the 2024 Civic Type R as Good as They Say?
Let’s cut to the chase: how does the 2024 Honda Civic Type R actually drive? While I could draw this out for clicks, the truth is simple. If you crave a daily driver that’s equally at home on the track, the Civic Type R is a resounding “yes.” To borrow a phrase: Just do it.
The heart of the beast, the 320-hp K20C1 engine, is a rev-happy marvel, hitting peak horsepower at 6,500 RPM and delivering a robust 310 lb-ft of torque between 2,500 and 4,000 RPM. Even when it’s time to shift up, indicated by helpful yellow and red LEDs above the instrument cluster, the precise shift action and responsive throttle make each gear change a delight.
On paper, the 2024 Honda Civic Type R might be a hair slower to 60 mph (around 5.5 seconds) than all-wheel-drive rivals like the Toyota GR Corolla and Volkswagen Golf R. However, it’s notably quicker than the Hyundai Elantra N (6.4 seconds). The latest Type R’s lighter flywheel and flawless rev-matching system amplify the fun when you’re pushing the pace.
Factor in the sticky tire setup, powerful Brembo brakes, dual-axis front strut suspension, laser-precise steering, and a limited-slip differential that effectively eliminates torque steer under hard acceleration, and the Type R’s performance is virtually faultless. My only minor critique is the clutch pedal feel, which is a tad too light, a similar characteristic I noticed in the Civic Si. However, this lightness does enhance user-friendliness, which is beneficial considering the manual transmission is the only option – it’s 6-speed manual or nothing.
Daily Driving: Can the 2024 Honda Civic Type R Be a Comfortable Daily?
Given its hardcore hot hatch persona, one might assume the 2024 Honda Civic Type R compromises everyday comfort. And while it’s undeniably performance-focused, it’s surprisingly livable. From a performance-to-value standpoint, it’s hard to argue against. The interior, with its vibrant red accents from the carpets to the aggressively bolstered seats, certainly looks the part. But those seats, paired with low-profile performance tires and cornering capabilities exceeding 1g, could easily translate to a harsh daily driving experience.
Surprisingly, this isn’t the case. Honda has masterfully tuned the Type R to retain much of its Civic DNA in terms of comfort and practicality. Despite the race-inspired seats appearing restrictive, they are remarkably comfortable and supportive, even for longer drives.
Technology and Practicality in the 2024 Civic Type R
The 2024 Honda Civic Type R comes generously equipped as a single, fully loaded model, leaving little to be desired in terms of technology. The digital gauge cluster is informative and customizable, and the 9.0-inch infotainment system is user-friendly, if not as visually striking as some competitors. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Only a couple of factors slightly detract from the 2024 Honda Civic Type R’s daily driver credentials. It’s not the manual transmission in traffic – the light clutch actually makes stop-and-go driving quite manageable. The trade-off for those high-grip summer tires is noticeable road noise. At virtually any speed, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires make their presence known in the cabin. The aluminum shift knob, while aesthetically pleasing, can also become uncomfortably hot to the touch in direct sunlight during summer.
Fuel economy, while not typically a primary concern for performance cars, is reasonable in the 2024 Honda Civic Type R. The EPA rates it at 22 City / 28 Highway / 24 Combined mpg, making it the least efficient Civic in the lineup. However, achieving slightly better figures is possible with a lighter foot and staying in higher gears. In mixed driving conditions, including spirited runs through mountain roads, I observed right around the combined 24 mpg mark. Acceptable, although the small 12.4-gallon fuel tank means fill-ups will be frequent, with a range rarely exceeding 300 miles.
Livability and Practicality: The 2024 Civic Type R Still Delivers
Despite its racy red accents, the 2024 Honda Civic Type R remains surprisingly practical. With 37.4 inches of rear legroom, it comfortably accommodates four adults. Rear center storage and the absence of a fifth middle seat position are minor compromises. Cupholders are integrated into a small console between the outboard rear seats, and the center rear position lacks a headrest and seatbelt. Front passengers enjoy ample storage, including a decent center console, a reasonably sized glovebox, well-proportioned door pockets, and a small storage space under the climate controls.
The Civic Type R retains the generous cargo space of the standard Civic hatchback, offering 24.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up. This surpasses the Hyundai Elantra N sedan’s 14.2 cubic feet, the Toyota GR Corolla hatch’s 17.8 cubic feet, and even the Volkswagen Golf R’s 19.9 cubic feet. Folding the 60/40 split rear seats expands cargo capacity further.
Beyond the sporty styling cues and performance seats, the Type R’s interior largely mirrors other eleventh-generation Civics. The ergonomics are excellent, and wireless smartphone charging comes standard. The 2024 Civic models still utilize USB Type-A ports, which may be inconvenient for users with newer USB-C devices. Google built-in infotainment is expected in the upcoming 2025 Civic sedan, suggesting it may eventually trickle down to the Type R in future model years.
Verdict: The 2024 Honda Civic Type R Remains a Top Choice
Compared to the previous generation, the 2024 Honda Civic Type R focuses on subtle refinements, creating a more mature and sophisticated hot hatch. It remains a formidable track weapon, and its aggressive styling is sure to appeal to those seeking a more visually striking alternative to the Golf R. Standard tech like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are part of the “Honda Sensing” suite, and crucially, can be fully disabled with a few button presses.
If your budget allows and you’re comfortable with a manual transmission, test driving a 2024 Honda Civic Type R is highly recommended. Markups seem to be largely a thing of the past, with online searches indicating numerous examples available nationwide at MSRP. Honda’s standard warranty coverage includes 3 years/36,000 miles (bumper-to-bumper) and 5 years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. Complimentary maintenance for 2 years or 24,000 miles further sweetens the deal.
For those seeking a slightly less hardcore hot hatch with a touch more luxury, the Acura Integra Type S presents an alternative. Essentially mirroring the Civic Type R experience, the Integra Type S offers slightly more power (320 hp) and a more upscale image, but at a premium. Starting at $52,995, the Integra Type S commands a roughly $7,000 premium over the Civic Type R.
