Review: 2023 Honda Civic Type R - It Surprised Me!

I spend a day with the 2023 Honda Civic Type R to see how it drives on the street and track, as well as how it compares to the last generation and its main rivals, the GR Corolla, Golf R and Elantra N. And while I didn't expect to be let down, I was surprised that it was more impressive than I was expecting. What do you think about the 2023 Civic Type R and would you pick it over its rivals? Thanks to Honda for providing this opportunity!
Time stamps:
0:00 Exterior
2:13 Start-up
2:40 Acceleration
3:34 Backroad drive
13:58 Track impressions
14:55 Interior
18:33 End of day impressions
20:49 Competitor comparisons
24:18 Fuel economy and pricing
25:49 Final thoughts
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[@RyGuyTheAVGuy]

For me, this is the perfect TypeR, god it looks SO damn good, they NAILED it.

[@g0d182]

This looks so basic

[@aceofspades6667]

@@g0d182 which is a complement

[@mrturner4620]

@@g0d182 That’s kinda what they’re going for. The last gen looks stupid as hell lol

[@Loasdrums2]

I like you're detailed comparisons. It's a big improvement from your early days. It makes sense to have the street and track impressions on the CTR. You did a good job providing feedback on road feel and comparing it to the other cars in its segment.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Brad, I’m glad you liked the video!

[@Maestor]

Another high quality review. Love how you can compare the characteristics with other cars in the same segment and very straight forward with how it drives for different uses. New format is great. Keep it up!

[@francofata181]

Excellent review, I really love how you do the split screen view of the road ahead and you driving in your reviews. This effect really helps to give the viewer a sense of what it’s like to drive this car. Great work !

[@Stingray_614]

Excellent driving Matt, don’t know how you’re able to speak so clearly and give so much info while chucking the car on backroads like that!

[@pwally2714]

Glad to see that Honda fixed their radiator issues, I was on my way to my job interview and my Honda S2000 was 6 out of 6 on heat as the plastic radiator failed. Blew my engine. $7000 in repairs and it's been in the shop since Dec on and off, $12.5k in last 6 months. Currently in the shop now and 5 out of the last 6 months.

[@timw2083]

Great review Matt!!! We can tell you REALLY enjoyed this one... I love the CTR and hope I can wait until so of the hype (dealer markup) dies down. Keep up the awesome work!!!

[@clustrone]

I have to say, as a consumer of much youtube car content, the way you describe your feelings during the drive is top notch. You are a great car reviewer. You convey your excitement very clearly while also delivering a lot of very detailed information. Well done, thank you sir!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thank you Brian, I really appreciate that!

[@Canyon_Shawn]

Wow, wheel spin! Woo hoo! 🤣

[@lilrockstarrs]

Always excited to see your reviews first Matt!! Woohoo the day has come! 🔥🔥

[@ranthony2714]

Definitely a dream car. I was living vicariously through you. Thanks!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for watching Anthony!

[@stefantakacs]

Excellent review. Matt, you deserve a lot more views. Keep up the great work.

[@Nightwing978]

I love the FL5, but i will say FK8 looks more of a hatch and i like that look a bit more

[@LD.cardosedaily]

Love the review Matt! Long time sub here and Pittsburgh native. Your channel is part of the inspiration that pushed me to create my own car channel CarDoseDaily. I currently have a 22’ Civic Si and I love it but I’m thinking about making the jump to a 23’ CTR.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for being a longtime subscriber, and I’m honored to be an inspiration! Best of luck to your channel!

[@2bunphettered788]

You picked the right road for this review Matt!! 😉👌

[@richardsmith579]

Very good, I enjoyed that.

[@MCGMB]

Perfect format and analysis!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!

[@1anre]

Matt, youve certainly improved from 2017 when i used to watch your car reviews and your thoughts on cars. I nekoyed thos TypeR review as it was balanced and wasn't afraid to show what the other competitors did right. Looks wise and longterm-keeper wise, the Civic Type R still emerges ontop for me.

[@slyck101]

The car sound and the Fast n Furious facial expression @19:30 sold me! Now, where's the check book? 🏎🤑👌🏾

[@manuelrendon8083]

Awesome review, thanks!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, I’m glad you liked it!

[@Chrisw678]

Great review! Much cleaner look then previous. I think they did a great job.

[@richardhoulton4016]

Nice review

[@671021]

Last video i saw in thumbnail says ~ new type-R worth 70K ? ~ and then i basically just forgot it exist . great review .

