“This car is not for everyone, it's almost like a racecar. If someone's in the market for a high performance hatchback, then I say look no further.”
2021 Honda Civic Type R: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Honda Civic Type R is the new Limited Edition, a lighter and more track-focused version with forged wheels and sharper chassis tuning. The regular Touring model carries over without significant changes.
About the 2021 Honda Civic Type R
10th generation (FK8), final U.S. model year before the all-new 2023 Civic Type R; no U.S. 2022 model year was sold.
Honda positions the Civic Type R as a performance hatchback shaped by racetrack engineering but still useful every day. The official materials stress its turbo engine, manual-only transmission, adaptive chassis hardware, Brembo brakes, and hatchback practicality. In shopper terms, it is the Civic for drivers who want serious cornering grip and manual-transmission involvement without giving up a back seat, usable cargo space, or everyday street comfort.
The Touring is the more everyday-friendly Type R, pairing a 306-hp turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission with adaptive suspension, Brembo front brakes, hatchback practicality, and a standard safety suite. The Limited Edition keeps the same engine and manual transmission but puts more emphasis on track driving with lower weight, special suspension and steering tuning, lightweight forged wheels, and a numbered serial plate.
What changed, by category
Structural
The new Limited Edition cuts 46 pounds and adds special adaptive-suspension tuning, recalibrated steering, and lightweight 20-inch BBS forged-aluminum wheels for a sharper track focus.
Tech
The Limited Edition adds Honda LogR, a system that records driving and lap-performance data.
2021 Honda Civic Type R specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, VTEC, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, VTEC, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd w/Rev-Match Control | Manual, 6-Spd w/Rev-Match Control |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 306 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 46.2 cu-ft | 46.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.9 in | 35.9 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 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
What is the main change to the 2021 Honda Civic Type R?
The main change is the addition of the Limited Edition trim. It is 46 pounds lighter than the Touring and has forged BBS wheels, special suspension tuning, recalibrated steering, Honda LogR, and numbered production.
How is the 2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition different from the Touring?
The Limited Edition is the more track-focused version. It has a 46-pound weight reduction, lightweight 20-inch forged BBS wheels, unique adaptive-suspension tuning, recalibrated steering, Honda LogR, and an individually numbered serial plate; the Touring puts more emphasis on everyday usability.
Does the 2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition have more power than the Touring?
No. Both 2021 versions use a 306-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission; the Limited Edition’s differences center on lower weight and sharper chassis tuning.
Did the 2021 Civic Type R Touring change from 2020?
No significant changes were made to the 2021 Touring. It carries over the updates introduced for 2020, including improved cooling, stronger front brakes, heated mirrors with LED turn indicators, and the standard Honda Sensing safety suite.
Is the 2021 Civic Type R the final FK8 model year in the U.S.?
Yes. The 2021 Civic Type R is the final U.S. model year of the FK8 generation, and Honda did not sell a U.S.-market 2022 Civic Type R before the redesigned 2023 model arrived.
2021 Honda Civic Type R Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Honda Civic Type R.
4.5
2021 Honda Civic Type R
(126 reviews)
“this vehicle handles wonderfully. The interior and exterior design is fun and sporty. The controls are easy to understand and the positioning on the dashboard is well designed. I love the interior.”
“If you want a car that is a lot of fun to drive, practical with plenty of cargo and passenger space, has unique styling all its own, advanced safety features, and an amazing engine, transmission, and brakes. I highly recommend the Honda Civic Type R.”