As hard as it may be to believe, 2027 will mark 30 years since the Honda Civic Type R debuted in Japan as a 1997 model. While we here in North America have only been able to enjoy the Type R officially since 2017 – not counting the many gray-market models that are also on our roads – it warms our hearts that Honda has kept its manual-only track weapon in production for three decades.
And to commemorate its 30th anniversary, Honda is facelifting the current Type R. See below for full details, but a few things are worth noting off the top. Firstly, the 2027 sports a new front fascia with a larger grille opening and deeper front splitter. Mechanical changes include improved suspension damping in +R mode, a recalibrated Rev Match system, and more direct brake-pedal feel.
Interior changes include Ultrasuede panels on the upper instrument panel and front doors, standard heated front seats, and Google built-in which includes Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Gemini.
Honda has also significantly altered exterior color options. Rallye Red and Crystal Black Pearl have been dropped for both U.S. and Canadian markets, but a new color, Meteorite Gray Metallic, has been added. Other colors include Boost Blue Pearl, Championship White, and Sonic Gray Pearl (U.S. only).
The 2027 Civic Type R is scheduled to begin arriving in dealerships in the U.S. later this month, and “later this fall” in Canada, according to a Honda Canada press release. Pricing starts at $48,695 in U.S., and $54,850 in Canada.
Updated 2027 Honda Civic Type R Gains Sharper Performance, Heated Seats and More Standard Tech; Arriving Soon
- Form and function: new more aggressive front fascia design improves engine cooling, increases downforce
- Optimized suspension damping in +R mode improves contact feel and body motion when cornering
- More direct brake-pedal feel reinforces Type R performance focus
- Improved Rev Match system quickens engine response when downshifting
- New standard features: heated front seats, premium Ultrasuede® instrument panel and front door panels, Google built-in, Google Gemini, and more
- New color: Meteorite Gray Metallic
- 2027 marks 30th anniversary of Civic Type R globally, 10th anniversary in North America
- Civic Type R is the #1 selling hot hatch in America and the only car in its class available exclusively with a manual transmission
- 2027 Civic Type R arriving at dealers this month
TORRANCE, Calif., October 1, 2026 – Refreshed 2027 Honda Civic Type R advances the exhilarating performance and everyday livability of America's best-selling hot hatch with bolder front styling, improved engine cooling and driving performance, and a more refined cockpit that includes heated front seats and expanded standard technology. As Honda celebrates the 30th anniversary of Civic Type R, the global performance icon continues to captivate driving enthusiasts six generations after its debut in Japan as a 1997 model.
The only car in its class available exclusively with a manual transmission, Civic Type R caters to enthusiasts seeking a true analog driving experience. The updated 2027 Civic Type R will start to arrive at Honda dealerships this month with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)¹ of $48,695.
"The legendary Civic Type R has embodied the Honda challenging spirit for three decades, leveraging our deep roots in motorsports with racetrack-proven engineering that maximizes performance without sacrificing Type R's civilized road manners," said Luis Guerra, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The refreshed 2027 Civic Type R honors that legacy by enhancing comfort, technology and style without compromising the exhilarating driving experience that has defined the Civic Type R for six generations."
With 315-horsepower, Civic Type R is the most powerful Honda production vehicle ever sold in the U.S., delivering the ultimate expression of Honda performance and the best driving experience in the hot hatch segment. Type R's turbocharged K20C engine continues to be made at the Anna Engine Plant in Ohio, using domestic and globally made parts.
2027 Civic Type R Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
| Trim | MSRP | MSRP (incl. destination) | EPA MPG rating (city / highway / combined) |
|
Civic Type R |
$48,695 |
$49,990 |
22 / 28 / 24 |
What’s New for 2027 Civic Type R:
- Redesigned front fascia improves engine cooling performance
- Deeper front splitter increases downforce
- Optimized suspension damping in +R mode
- Improved Rev Match system
- More direct brake-pedal feel
- Updated engine cover design
- New exterior color: Meteorite Gray Metallic
- Updated front seat perforation design with new sporty pattern
- Heated front seats
- Ultrasuede® instrument panel and upper front door panels
- Diamond-pattern mesh dash trim panel with black surround
- Black climate control knobs
- Black air vent knobs
- Darker grey aluminum shift knob
- Darker grey console trim
- Darker grey door handles
- Silver front door panel trim
- Google built-in
- Google Gemini
- Alexa built-in
- Two USB-C ports
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Enhanced Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies
- Post-Collision Braking System (PCB)
- Improved horn (dual tone)
Improved Styling, Engine Cooling and Driving Dynamics
The 2027 Honda Civic Type R introduces a series of meaningful updates that enhance its distinctive styling, performance, advanced technology and driver-focused cabin experience.