[@davidboyce6427]

Matt the giggles and joy you had driving that car was so authentic . It really came thru this video. I can’t afford it but I want one. Also Matt I’m hoping one day you could do a review on the Honda Euro Accord Type R. I’m honored to be following your channel 🤜🏽

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks David, I'm glad you liked the video! Those Euro Accord Type Rs are super rare, but I'd definitely love to review one if I get the opportunity someday!

[@davidboyce6427]

@@MattMaranMotoring Appreciate the consideration 👍

[@christophercruz7932]

Badass review Matt!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@AP0LL0420]

Keep on keeping on

[@s6tringplayer]

Great review I own a fk8 looking forward to driving the fl5

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I think you’ll like it!

[@opadilla123]

Its nice but already theres a vid with to stock type r one fk8 and the fl5 and the fk8 is faster looks like something in the gearing of the fl5 makes it slower so guess the little noise in the cabin makes reviews think its faster

[@NicholasGoolcharan]

best review of the type r. thank you...

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, I’m glad you liked it!

[@mikojchase]

Great review, Matt. Looks like they listened to a lot of feedback and made some big improvements to the car. Give them credit there. Also, Sonoma is my home track, gorgeous area. Glad you had fun

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Miko!

[@danparry834]

Back in the day I had the EP3 type r, don’t think the states got it. Now got an S2000, glad to see the type r is still alive!

[@haidersohail1649]

Beautifully made video Matt. I've been waiting to see your review ever since I saw this car unveiled

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!

[@rafalbardo889]

Great video as always, keep them coming.

[@gigatron2008]

My god do I want one. Maybe in 5yrs when the novelty/MSRP dealer markup era wears off and my Si is due to be replaced to make this my new daily.(I always buy my Hondas used anyways.) Its new more tame look and less aggressive seats is everything I wanted in a daily over the FK8. I did change my shift knob to a leather one. It's a pretty easy/cheap alternative. Plus the metal scratches easily so it keeps the OEM one looking mint condition. Awesome review as always Matt! Been waiting for this one.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for watching!

[@scrutch666]

Like they never did on the last type r?

[@gregkramer5588]

Thanks Matt. It is a cool car. Maybe not the one for an old man like me :-) even though I had a 93 Twin Turbo RX7 for 4 years.

[@dsher503]

Needs a color matched wing! Other than that though, this thing is pretty. Photographs/videos well from every angle.

[@Eddie-loves-cars]

Another great review Matt. Love the drives and reactions to the cars.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Eddie, I'm glad you liked it!

[@baktone]

Great review! Looks like you had lots of fun driving the type R. Hopefully I can get mine soon!!!!

[@robertfiske2084]

I picked up my Honda Civic SI 2022 December 1st. one year anniversary right around the corner. I do not like the color of the seats of the new type R and I'm not a fan of the rear spoiler either. But I do like the functioning vents on the hood on the type R. still at the end of the day I'll take my SI.

[@jimbochoo3316]

This is a great car, but I'd be nervous as hell to own one. These could be targeted by thieves everywhere. Even if it's not stealing the entire car, the wheels and seats are gonna fetch a lot of money for thieves.

[@houlester]

I’m a larger driver and find the Golf R comfortable. Do you find the driving cockpit to be as big or bigger than the golf r? Thanks for your review.

[@CaptainCJ97]

10:34 That corner caught me way off guard. Nice review tho

[@hdavey72]

Was wondering what happened to you man. Good to see u

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Welcome back! KZbin must have hidden my channel for you, I never stopped posting and post at least 3 videos a week.

[@anmac6910]

he had a baby ....poor guy XD

[@ZONE3965]

Id love a video comparing all the rivels

[@B00sted_JT]

Hey Matt, I haven't watched your videos in a while just haven't been that interested. Just wanted to give you feedback and say this new structure with a quick walkaround and then driving right away is way better. Not sure how long you've been doing that now but I like it. Watched the whole video 👍

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thank you I really appreciate the feedback! This is actually my first video with this new structure so I’m glad to hear that it helped you enjoy the video more, that’s the goal! Thanks again 🙏

[@yadvindergakhal4294]

Awesome review Matt! You did a great job comparing it to the competition and talking about the changes. Now one wish I have is that Honda should put this powertrain in the new Accord to make customers more excited, because I'm not interested in the new Accord at all, being an owner of a 2017 Honda Accord. Great job!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked the video! I'd love to see this motor in the Accord too!

[@psewgobind]

Seems like sport mode is the sweat mode. Good to know there's no rev hang, something I wouldn't tolerate since my 10th Gen does not have. (I have the NA engine).

