Warning: This is a hack. The user assumes all responsibility for damage to themselves or their vehicle that they may cause by following these instructions. You should be familiar with working with automobiles and should not attempt them if you are uncomfortable with any of these steps.
These instructions are the steps we followed for a 2012 Honda Civic. Most Hondas should function in a similar fashion, but most newer ones should not require these modifications. When in doubt, contact your local mechanic.
1. Force Battery Charging
First, we need to make sure it stays charged. For this part, we just place a piece of plastic (or cardboard) over the light sensor in the middle of the dash, and duck tape it in place! This model honda (specifically the 2012 civic), has a dual-mode charging system [pdf] which allows it to drop into a lower charging mode to conserve power. It does this by detecting the electrical load and other conditions in the car.
The best way to trigger the battery to charge fully is to force the headlights to be on all the time, since that’ll cause enough power draw to force the high charging mode. also: see here and here
Important Note: After doing this, ensure your Honda has the headlight switch set to “AUTO” to allow the lights to automatically turn on and off with the vehicle. Since we covered the light sensor, they’ll always be on. Additionally, we set the headlight delay to off so they’ll turn off immediately after turning off the vehicle.
2. New Battery
We replaced the stock sized battery with an Autocraft Gold 85-2 battery. With the larger battery, the car now has a little bit more capacity and is less likely to die. With some minor adjustments to the battery bracket (we purchased this one at autozone) and some 1/2 inch rubber on the bottom of the battery holder as a shim to make the tray flat, we were able to fit the larger 85-2 battery in place of the stock one.
This step may not stricty necessary, and you may be able to get by just doing step #1. Since the problems with the battery mostly occurred during the winter months, we opted to do this as well.
3. Results
Since applying this, we have had no instances where the battery either dies or runs low. This seems to be the least destructive method to fix this problem, which seems to be wide spread with these kinds of hondas. Some other methods to solve this problem involve destructively modifying the ECM.
The 2023 Civic is a terrific car. Available in sedan and hatchback body styles, the Civic boasts an upscale and airy cabin with comfy seats, an easy-to-use infotainment system and ample cargo space. The Honda feels sporty and nimble when winding through turns, yet it still rides comfortably on less-than-perfect pavement. It's zippy and fuel-efficient as well, especially if you opt for one of the turbocharged engines. The icing on the cake is the Civic's wealth of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.
Should I Buy the 2023 Honda Civic?
The Civic is a must-see if you're shopping for a new compact car. It does everything you could ask of an affordably priced car, and it does so with a level of refinement that rivals much pricier machinery. The caveat is that the new Civic isn't the bargain it once was. Prices start at roughly $25,000.
If you have a tighter budget, you may find that lower-priced alternatives like the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra or Subaru Impreza offer more bang for your buck.
Find a 2023 Honda Civic for sale near you »
2022 vs. 2023 Honda Civic: What's the Difference?
Honda cut the base LX trim from the 2023 Civic lineup. As a result, the Sport trim becomes the new entry-level model, and it represents a $2,100 jump in the Civic's starting price. Honda also debuts the new Civic Type R hot hatchback, which benefits from sleeker exterior styling and a 9-horsepower boost compared to its predecessor.
Compare the 2022 and 2023 Civic »
Here are the key changes for the Honda Civic over the last few years:
- 2023: base LX trim discontinued; Civic Type R hot hatch rejoins lineup
- 2022: fully redesigned (start of 11th generation Civic) with new interior and exterior styling, newly standard and available features, more comfortable front seats, and improved fuel economy and extra legroom in the hatchback; available in sedan, hatchback and Si models
- 2021: coupe body style discontinued; Civic Si goes on one-year hiatus
- 2020: refreshed exterior styling
- 2019: Honda Sensing safety features became standard; volume control knob added
If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2020 Civic, 2021 Civic and 2022 Civic reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.
How Much Does the 2023 Honda Civic Cost?
The 2023 Honda Civic has a base MSRP of $24,650, which is higher than average for the class. The price climbs to $26,050 for the midrange EX trim and jumps to $29,650 for the luxe Touring trim. At the time of writing, Honda hasn't released pricing for the high-performance Civic Type R.
Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Honda dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Honda deals page.
2023 Honda Civic Versus the Competition
Honda Civic vs. Toyota CorollaThe Toyota Corolla is a good compact car, and like its Honda rival, it's available in sedan and hatchback body styles, but it can't quite match the recently redesigned Civic. The Corolla's interior isn't as high-end as the Civic's, and it doesn't have as much seating space or cargo room. Its engine performance and handling aren't as lively either. That said, the Corolla's starting price is a whopping $3,100 less than the Civic's. Go with the Corolla if you're on a budget. Otherwise, the Civic is the better car.
