2025 Honda Civic Si

I grew up as a Honda and Acura enthusiast, so the term “Civic Si” gets my blood boiling with every new generation. I remember when the 1999 Civic Si started showing up in dealerships and my teenage mind was blown at the thought of commanding 160 horsepower coming out of an engine that spins all the way up to 8,000 rpm. The only issue was that it cost around $20,000 new, which was astronomical for a Civic at the time. Fast forward 25 years and this latest Civic Si costs nearly as much as luxury sedan in the late 90s.

But I’m happy to report that for the $30,000 price of entry, you’ll get a potent Civic that delivers hair-raising fun on a canyon road while remaining sturdy and comfortable enough for your daily commute. It is a Civic, after all, so it does all of the “Civic” things right. The Civic Si is fuel efficient and practical, but the latest version is perhaps the most powerful and versatile one yet.

Exterior

Honda’s latest Civic Si draws inspiration from the latest 11th-generation model but adds a dose of sporty flair. The 2025 model maintains the low, wide stance and sleek profile introduced in recent years, but with subtle enhancements that hint at its sporting intentions. A gloss black front grille, aggressive lower bumper, and distinctive Si badging immediately set it apart.

On the side, the Si rides on exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish, wrapped in performance-oriented tires. The rear is accentuated by a subtle decklid spoiler and a pair of chrome-tipped exhausts, visually underscoring the car’s performance promise. LED headlights and taillights remain standard, providing a crisp, modern signature both day and night. The color palate for this year is small as there are only four colors to choose from, but it should make the car easier to shop for.

Interior

Step inside the 2025 Civic Si and you’re greeted by a cabin that blends sportiness with refinement. The Civic’s interior is ergonomic and performance-oriented as everything from the shifter to the layout of the controls feel intuitive and driver-focused. The Si’s signature red accents are tastefully applied throughout the interior, from the contrast stitching on the bolstered sports seats to the glowing trim on the digital instrument panel.

Speaking of the front seats, they are well-bolstered and easy to slide and out of. But when you’re sitting in them and taking tight turns, they hold you in well without being too stiff. Honda installed built-in heating for the 2025 model year, which is a welcomed addition, and the aluminum pedals add a touch of sportiness to the cabin. The rear seat space is also generous, even for those stuck in the middle. Material quality is another highlight. Soft-touch surfaces abound, and the overall fit and finish rivals cars costing significantly more.

Noise insulation has been improved for 2025, with additional sound-deadening materials in the doors and floor helping to keep road and wind noise at bay. However, I did notice that the driver’s side was creaking a lot during my time with the car, which got really annoying.

Drivertrain and Driving Impressions

The powertrain of any Honda Civic Si is the main appeal of the platform since it is a high-performance version of the car. As such, the 2025 model features a turbocharged 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and a stout 192 lb-ft of torque. As per usual, the Civic Si only comes equipped with a manual transmission, so expect to shift through all six gears yourself. Fortunately, the car also has an automatic rev-matching features to make downshifts smooth and easy.

The shifter itself is precise and mechanical, and clutch engagement is light yet communicative, encouraging drivers to seek out every opportunity for engagement. Honda recalibrated the suspension for 2025 and it’s now slightly firmer without sacrificing comfort on rougher roads. During my time driving the car, I couldn’t get over how well it handled. I pitched it into tight corners and sweeping turns, and it stuck to the road like it was magnetized. It was especially fun in sport mode, which tightened up the steering and made the throttle more responsive, further enhancing the driving experience, even at slower speeds.

And while some critics have said that the Civic Si needs more power, I would say that it doesn’t. Sure, 200 horsepower won’t push you back in your seat and make the hair on your arms stand up, but it is enough power for everyday driving duties. Also, there is plenty of mid-range torque to make you feel like you’re getting somewhere fast, even if you’re only going 35 mph.

Ultimately, the Civic Si is quick enough to have fun with, but it’s superior handling capabilities is where it really shines. Steering remains quick and accurate, with excellent feedback—one of the Si’s traditional strong points. Braking performance is confidence-inspiring, with larger front discs and improved pedal feel.

As for fuel economy, the EPA estimates the Civic Si can get 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. That’s not far off, considering I averaged around the mid-to-high 30 mpg mark during my time with the car. So it’s say to say it is very fuel-efficient.

Technology

Honda knows that today’s buyers expect their cars to be as connected as their smartphones, and the Civic Si delivers. Dominating the center stack is a crisp 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, now standard across the lineup. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both included, along with a wireless charging pad for compatible devices. Navigation, though optional, boasts real-time traffic updates and a highly intuitive interface.

The 12-speaker Bose sound system is also a huge highlight in the Civic Si. The premium sound system is crisp and clear and I could hear all the highs and lows of every song. However, I will say that the infotainment system is annoying to use because the icons need to be configured to your liking to get anywhere. I would suggest mostly using Apple CarPlay like I did.

Safety

The Civic Si is as safe as can be with its series of airbags and driver-assist features. Honda Sensing, the brand’s suite of advanced driver assistance systems, is standard and encompasses adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and more. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert further enhance day-to-day usability and safety. In its operation, the adaptive cruise control works well in keeping the car a safe distance from the car ahead, but since it has a stick shift, it does not have low-speed follow, so you’ll still have to do the traffic dance when the freeway slows down.

Summary

The 2025 Honda Civic Si surprised me in that it was very fun to drive. Not because it was fast, but mainly because it handled well, which is all you need to have fun at lower speeds.

Sure, other cars may have more horsepower, but the Civic Si makes good use of what it has performance-wise, while maintaining the everyday practicality most drivers need in a sensible sedan.