[@Silver86777]

the type r is awesome, makes me excited for the future

[@scrutch666]

The non gas future? Im pretty sure thats the last generation of such cars

[@harisqureshi7469]

Great review, loving the new format!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Haris!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Just saw this was a Super Thanks too, thanks so much for that!

[@harisqureshi7469]

@@MattMaranMotoring of course man! Have a blessed week.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

@@harisqureshi7469 Thanks, you too!

[@Canyon_Shawn]

It looks like there’s room for 17s!

[@DekiaryCarter]

I’m so happy you got to be part of this special moment. I drove it last night and fell in love with it even more. 😎

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Dekiary, I’m glad you got to drive it too!

[@capuchinseven]

I like it, it's just the front just seems to come out of nowhere, like straight out boom. Nice from some front angles though.

[@Angryeddie14]

It’s a very nice looking car! Don’t like the fake noise and the price is very high and will only be higher with dealerships but that’s the world we live in these days :(

[@Mmm66689]

Thanks Matt. How do you compare it with the BRZ as a 2nd car. Obviously they are quite different: FF vs FR. 2 doors vs 4 doors. I’d like to have both but only allowed to keep one. Would love to see your thought on this. Thanks.

[@mitchellsteindler]

Sounds like a great two car garage. Civic type r for ultimate practicality and performance. Gr86 for rwd sports car fun

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I guess it'll depend on what kind of driving dynamics you enjoy the most. I'd say the Type R is a better all-rounder obviously with the extra space and FWD, but as a 2nd weekend car type of thing, my vote would be for the BRZ. RWD is still more engaging in my opinion and the smaller and lighter BRZ will be a more special experience if it's a car you're not driving everyday. Not sure where you live but if you like convertibles the ND2 Miata is still probably the perfect weekend car in my mind. Hope this helps!

[@Bad_1nfluence]

Great review Matt! Glad you liked the car. I am one of the few that is glad Honda focused on things outside of the HP wars.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Cash!

[@mitchellsteindler]

It's the most powerful fwd car you can buy in the US.

[@Pdpawlak]

45k for a civic is tough to swallow. That is Acura territory. I love my FK8, but don’t think I’ll replace it with another civic. Especially with electrification, I think power to price ratio is going to look silly in a couple of years with this type r.

[@ruskeee]

I'd rather have this Type R than any Acura (except the NSX)

[@GERONIMO326]

Does it feel quicker than the FK8?

[@skullft7731]

Really like this new Type R, how come sometimes the ambient lighting seems to be on and then other times it’s not?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I’m not sure if it’s tied to the headlights or if it’s just hard to see in daylight.

[@ranthony2714]

If the type r is this good, I wonder what the Integra type s will be.

[@theplatinumog3283]

Looks like you were out near Sonoma raceway for this one. If you find yourself there, laguna, or Thunderhill again, lemme know and I'll bring my Noble out for you to drive =p

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thank you for the generous offer! We usually don’t have much free time on these trips, but I’ll keep it in mind for the future!

[@theplatinumog3283]

@@MattMaranMotoring gotcha

[@mitchellsteindler]

Now that's an offer...

[@raist315]

The big question for Matt. Of the cars listed, which would you choose first to have in your garage?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

It’s really tough for me. Honestly I’d probably go used Veloster N if I was in this market lol.

[@CarStory]

Just say no to ADM’s

[@anothersiguy]

Looks like the perfect touge car

[@seth0512]

🔥🔥🔥

[@DKarGarage]

Is it better than sti s209?

[@meeralrafee1875]

Dont know why they remove the middle seat. The cup holders has the possibility to be in the backrest. I guess, it can be switched out if I ever own one.

[@Bullitt1768]

You plan on chauffeuring a lot in the car? Lol

[@meeralrafee1875]

@@Bullitt1768 Of course, if its your everyday car. It has a good size trunk and enough room for carrying your family around. Being practical as well being fun to drive, what more do you want. 😁

[@felixgustavoduarte2070]

How good it is as a daily drive vehicle? Many reviewers said it is too stiff, without clarifying if that in comfort or sport mode.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

To me it’s a tad stiffer than the last gen comfort mode vs comfort mode but it’s still great, and smoother than a current-gen Si.

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Love that it looks more grown up.

[@hectorcastaneda2123]

Didn't want a civicTR. Guess I am buying one today.

[@rekt_n_line]

I really like the toned down styling of the new CTR. It gives it less of a boy-racer look than last gen. The taillight design of the hatchbacks just hasn't really grown on me yet. Other than that it'd be a tough choice between this and the Elantra N if I needed a daily/track toy.

[@alfred0621]

I really like the design of this generation's civic and jazz, the lines just look so much cleaner. Not the accord though, it kinda looks like a Mazda now...

