3 Cheaper Alternatives to Buying a 2023 Honda Civic Type R
Honda recently announced pricing for the 2023 Civic Type R, which will arrive at a dealer showroom near you soon. The Japanese automaker set the starting price at $43,990 (including the destination charge), which is $5,000 more than the outgoing model. It’s also more expensive than various other rivals in the current and used market. Here are three alternatives to choose if the new Civic Type R is a little rich for your blood.
1. 2022 Subaru WRX – Starting price: $29,605
The new Honda Civic Type R only comes as a front-wheel drive hatchback, but if you want something with all-wheel drive, the 2022 Subaru WRX is a prime pick. The base model WRX starts at $29,605 and comes with a 271-hp, turbocharged engine. That might not sound as impressive as the 315 hp the new Civic Type R puts out, but the WRX uses a Symmetrical AWD system to put the power down.
The Subaru WRX is also available with either a six-speed manual or CVT, so those that don’t want to row their own gears don’t have to. Also, the base trim comes standard with LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 7-inch infotainment system.
Those that want a WRX with everything on it can opt for the Limited trim, which costs $36,495. For that price, buyers will get more amenities like a Harmon Kardon premium sound system, power-adjustable/heated front seats, and a massive 11-inch touchscreen infotainment screen.
Even in its top-tier trim, the 2022 Subaru WRX costs over $5,000 less than the new Civic Type R and comes with more tech-savvy features.
2. 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X – Average price: $28,461 – $32,836
The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X has been discontinued for almost a decade, but it’s still quite the performer. In its final form, the Lancer EVO X produced 291 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque out of its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. But what made it even better was its rally-bred suspension and sophisticated AWD system.
On the inside, the Lancer Evolution had a no-frills interior as it was more of a precision driving machine than a comfortable cruiser. In some ways, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X was more of a hardcore racer than the new Civic Type R. It’s also cheaper, with used prices ranging from $28,461 to $32,836.
3. 2023 Toyota GR86 – Starting price: $27,900
We have driven the 2023 Toyota GR86 and liked it a lot. It’s a different animal than the new Honda Civic Type R because it’s rear-wheel-drive, has a naturally-aspirated engine, and can only accommodate one passenger comfortably.
However, if you like its low-slung look and don’t need the practicality that the Civic provides, the Toyota GR86 is a blast to drive. The high-revving 2.4-liter BOXER engine makes 228 hp and can be connected to a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission.
That might not sound like much power, but the car feels well-balanced in the real world. The GR86 hugs tight canyon corners like a child that misses its mom, and its engine feels strong all the way up its redline. Sure, the GR86 might not be as quick as the Civic Type R, but it’s just as fun. What makes it even better is that it’s priced well at $27,900 for the base model and $30,500 for the up-level Premium trim.
Three Honda Civic Type R alternatives
If you have been waiting for the 2023 Honda Civic Type R, but don’t want to wait any longer, then these three alternatives could work well for you. They’re all great performers in their own ways, and the best part is that they won’t set you back over $40,000 like the new Civic Type R.