Building on the legacy of iconic Honda high-performance hatchback in both form and function, the latest Civic Type R features a more aggressive front fascia with deeper front splitter for increased downforce and a larger grille opening. Airflow velocity has been improved by reducing turbulence, thus increasing engine cooling and helping sustain performance during demanding track driving.
Optimized suspension damping in +R mode improves road-following performance and reduces bouncing and impact harshness for more stability and enhanced handling. The Rev Match system now delivers faster engine response for smoother downshifts. Brake feel has been improved by adding a yoke spring to the brake pedal to suppress play in the link, providing a more direct feel.
Under the hood, the engine cover has been redesigned and is more reminiscent of engines in early-generation Type R models sold in Japan.
The 2027 Civic Type R is available in four exterior colors that highlight the hot hatch’s aerodynamic bodywork, including Meteorite Gray Metallic, an attractive new color with a bold presence. Boost Blue Pearl, Sonic Gray Pearl and the iconic Honda racing-heritage color of Championship White are also available.
Enhanced Comfort and Craftsmanship
Inside the cabin, the racing-inspired front sport seats of the 2027 Civic Type R are heated for the first time, enhancing everyday comfort for both the driver and front passenger. The addition makes Civic Type R even more enjoyable across a wider range of driving conditions. Three-level front seat heater controls are positioned within easy reach, alongside the high-quality knurled knobs of the climate control system.
Type R’s red high-friction suede-like seat upholstery gains a new perforation design with distinctive black striping that perfectly matches the model’s performance mission. The material reduces body slippage in high-G driving situations, while its breathability in high-contact areas helps reduce driver fatigue.
The cabin is further elevated with premium materials and intricate detailing that includes a new diamond-pattern trim panel with a black surround, black air vent knobs and soft, premium Ultrasuede® applied to the upper instrument panel and front doors. The Ultrasuede® instrument panel reduces glare and reflections on the windshield, helping ensure excellent visibility even in demanding driving situations, while increasing the racing-inspired look and feel of the cabin.
Type R’s iconic aluminum shift knob, as well as its interior door handles and console trim, now feature a racier dark grey finish. New black climate control knobs and silver front door panel trim add a more upscale look to the cabin.
A new auto-dimming rearview mirror helps reduce glare from headlights behind the vehicle for improved visibility and comfort during nighttime driving.
More Standard Tech
The 2027 Civic Type R enhances connectivity and convenience with Alexa built-in, as well as the model's first integration of Google built-in, featuring Google Gemini, Google Maps and Google Play for a more personalized and connected driving experience. A seamless upgrade to Google Assistant, Gemini can engage in more intelligent, conversational inqteractions by maintaining context across multiple exchanges while enabling drivers to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.
Two USB-C ports have been added to center console above the Type R’s standard wireless phone charger.
Altogether, these updates further strengthen the Civic Type R’s unmatched balance of exhilarating performance, premium design and everyday usability.
Safety for Everyone
Based on the longstanding Honda "Safety for Everyone" approach, which focuses on advancing safety for everyone sharing the road, the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies is standard on all Civic models, including Type R, which receives enhanced safety performance for 2027.
The Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with Pedestrian Detection gains increased system visibility for motorcycles and bicycles. In addition, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is enhanced with improved braking and acceleration response and the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) gains improved control over road camber and other disturbances for smoother operation.
For the first time, every 2027 Civic Type R also is equipped with Post-Collision Braking (PCB) to help mitigate damage from multi-crash collisions.
The standard Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies on Civic Type R includes Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Information System (BSI), Cross Traffic Monitor, Driver Attention Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Auto High-Beam Headlights.
Honda Sensing is standard on all new Honda models. Honda has installed the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies in more than 10 million vehicles in the U.S. since the suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies was introduced in 2014.
Photos courtesy of American Honda
