The Honda Civic continues its desirability among lighthearted enthusiasts in the compact car segment with the updated 2025 Honda Civic Si, a model that carries forward the beloved performance-oriented approach in a decently priced package. For 2025, the Civic Si gains subtle yet effective updates, most notably in the front-end styling and a Google-based infotainment system that welcomes the convenience of Google Voice integration and Google Maps as native features. These enhancements aim to refine what is already a compelling package, one that delivers both performance and practicality in a way few rivals can match.

Performance and Driving Character

The 2025 Civic Si retains its fun-to-drive nature, powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. With its exclusive 6-speed manual transmission, the Civic Si remains a true enthusiast’s machine. The front-wheel-drive setup with its Helical limited-slip differential helps maintain control and balance, particularly when powering through sharp turns as I tend to do often putting the Civic Si to the test. Hitting 60 mph from a standstill takes around 6.7 seconds, and there’s the same exciting bump in power past 5,500 rpm that retains some of that Honda legacy in such a vehicle.

The rev-match system on the 6-speed manual continues to be a welcome feature, although enthusiasts can still choose to disable it through the improved infotainment interface. Drive modes remain the same in the new Civic Si—Individual, Normal, and Sport—though their effect is mostly limited to throttle mapping, steering effort, and a bit of synthetic engine sound pumped into the cabin. The overall suspension tuning continues with fixed-rate dampers that provide a firm ride but maintain the Si’s responsive handling, giving it that “on-rails” feel through twisty roads. For some, the somewhat stiff suspension setup may be a little abusive but as an enthusiast I find it spot on for such a vehicle to give it somewhat of a connected-to-the-road feeling. The high-performance tires option on my test vehicle wrapping its 18-inch wheels with Goodyear F1 rubber only add to the handling and road-going sensation.

Fuel economy keeps on pace with an easy task of hitting the EPA figures in the real world of 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined.

Interior and Technology

The big highlight for 2025 is the switch to a Google-based infotainment system. The new setup integrates Google Voice, allowing for easy hands-free commands, and Google Maps is now built directly into the system, adding to its user-friendly nature. Honda pulls of the integration well without taking much away from its well-known user-friendliness through the touchscreen. Wireless and USB-connected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration remain. The 9-inch touchscreen is still intuitive to use, and Honda wisely keeps the physical volume knob in the right spot—something that is still appreciated for ease of use as are the set of physical automatic climate controls. The gauge cluster is fully digital with some customization for displaying vehicle and entertainment information.

The Civic Si’s cabin remains versatile for having a decent amount of space and is just comfortable enough to not take much away from being driver-focused and accommodating for passengers. The seats up front have a lot of forward and aft adjustment. Though manually adjustable, the front seats are well-bolstered for spirited driving, and the interior layout continues to impress with its balance of sporty flair and practical design. Red accents brighten the space, and you now have the benefit of heated seats up front. Trunk space remains at a practical 14.4 cubic feet, making the Si suitable for daily driving as well as weekend road trips.

In terms of safety, the new Honda Civic Si bundles up all of the expected active safety features including the highlights of lane keep assist/departure mitigation, blindspot monitors, forward collision warning/emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a single wide angle backup camera.

Pricing

The 2025 Honda Civic Si comes in at an attractive price point for all that you get in a manual-transmission compact sedan, with the as-tested price coming in at $31,800. With its updated styling, enhanced tech features, and continued focus on having respected fun factor instead of being the fastest thing in its class, the Civic Si remains a standout in the compact sports sedan segment. It’s one of the few cars left that keeps the manual transmission alive and engaging, all while offering a refined driving experience at a reasonable cost. Honda has once again struck the right balance of fun and functionality, making the 2025 Civic Si an excellent choice for enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.