Overview
The 2022 Honda Civic Type R should look more reserved than its overstylized predecessor, but that shouldn’t keep it from being more exciting to drive. While we await official details on the next generation of Honda’s highest-performance hatchback, we anticipate its updated turbocharged four-cylinder engine will up the ante in the power department. We’re also happy to hear that the next Type R will keep its manual transmission. Drivers who can’t do the three-pedal shuffle might also get bailed out by a newly available dual-clutch automatic. Even though the 2022 Civic Type R will look more subdued than the outgoing model, we still expect it to have a distinct façade featuring a prominent rear wing, aerodynamic add-ons, and track-ready hardware.
What’s New for 2022?
While we’ve only seen a prototype of the 11th-generation Civic, we know that Honda will build higher-performance versions that include one of our favorite hot hatches, the Civic Type R. We can only speculate about its production specs, but we’re confident they’ll include a more powerful version of the current turbo four. We’ve also spied a camouflaged model testing, which did little to disguise its distinct rear wing and aggressive wheel-and-tire package.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Honda hasn’t said how much the 2022 Civic Type R will cost, but we expect it’ll start just under $40,000 when it goes on sale. However, that likely won’t be until the end of 2021 or early 2022.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The new Civic Type R will continue to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but it’ll be more powerful than the current generation that makes 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Honda has confirmed that the mightiest Civic will still have a standard manual transmission, and we think it might also add a dual-clutch automatic to match the Hyundai Veloster N. The upcoming Type R won’t have a new chassis, but rather an evolution of the one that underpinned the outgoing model. We believe that rules out the adoption of a control-arm front suspension—as seen on the new Acura TLX. Instead, the front-drive-only Honda will probably continue to use its innovative dual-axis strut front suspension that does a terrific job of suppressing torque steer. While the next Civic Type R won’t be as visually extreme, it should still have a prominent rear wing and other aerodynamic addenda, as well as 20-inch wheels wrapped with sticky performance tires.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Neither the EPA nor Honda has said how fuel efficient the 2022 Civic Type R will be in the city or on the highway. Once those estimates are announced and we have the chance to run one on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route—part of our extensive testing regimen—we can evaluate its real-world mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Although the new Civic Type R will have a more minimalist interior design than its predecessor—which should give it, as with the exterior, a more mature impression—we still expect a lot of racy visual cues. They should include red accents, faux carbon-fiber trim, and—hopefully—a familiar set of very comfy and supportive front seats. We’re also told that it’ll have a new digital gauge cluster and, based on a prototype rendering, we see a set of physical climate controls located above a center console with a large storage bin and two cupholders. Passenger and cargo space are about the same as the last-gen Civics, according to Honda.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Honda’s latest infotainment system should run through a 9.0-inch touchscreen mounted on top of the Type R’s dashboard. We expect it to be packed with popular standard features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless smartphone charging.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2022 Civic Type R hasn’t been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). We expect it’ll continue to come with a host of standard driver-assistance technology. Key safety features should include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Honda provides average limited and powertrain warranties that don’t include any complimentary maintenance. Those who seek more comprehensive coverage will want to check out Hyundai’s plans, which are better in all three phases.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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