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2020 Honda Civic Type R: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Honda Civic Type R gets a meaningful mid-cycle refresh led by revised cooling, braking, and suspension tuning. Honda also makes its driver-assistance suite standard and updates the exterior and cabin.
About the 2020 Honda Civic Type R
10th-generation Civic Type R (FK8), mid-cycle refresh year.
Honda presents the Civic Type R as a track-bred hot hatch that turns racing know-how into a street car without giving up hatchback usefulness. The official materials lean on themes like fast-lane performance and dominance, while the feature guide stresses aerodynamics, cooling, braking, suspension tuning, and driver data tools. What separates it from many rivals is the mix of manual-only engagement, serious front-drive chassis hardware, and practical cargo space.
Honda positions the 2020 Touring as a track-ready performance hatchback that still works for daily driving. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, 6-speed manual, adaptive suspension, and Brembo front brakes deliver the performance focus, while navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and high-bolstered sport seats add everyday usability.
What changed, by category
Styling
Honda enlarges the grille opening to improve airflow and cooling, adds new front and rear bumper insert details, and fits heated power mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. Inside, the steering wheel and shift boot use new material, and the shift knob has a new shape.
Safety
The Honda Sensing safety suite becomes standard. It includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Tech
Honda adds the LogR performance data tool and updates Active Sound Control, which brings more engine sound into the cabin.
Structural
The suspension receives revised tuning, while new 2-piece front brake discs improve heat management and help deliver more consistent stopping performance.
2020 Honda Civic Type R specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, VTEC, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd w/Rev-Match Control |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 306 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 46.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.9 in |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |
| Alarm System | |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Automatic High Beams | |
| Lane Departure Warning | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| Fog Lights | |
| LED Headlights | |
| Rear Spoiler | |
| Navigation System | |
| Premium Audio | |
| Smartphone Interface | |
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |
| Push-Button Engine Start | |
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Honda Civic Type R a redesign?
No. The 2020 Civic Type R is a mid-cycle update of the 10th-generation FK8 model, with revised cooling, brakes, suspension tuning, safety equipment, styling details, and cabin materials rather than a full redesign.
What changed between the 2019 and 2020 Honda Civic Type R?
The 2020 model adds a revised front end for better airflow, 2-piece front brake discs, retuned suspension, standard Honda Sensing, heated mirrors with LED turn signals, updated cabin materials, a reshaped shift knob, stronger Active Sound Control, and the Honda LogR performance data tool.
Did the 2020 Honda Civic Type R get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2020 Civic Type R keeps the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and 6-speed manual transmission; the major performance updates are to cooling, braking, and suspension tuning.
Does the 2020 Honda Civic Type R have Honda Sensing?
Yes. Honda Sensing is standard for 2020 and includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.
What are the 2020 Civic Type R's main performance upgrades?
The main performance upgrades are improved front-end airflow, new 2-piece front brake discs, and retuned suspension. Together, they target better cooling, more consistent braking, and sharper responses.
2020 Honda Civic Type R Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Honda Civic Type R.
4.6
2020 Honda Civic Type R
(38 reviews)
“You have to want to drive a manual, and be engaged in driving. This is not a passenger's car.”
“The civic type r hatchback is a awesome car to drive. It is an experience every time you get behind the wheel, and it is such a smooth ride, great gas mileage, and good handling, that is makes a good daily driver. I highly recommend it.”