Compare the Civic and Corolla »
Honda Civic vs. Mazda3You can't go wrong choosing between the Mazda3 and the Civic. Both cars are a blast to drive, and both offer top-notch cabins, intuitive tech features, lots of standard equipment and the choice of sedan or hatchback body styles. The Mazda3's advantage is its lower starting price (by about $2,100) and available all-wheel-drive, which the Honda doesn't offer. The Civic, on the other hand, is far more fuel-efficient, and it boasts a larger cargo area.
Compare the Civic and Mazda3 »
Compare the Civic, Corolla and Mazda3 »
Civic Interior: Inching Toward Acura
2023 Civic Interior QualityHonda has graced the 2023 Civic with an interior that would pass muster in a far pricier vehicle. The dashboard is elegant and cleanly styled, and it's anchored by a sleek honeycomb grille that masks the air vents. As a whole, the cabin feels solid and well put-together. There's a wealth of padded and soft-touch surfaces throughout, but even the hard plastics look and feel upscale. That same quality extends to the heft and precision of the climate control knobs. If it weren't for the Honda badge on the steering wheel, the cabin could be mistaken for that of an Acura Integra.
2023 Civic Infotainment, Bluetooth and NavigationBoth the standard 7-inch and available 9-inch touch screens have crisp graphics, intuitive menus and prompt responses, and they're positioned at the top of the Civic's dashboard, making them easy to see and reach while driving. Better still, you don't have to rely on these displays to adjust every function. The dashboard features well-placed buttons and knobs for many audio, climate and vehicle settings. All in all, it's a very user-friendly infotainment system.
The available 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster adds readout customization and a bit of visual flair to the cockpit, though the standard analog gauge cluster gets the job done just fine.
- Standard infotainment features: a 7-inch touch screen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a USB port and an eight-speaker stereo
- Available infotainment features: a 9-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, wireless device charging, HD Radio, satellite radio, a 12-speaker stereo and additional USB ports
- Additional standard features: an analog gauge cluster, automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, push-button start and remote start
- Other available features: a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control and a moonroof
For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto?
2023 Civic Cargo SpaceThe Civic sedan has 14.8 cubic feet of trunk space, which is a bit better than average for the compact car class. That should be plenty of room for grocery bags or a few pieces of carry-on luggage. If you need more space, opt for the Civic hatchback and its 24.5-cubic-foot cargo area. The rear liftgate's wide opening makes it easy to load and unload bulky items, and with the rear seats folded, there's enough room to stow a bicycle.
How Many People Does the 2023 Civic Seat?The Civic is available in sedan and hatchback body styles, and both have five seats. The exception is the Civic Type R hatchback, which has four seats. Cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats are standard. Leather upholstery and heated and power-adjustable front seats are available.
The Civic's front seats are nicely cushioned and supportive, and even tall occupants should be able to find a comfortable position with room to stretch out. Outward visibility is great to the front and sides of the Civic, but the rear sightlines are a bit pinched, especially in hatchback models. There's also a fair amount of road and wind noise intrusion. On the plus side, the rear seats are quite comfy, and there's plenty of space for kids. Adults can fit in the back too, though headroom is a little limiting.
2023 Civic and Child Car SeatsThe Civic has two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the middle seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this LATCH system the highest rating of Good+, which indicates that it's among the easiest and most versatile to use.
Read more about interior »
Civic Performance: Multisport Athlete
2023 Civic EngineHonda offers the 2023 Civic with three basic engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower, a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 180 to 200 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 315 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard across the Civic lineup, and transmission options include a continuously variable automatic (CVT) and a six-speed manual.
The base 2.0-liter engine is adequate. It lugs the Civic around town and up to highway speeds without much enthusiasm – going from zero to 60 mph takes a leisurely 9.5 seconds – and it tends to produce a lot of high-rpm racket when pushed hard. We suggest upgrading to the 1.5-liter engine if you can afford to. This turbo-four has far more low-end punch, and it shuttles the Civic around with authority. Off-the-line acceleration is zippier, as is passing power, and this engine enables relatively brisk zero-to-60 sprints of around 7 to 8 seconds, depending on layout.
Honda's smooth and responsive CVT is among the best of its ilk. The manual transmission is great as well. It feels slick and precise, and the clutch is forgiving.
For 2023, the Civic Type R returns to the lineup. It features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
2023 Civic Gas MileageThe 2023 Civic gets great fuel economy for a compact car. Models with the 1.5-liter engine can return anywhere from 27 to 33 mpg in the city and 37 to 42 mpg on the highway, depending on configuration. The base 2.0-liter engine yields between 30/37 and 26/36 mpg city/highway. Opt for the CVT with either engine for the best gas mileage.
