25 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but for the 2018 Honda Civic Type R, it’s almost irrelevant. This isn’t a car bought by people prioritizing fuel efficiency. It’s bought by enthusiasts, by people who want raw performance, a visceral driving experience, and street cred. The Type R delivers that, and the fuel economy is the price of admission. It’s the tradeoff for a screaming 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a perfectly weighted six-speed manual transmission.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Civic Type R are 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the reality of stop-and-go driving, where the turbocharger is constantly spooling and the engine struggles to maintain efficient operation. The highway number is slightly better, but this isn’t a car designed for relaxed cruising. The Type R begs to be driven hard, and even on the open road, most drivers will find themselves dipping into the boost. That urge to accelerate, to feel the engine pull, diminishes any hope of achieving truly exceptional highway fuel economy figures. The manual transmission also plays a role; there’s no fuel-saving overdrive gear often found in automatic transmissions to help improve fuel economy at cruising speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Honda Civic Type R will be $2,300. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, location, and the price of gasoline.

If you predominantly drive in the city or have a heavy right foot, expect to spend more than $2,300 per year on fuel. Conversely, if you do a lot of highway driving and practice fuel-efficient driving techniques, you might be able to slightly beat that figure.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a benchmark, real-world fuel economy for the 2018 Civic Type R is likely to be lower for most drivers because this car encourages aggressive driving and the temptation to the turbocharger is ever-present. Expect to see figures closer to 20 MPG in mixed driving, and even lower if you frequently visit the track or engage in spirited driving sessions. Fuelly.com reveals owner reported numbers are usually below the EPA estimates.

Ultimately, fuel economy in a Type R depends on driver behavior. Those searching for higher MPGs should see the CIVIC MPG across all years.

How it compares

Compared to other hot hatchbacks, the 2018 Civic Type R is in the middle of the pack fuel economy-wise. The Volkswagen Golf GTI, for example, achieves a combined EPA rating of 27 MPG with the manual transmission, and the Hyundai Veloster N comes in with a similar 25 MPG combined rating, but offers a slightly higher highway figure.

A Subaru WRX, another popular choice for performance enthusiasts, lags behind with a combined 21 MPG. These numbers can vary widely based on trim levels and transmission options.

For the Type R buyer, fuel economy isn’t the deciding factor. Performance is. The Type R emphasizes track performance over fuel efficiency which is the opposite of what you see with all Honda fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Type R isn’t designed for maximum fuel efficiency, a few steps can help squeeze out slightly better mileage.

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The turbocharger contributes significantly to fuel consumption, so minimizing its use will have a noticeable impact.

Maintain a steady speed on the highway. Use cruise control whenever possible and avoid frequent lane changes or sudden braking, as these actions require bursts of acceleration which reduce fuel economy.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level.

Keep your car well-maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections can help the engine run more efficiently. A poorly maintained engine consumes more fuel.

Consider your route. Avoid driving in congested areas whenever possible. Stop-and-go traffic is a fuel economy killer, so opting for a slightly longer route with fewer traffic lights can save fuel.