In an era where manuals are fading and sedans are vanishing, the Honda Civic Si endures. It remains one of the longest-running affordable performance cars in the US and is still offered exclusively with a manual transmission—no CVTs here.
For 2026, Honda has given the Civic Si a subtle refresh. It features mildly updated styling, a refined rev-matching system, and a larger touchscreen. Combined with its consistently excellent driving dynamics, these updates make the Civic Si even more appealing for the new model year.
| Quick Specs | 2026 Honda Civic Si |
| Engine | Turbocharged 1.5-Liter Four-Cylinder |
| Output | 200 Horsepower / 192 Pound-Feet |
| Transmission | Six-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.5 Seconds (est.) |
| Base Price / As Tested | $32,190 / $32,645 |
Honda Civic Si Pros
- Still Fun As Heck
- Still Has A Manual
- Still Affordable
- Still Efficient
What makes the Civic Si so lovable is what’s under 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 price, sending its power exclusively to the front wheels.
A limited-slip differential comes standard, along with one of the best manual transmissions in the segment. The Si’s six-speed is quick, precise, and incredibly satisfying to use. Paired with sharp driving dynamics, it’s easy to see why the Civic Si has remained a standout in the affordable performance segment so long.
Equally impressive is how the Si performs when you’re not pushing it hard—which, realistically, is most of the time. The small turbocharged engine is as efficient as it is fun, delivering 27 miles per gallon in the city, 37 on the highway, and 31 combined. That’s better than anything else in its class.
Even better, the Civic Si remains one of the most affordable options in the segment, starting at $32,190 for 2026. Even with extras like premium paint ($455) and upgraded wheels ($1,600), a fully loaded Civic Si still comes in under $35,000 MSRP.
Honda Civic Si Cons
- Slightly Underpowered
- No Adaptive Dampers
- A Bit Loud
As fun as the Civic Si is, it’s hard not to wish for a bit more power—especially when so many affordable performance cars are more powerful than ever these days.
Consider the competition: the latest Volkswagen Jetta GLI delivers 228 horsepower, the Hyundai Elantra N pushes 276, and the Toyota GR Corolla climbs all the way to 300. By comparison, the Civic Si can feel a bit underpowered. An extra 10 to 20 horsepower would make a noticeable difference without stepping on the toes of the more aggressive Type R.
Ride quality is another small drawback. Without adaptive dampers, the suspension feels stiff and occasionally harsh over rough roads. A softer setup would help with daily driving. Cabin noise is also an issue—wind and tire noise are noticeable at highway speeds, making the interior loud at highway speeds.
Honda Civic Si Verdict
Overall, the Civic Si is the punchy performance sedan we’ve come to love over the years. It offers just enough power for daily hooning, a near-perfect manual gearbox, and a well-tuned suspension that delivers excellent handling and road feel.
As long as you're not overly focused on how much power the competition offers, the Civic Si is still a compelling, well-rounded performance option. You really can’t go wrong here.
Competitors
2026 Honda Civic Si