2023 Civic Ride and HandlingThe Civic drives with a level of sophistication you don't often see at this price point. The Civic feels lively and agile when navigating turns, and its taut suspension reigns in body lean with aplomb, making for a sporty and fun driving experience. The steering is crisp and well-weighted, and the brakes slow the car to a stop with confidence. The Civic also does a fine job filtering out bumps and dips in the road, yielding a comfortable and composed ride.
Read more about performance »
Civic Reliability
Is the 2023 Honda Civic Reliable?The 2023 Honda Civic does not have a predicted reliability score at the time of writing.
2023 Honda Civic WarrantyHonda covers the 2023 Civic with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Read more about reliability »
2023 Honda Civic Safety
2023 Civic Crash Test ResultsThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2023 Honda Civic an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, with five stars in the side crash and rollover tests and four stars in the frontal crash test.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Civic the highest rating of Good in five crash tests and for how well its headlights illuminate the road ahead. The Civic received the second-highest rating of Acceptable in the side crash test. It was also named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
The IIHS uses a different scale for grading collision avoidance features. The 2023 Civic earned the highest rating of Superior for its standard front crash prevention systems.
2023 Civic Safety FeaturesStandard driver-assistance features:
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Traffic-sign recognition
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rear-seat alert (reminds you to check the back seats for kids or pets before you exit the vehicle)
Available driver-assistance features:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Front and rear parking sensors
2023 Civic Dimensions and Weight
The Civic hatchback is 14.9 feet long, while the Civic sedan is slightly longer at 15.3 feet. The Civic's curb weight ranges from 2,932 to 3,102 pounds, depending on configuration.
Where Is the 2023 Honda Civic Built?
Honda builds the 2023 Civic in Indiana, Canada and Japan.
Which 2023 Honda Civic Model Is Right for Me?
The 2023 Honda Civic is available in two body styles: sedan and hatchback. The Civic sedan is offered in Sport, EX, Touring and Si trims, while the Civic hatchback comes in Sport, EX-L, Sport Touring and Type R trims.
The base Sport trim comes packed with standard tech and safety features, making it a fine option if you have a tight budget. That said, its engine isn't especially perky. If you have wiggle room with your finances, you may find the turbocharged engine of the EX and Touring trims to be a worthwhile upgrade. And if that's not enough, those with a greater need for speed (and deeper pockets) will appreciate the higher-performance Civic Si and Type R models.
Honda Civic SportThe entry-level Sport trim has a starting price of $24,650 for sedan models and about $25,650 for hatchback models. Both come standard with a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission is a no-cost option for hatchback models.
Standard features include a 7-inch touch screen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an analog gauge cluster, Bluetooth, one USB port, an eight-speaker stereo, keyless entry, push-button and remote start, automatic climate control, black cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, a folding rear seat (60/40-split-folding for hatchback models), LED headlights with automatic high beams, a rearview camera and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Honda Sensing suite also comes standard, and it bundles lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and road-sign recognition.
Honda Civic EX and EX-LThe EX sedan is priced at $26,050, while the Civic EX-L hatchback starts at roughly $27,100. Both are equipped with a 180-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT.
In addition to the Sport's features, these trims add blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a moonroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. The EX sedan also gains 60/40-split-folding rear seats, while the EX-L hatchback adds leather upholstery and a power-adjustable driver's seat.
Honda Civic Touring and Sport TouringThe Touring sedan costs $29,650, and the Sport Touring hatchback starts at around $30,650. Both feature the same 180-horsepower engine and CVT as the previous trims, though a manual transmission is a no-cost option in the Sport Touring.
In addition to the EX's features, these trims add a 9-inch touch screen, a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, three additional USB ports, HD Radio, satellite radio, a 12-speaker stereo, power-adjustable front seats, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, fog lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and 18-inch wheels. The Touring sedan also gains leather upholstery.
Honda Civic SiThe sporty Si sedan costs $28,100 and boasts a 200-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
This trim includes all of the base Sport features, plus two-tone cloth upholstery (black and red), front seats with larger side bolsters, split-folding rear seats, a 9-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, a 12-speaker stereo, an additional USB port (two total), LED shift lights, a moonroof, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a limited-slip differential.
Honda Civic Type RThe range-topping Type R hatchback packs a 315-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission. Pricing hasn't been announced for this trim at the time of writing.
The Type R includes all of the Civic Si features, plus an adaptive suspension, high-performance Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels with summer tires, an oil cooler, a data-logging system, a rear wing, a center exhaust with three outlets, two-tone synthetic suede upholstery, racing-inspired front seats, a two-person rear seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation and wireless device charging.
Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Honda dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Honda deals page.
See 2023 Honda Civic specs and trims »
Why You Can Trust Our ReviewsU.S. News & World Report has been ranking the best cars, trucks and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years of combined experience in the auto industry.
This 2023 Civic review combines 17 professional reviews with concrete data like performance specs, fuel economy estimates and safety ratings and incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2022.