2025 Honda Civic Si: It Will Make You Smile All Year Long

We’ve said it before, and we’re happy to say it again: the eleventh-generation Honda Civic is the most accomplished version in the model’s long history. Yes, its sales have slowed in a market that increasingly favours SUVs, but that doesn’t take away from its undeniable qualities. With a rigid chassis, precise steering and smart layout, this Japanese compact car means business.

And when it wears the Si badge, the Civic transforms into one of the best affordable sports sedans currently available on the market. Without trying to emulate the flamboyance of the Type R, the Civic Si strikes a near-perfect balance between performance and daily usability.

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What’s New for 2025?

Let’s take a closer look. The 2025 Honda Civic Si is the sportiest version of the Civic sedan, as the more powerful Type R comes only in hatchback configuration. Is the Si a rational choice or just a toy for enthusiasts? In truth, it checks more boxes than you might expect.

In a tightly contested segment filled with rivals like the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo, Hyundai Elantra N-Line, Subaru WRX and even the Mazda3 Turbo, the Civic Si sets itself apart with a clear mission: to deliver genuine driving enjoyment without going overboard. Priced just above $36,000 in Canada, it deliberately limits available options to keep the final MSRP under $40,000—a smart approach in a post-pandemic auto market where pricing often defies logic.

Aesthetically, the 2025 model receives a mild update. Subtle tweaks to the front end—a revised grille, reworked headlights and a slightly redesigned bumper—are enough to freshen its look, complemented by darker taillights and new 18-inch wheels. The low-profile, trunk-mounted spoiler is still there, while a new “Urban Gray Pearl” paint colour joins the lineup.

Built for Driving

Out on the road, the 2025 Honda Civic Si continues to impress day in, day out. Its turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine still produces 200 horsepower but now benefits from revised engine mapping for improved low-end response. With 192 lb-ft of torque accessible across a wider rev range, the car feels more responsive in city driving and on twisty backroads.

Purists may lament the loss of naturally aspirated engines with their linear power delivery, but the trade-off here is a pleasant one, specially considering that the six-speed manual gearbox is so smooth and rewarding. And for those who really want full control, the automatic rev-matching feature can now be disabled by selecting the new Individual drive mode.

This customizable mode allows drivers to tailor throttle response, steering feel and suspension stiffness to suit their preferences. In everyday use, the ride is firm but tolerable, even on the rough roads in and around Montreal. And when the mood strikes, the Civic Si responds with clarity and confidence. Of course, it doesn’t hit with the brute force of a Type R, but it’s nimble, well balanced  and far more capable than you might expect from a compact sedan. Even a quick trip to the grocery store becomes an opportunity to enjoy its finely tuned chassis.

Despite its lively character, the Civic Si is still reasonably efficient. Official consumption is rated at 7.7 L/100 km, which is realistic if you keep your right foot in check. But let’s be honest—most Si drivers won’t. Push it, and you’re more likely to average around 9.0 L/100 km. For a car this engaging, that’s a compromise many will happily make.

Safety and Technology

Safety, meanwhile, is very much part of the equation. The full Honda Sensing suite comes standard, offering adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, emergency braking, traffic sign recognition and more. For 2025, enhancements include an improved wide-angle front camera, driver drowsiness alert and updated forward collision prevention system. U.S. safety authorities back this up: the NHTSA gives the car a five-star rating, while the IIHS designates it a Top Safety Pick, albeit without the “+” due to an “acceptable” score in the moderate overlap frontal crash test.

Inside, the Civic Si doesn’t try to wow you with over-the-top styling. Its clean, linear dashboard and intuitive layout make daily use refreshingly simple. The 9-inch touchscreen is quick to respond and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital driver display adds another modern touch to the cabin, while the physical HVAC controls once again earn praise for their ease of use.

The sport seats up front could perhaps be more aggressively bolstered, but that might narrow the car’s appeal. As it stands, they offer decent support and comfort. Despite relying on manual adjustments, finding a good driving position is quick and easy.

Interior space remains on par with the regular Civic sedan. Two adults will fit comfortably in the rear, the back seat folds 60/40, and the trunk is as spacious as you’d expect from a modern compact car. Granted, the five-door Civic Type R is more convenient for loading bulky items, but it comes at a much steeper price. The Civic Si sedan, by contrast, delivers an ideal mix of driving fun and family-ready practicality.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Honda Civic Si, even with its firm suspension and slightly stiffer ride than base models, is a carefully refined product. It doesn’t try to overwhelm you—it simply delivers a fun driving experience along with the rock-solid dependability Honda is known for.

At a time when affordable and sporty compact cars are rapidly disappearing—together with manual transmissions—the Si stands as a symbol of resistance. For those who still believe driving should be engaging, mechanical and just plain fun, this may very well be the perfect compromise.