[@bobbya8622]

Dare I say it is also a good looking grown up car now? I think so. My Challenger is feeling a bit threatened.

[@Digiphex]

I wish they made a 2 door. This looks like grandma's econobox 4 door that has been souped up by Honda. I like the performance though.

[@RedPanda555]

Great review Matt! How does the new Type R feel compared to older gen STIs?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks! I'd say it's a good step up, but honestly so was the last gen in many ways with the adaptive suspension for example that makes the STI just seem old and outdated by comparison. This feels sharper and more capable in basically every way.

[@Utubesuxmycock]

@@MattMaranMotoring reporting you matt for buying fake traffic and subs

[@MattMaranMotoring]

@@Utubesuxmycock Huh? What makes you think I'm buying views? Look at the views and subscriber growth on my channel, it's pretty low...

[@jimiverson3085]

If they're going to pump fake noise into the cabin, why don't they use a soundtrack from a Ferrari 250 GTO?

[@nmode22]

Such a damn good car. Glad they took notes from the Elantra N. People for sure want a nice interior and having the heated seats In the Elantra N is just amazing. Honda tried to make it sound better but man that pumped in sound is not it. Love the red inside though on the R. Making things pop is what a car guy wants. 👍 it’s hard to believe they went that high on msrp and plus the dealer markups for that car will be over 50k. If you wanna have the same fun for way less go get an Elantra N

[@raver208]

Ha ha… I do not see what the issue is with the weighted aluminium shift knob in the summer… When I drive my FA5 Si , I automatically put on my driving gloves anyway… If you care about preserving your interior vinyl and leather from skin oils it is the best choice anyway.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Wow you're dedicated! I've only known 1 person that actually wore driving gloves, and it was because their Lamborghini had an alcantara wheel.

[@paulfairchild8942]

Really love the Type R but I wish they'd do a dual clutch version. I used to love using a manual but now much using a dual clutch and paddle shifters.

[@MakingItHappenMWC]

At $70k. I'll just go buy a M4. But, they did nail it overall.

[@kevjmu]

Only 500 in US 😢 resulting in a 80k Type R. With monthly payments of >$1000usd over 72 months . Love ❤️ car at 45k but let’s be honest no one is getting one for that price 😢 It’s a classic design and an amazing car❤ but it’s not worth same price new 2022 M3.

[@antonroux6737]

You completely forgot to test Comfort mode and comment on the ride quality! Actually you mentioned you would do it later in the video but didn't come back to it. You only referred to it from the previous model which is not useful. You need a checklist of what you need to cover in the review. Also it would have been good to know what road and cabin noise is like in Comfort mode. If you can add that here people might find it useful 😊

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Towards the end of the video I discuss comfort mode and that it felt a tiny bit stiffer than the last gen. Comfort mode doesn’t change the noise levels inside. Don’t worry, I always have checklists and bullet points that I make sure I cover haha.

[@antonroux6737]

@@MattMaranMotoring sorry I missed it. What are the noise levels inside? As in can it be quiet or not?

[@CTF33]

The more I see of this car the less I like it, which I guess is good considering the markups, and the funny thing is all the new stuff like customizable drive mode, adjustable exhaust, F1 shift lights, and 19" wheels, the Veloster N had 4 years ago plus a louder adjustable exhaust, better performance menues, drive mode buttons on the steering wheel and a DCT option.

[@karlbuckley8346]

At least it doesn’t look ridiculous like the boy racer styling of the previous model, but I just can’t get excited about a front wheel drive car.

[@antoinelee-thomas9536]

The last of the last has arrived. No one can complain about the price because it is what it is with inflation, but with the performance and all of the upgrades, it makes up for it. Here's how my choices would go: 1. Honda Civic Type R or Elantra N. They tie for first place for me. 3. MK8 Golf R 4. GR Corolla Now that all of the mainstream brand's high-performance top trims are out, it's time for people to stop complaining and put in the extra hours and make that OT money if they want the cool cars. With all of that said, now we just wait for the bonus caveat and that's the Acura Integra Type S. Hopefully Acura officially announces it at the 2022 L.A. Auto Show or before the end of the year so we can have something else to also look forward to as a bonus. We all know that the Integra Type S will be everything the 6th gen FL5 Civic Type R is, but with extra amenities and creature comforts the Civic Type R doesn't have: Powered sunroof, heated and cooled leather seats, maybe some rear heated seats (maybe), I think the 20" wheels may come back that was on the 5th gen FK8 Civic Type R and go on the Integra Type S (not the same style of wheels as the FK8, but its own style of wheels for the ITS), Brembo brake calipers in the rear just like on the yellow Integra Prototype revealed last year; so Brembos in all 4 corners, a Type S specific manual shifter, maybe some Apex Blue or Double Apex Blue seats and seat belts, etc... the list goes on. However it will look and however it will perform, I'm sure the upcoming Acura Integra Type S will live up to the hype when it comes just like the FL5 CTR.

