2027 Honda Civic Type RThe ManufacturerA driver's dreamSuperb engagement and gripHatchback practicalityAcceleration lagsother hot hatchesHigherprice anticipatedLimitedcustomization expectedTime and time again, the Honda Civic Type R has proved that front-wheel-drive cars can be as fun, or more fun, than rear-wheel-drive ones. We're expecting the high-performance hatchback to return for 2027 with a slew of upgrades aimed at bringing the Civic Type R up to date with the rest of the Civic lineup.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2027 Honda Civic Type R will compete with other sporty compacts like the Volkswagen Golf R, Hyundai Elantra N, and the Toyota GR Corolla.What's NewWe're basing our predictions that the 2027 Honda Civic Type R will get its first refresh based on the HRC Concept shown at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 (pictured above).It's hard to tell exactly what will change with the concept's camouflage, but we suspect the 2027 Honda Civic Type R will receive refreshed bumpers, headlights, and taillights with LED turn signals to bring it in line with the already refreshed mainstream Civic lineup. Based on wider speculation, Honda could also introduce more durable paint.Other updates are expected to improve quality of life inside the Civic Type R. Like the regular Civic, the Type R should finally be getting USB-C ports and heated seats up front. Its 9.0-inch display is anticipated to receive Google Built-in infotainment features.AdvertisementAdvertisementWe aren't expecting any powertrain or performance updates, which is sure to disappoint enthusiast shoppers. The bright side is that the Honda Civic Type R will remain one of the few manual-only cars left on the market.This page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available.What We ThinkHonda has nailed the front-wheel-drive performance driver's car formula. The Civic Type R continues to be one of our favorite compacts for the road and track. A notchy six-speed manual transmission is a core component of the hatchback's engaging character, but that's merely the starting point of our praise.Every Honda Civic Type R is powered by a gutsy 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and sends power to the front wheels. A lightweight single-mass flywheel and a helical limited-slip differential are essential elements that make the Civic Type R feel eager and spry.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt has sophisticated suspension and dual-pinion variable-ratio electric power steering that delivers the best feedback of its competitive set. Sticky summer tires that provide incredible levels of grip add to the equation.Honda is expected to address some, but not all, of the Civic Type R's shortcomings for 2027. Its refresh should modernize its styling, in keeping with the rest of the compact model's lineup. In the cabin, USB-C ports and tech from Google are anticipated updates.However, we suspect the 2027 Honda Civic Type R will still be pricey for a vehicle in its class. That's frustrating, especially when we don't think the automaker will bring about any mechanical changes for the new model year. Stay tuned for more coverage on the 2027 Honda Civic Type R when full details are announced.Top-Ranked Competitors:Volkswagen Golf RToyota GR CorollaSubaru WRXHyundai Elantra NMotorTrend TestedWe don't expect any performance updates to come to the 2027 Honda Civic Type R, so the hot hatchback should carry over with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels by way of a six-speed automatic transmission. The zingy engine should continue to produce 315 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.AdvertisementAdvertisementOur gripes with the Honda Civic Type R are few, but its 0–60-mph time isn't one of its strengths. The manual-only hatch needs 5.3 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf R takes just 4.2 seconds to get the job done. The automatic Toyota GR Corolla isn't far behind the Honda, needing 5.1 seconds to get to 60 mph.MPGs and RangeWe aren't expecting the 2027 Honda Civic Type R's cosmetic changes to affect its aerodynamics enough to influence fuel economy by a significant margin. That means the suspected refreshed hatchback will continue to return 22/28 mpg city/highway. Driving range should come out to about 298 miles per tank.The Honda posts decent fuel economy figures compared to the manual Toyota GR Corolla. The juiced-up Corolla returns 19/27 mpg with a stick and can drive 290 miles per tank. However, the automatic GR Corolla is a lot more efficient than its manual stablemate, getting 21/28 mpg and 317 miles of range.Among hot hatch competitors, the Volkswagen Golf R is the best choice if you want to go fast while saving fuel. Equipped exclusively with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the Golf R is good for 22/31 mpg and 362 miles of range.Safety FeaturesWe expect the 2027 Civic Type R will return with the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance features. This standard bundle should continue to include lane keeping, automatic emergency braking, cross-traffic monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, automatic high-beams, and driver focus monitoring.Cargo Space and Interior RoomOne of the most appealing aspects of the Honda Civic Type R is that its practicality matches its performance. This hatchback is as spacious as it is fun to drive.TechnologyInfotainmentDon't count on much changing inside the 2027 Honda Civic Type R's cabin. We expect the hatchback to carry over with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen.AdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, the central screen should now have Google Built-in applications like Google Assistant voice controls and Google Maps. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto should continue to be standard. A wireless charging pad will likely be backed up by USB-C ports instead of the prior model's USB-A ports.Sound SystemAs the highest-equipped version of the Honda Civic, the Type R should continue to be outfitted with a 12-speaker arrangement from Bose by default.Available UpgradesHonda offers the Civic Type R with limited customization, so don't bet on there being many additional features you can add. Some of the hopped-up Civic's cool tech should return, like Honda's LogR data recorder, which tracks key performance metrics and lap times at racing circuits.ValueStandard FeaturesAll 2027 Honda Civic Type R models should come with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and front-wheel drive.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn addition to its lightweight single-mass flywheel and helical limited-slip differential, the Honda Civic Type R should continue to be equipped with its dual-axis MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink rear setup along with adaptive dampers.Stopping power comes courtesy of Brembo four-piston calipers up front. We expect Honda to continue to equip the Type R with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.PricingFor 2026, the Honda Civic Type R starts under $49,000. We wager the 2027 model will get a smidge more expensive as updates are applied.