25 MPG combined. That’s the EPA’s official fuel economy estimate for the 2017 Honda Civic Type R, and on the surface, it might not seem all that impressive. But consider this: the Type R is a razor-sharp performance machine, a front-wheel-drive monster engineered for one purpose: carving up racetracks and decimating backroads. Fuel economy is a distant consideration for the Type R’s target audience, a group far more concerned with lap times and apex speeds than miles per gallon. This isn’t your average Civic; it’s a street-legal race car, and the fuel economy reflects that.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down the Type R’s fuel economy further, estimating 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the realities of stop-and-go traffic, where the Type R’s aggressive gearing and turbocharged engine are less efficient. The highway figure is more palatable, although achieving 28 MPG requires a more relaxed driving style. The temptation to drop a gear and unleash the turbocharger is ever-present, and indulging in that temptation will inevitably reduce your fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Honda Civic Type R is $2,300. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles driven in the city and 55% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, of course. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (premium is recommended for optimal performance and fuel economy), and local fuel prices. Live in a city with notoriously high gas prices and a heavy foot? Expect to spend significantly more. Drive mostly highway miles and practice smooth acceleration? You might get away with spending less.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy for the Type R is highly dependent on driving style. Drive it like you stole it, which, let’s be honest, is how it’s meant to be driven, and you’ll likely see figures closer to the low 20s, or even high teens. Drive it conservatively, shifting early and avoiding aggressive acceleration, and you might be able to match or even slightly exceed the EPA estimates. But let’s be real: few Type R owners are buying this car to hypermile. This is a car built for thrills, and those thrills come at a cost.

How it compares

Compared to other performance-oriented vehicles, the Honda Civic Type R’s fuel economy is surprisingly competitive. The Subaru WRX STI, a rally-bred icon with standard all-wheel drive, averages around 19 MPG combined. The Volkswagen Golf R, another all-wheel-drive hot hatch, manages around 25 MPG combined, similar to the Type R, but is arguably less focused on raw performance. Even the Ford Focus RS, a former rival, struggled to break the 22 MPG combined mark. The Type R’s impressive performance without sacrificing *too* much fuel efficiency. Of course, if you’re after efficiency above all else, you can always check all all Honda fuel economy data, or narrow it down to CIVIC MPG across all years. However, those shopping the Type R aren’t prioritizing fuel savings above all else.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Even though fuel economy isn’t the primary concern for Type R owners, there are still ways to be more efficient behind the wheel. Avoid unnecessary idling, especially when the engine is cold. The Type R’s turbocharged engine benefits from a warm-up period, but letting it sit and idle for extended periods wastes fuel without contributing to performance.

Practice smooth and consistent throttle control. Stomping on the gas and then slamming on the brakes is a surefire way to tank your fuel economy. Instead, try to anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. The Type R’s precise throttle response makes this easier than you might expect.

Use the rev-matching downshift feature judiciously. While it sounds cool and provides smooth downshifts, aggressive downshifting consumes more fuel than simply braking to slow down. Save the rev-matching for when you really need it, like when approaching a corner on a track.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.