[@CTF33]

The performance and the upgrades don't make up for the markups. Markup in SoCal in $25k making OTD price over $70k for a civic. You could literally buy 2 Elantra N's for that price.

[@afshars5791]

Very much looking forward to the Integra Type S, I just wish they didn’t make it seven inches longer than the Civic hatch! Like, why did they do that? I much prefer the civic’s compact dimensions

[@billysulser1062]

What engine is in this Honda wow it's 4 door

[@carlosjimenez8514]

Do you know why they are is red on the on that particular vehicle because it's supposed to be a knock back to hear it to their racing of their first race car 1965 Formula 1 driven by John fortees

[@noname-yb5jt]

Honda 15 more hp is like 40, lol. Car makes quite a bit more than the Corolla stock for stock.

[@gesu1742]

Am I the only one who thinks the seat makes him look like a young boy? Being short myself, it would bother me. The seats on the Civic SI or integra look in better proportion to him.

[@jigthepuff4540]

The only surprise is sticker shock.

[@gixxr88]

Whomever boight an FK8 5 years is laughing, due to the new pricing they pretty much had free use of an amazing car

[@StickNclutch]

Anyone know if dealers will have these type R lawn mowers as demos? I want to test drive it just for sh*ts and giggles

[@Bullitt1768]

Would love a black one with a black interior....just can't stand the red interiors on any car lol

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

The design is far less offensive to the eye 😄 Thank god they listened

[@NoMarkUpGil]

I like the pervious gen, it looked more unique and JDM. Not liking this European look.

[@BStudd1182]

I’m sure it’s a blast to drive if the FK8 is(which I drove couple months ago and it was amazing) but this will be a hard pass for me with the insanity dealer mark ups starting at $15-$25k extra. It’s still a civic at the end of the day.

[@BlueFL5]

Saying it’s still a civic is irrelevant. An M3 with a competition package is still just a 3 series. But at the end of the it’s actually not lol Everything is completely different for the most part. I’m not saying it’s worth 25k more, I’m just saying it’s worth way more than 44k. There’s a reason these things are going to be impossible to find.

[@DrBenz63]

SUBARUWRXFAN !!

[@Tigerex966]

2024 models should be at MSRP or close not this year, just say no to mark ups.

[@gssavage2964]

Style 2021 over a grampa style 2023

[@FlyinGato]

Unfortunately the new one is slower than the old one due to the change in final drive ratio

[@GERONIMO326]

It's not, they have break in periods, it takes the cpu a little while to calibrate for the 91 or 93 octane. Honda Pro Jason put his on a dyno and it was at 307 whp, and Hondata's was around 326 whp. It has more power. No question, and 60 lbs isn't changing anything, that's some groceries. They changed the final drive in the 2020 si and it felt much quicker than the previous year, this will be no different. Throttle House's testing isn't a good representation of which is faster.

[@DarkXenoGaming]

It looks like they went to HomeDepot bought a lawn mower and stuck it in the engine bay 😀

[@mitchellsteindler]

I think it's the best engine bay short of a ferrari. Still sounds like crap though.

[@DarkXenoGaming]

@@mitchellsteindler wasn't knocking it, it just looks like one of their lawn mowers under the hood 😂

[@mitchellsteindler]

@XenoGaming honestly I can't really picture a lawn mower in detail, just felt like an opportunity to express my love for the engine bay.

[@1Luthacris]

“Loves wheel hop” - Turns video off

[@jacrain9396]

How is it you're surprised that it's punchy and allows wheels spin? It's a lightweight car (generally speaking) with fwd and 300+ hp. Of course it's gonna be punchy and spin the wheels

[@AdamJakowenko]

Great review. This is wayyy better than the hideous boy racer old one.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Adam!

[@DS-en4et]

I don’t understand why Americans keep comparing the Hyundai to to CTR. Hyundai has no racing history, no heritage or history to its badge or N badge at all. If they could get away with charging as much for an N as Honda do for the CTR, they would. The CTR is better in every possible way, in fact the FL5 is a future classic. Nobody will call the Elantra N a classic. Hyundai will kill it in the EV segment though, they are making/designing sone of the best looking EV’s out there. Honda and Toyota have a lot of catching up to do there.