Honda Civic Type R (FL5) vs Honda Civic Type R (FK8): Which one makes a better used buy?
The Civic Type R is one of the most exciting and fastest hot hatchbacks on the market, but is the latest FL5 model a better used buy than its older FK8 sibling?
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 09 May 2025 | 3 mins read
The Honda Civic Type R is one of the most hardcore hot hatchbacks on the market.
It features a wild exterior design with an even more striking interior that reflects this model’s exciting driving experience.
The latest model, known as the FL5, has been on sale since 2023 and is the seventh Civic Type R, ever since the original was launched in Japan in 1997.
However, the previous generation car, code-named the ‘FK8’, is also a driver-focused hot hatchback that comes with the same bold exterior styling, so which one makes a better used buy?
Exterior design
Firstly, let’s compare their exterior designs. The latest FL5 Civic Type R has a more toned-down appearance compared to its predecessor. It still features a lower front bumper and rear bumper, as well as a larger rear spoiler, but its overall design is a lot smoother and softer than the FK8. It still retains the centrally mounted triple exit exhaust tips as with the older model and it has a more rakish rear end, giving the car a more saloon-like bodystyle.
In comparison, the older FK8 Type R has a much more angular and aggressive look with a larger rear spoiler, while its wheel arches are more bulbous and its front and rear bumpers are deeper and more angular. Just like its newer sibling, the FK8 Civic Type R retains the same centrally mounted triple tailpipe exhausts, differentiating the car from the standard model even further.
Interior design
Both cars have bold interior designs, but the latest FL5 features plusher-feeling materials, a larger infotainment screen that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital driver’s display. The bright red Type R bucket seats have large bolsters that hold you tight in the corners, as well as the aluminium gear shift knob, pedals and Alcantara steering wheel complete the driver-focused look.
The older FK8 has the same bright and exuberant colour schemes inside with red seat belts, bucket seats and aluminium pedals and gear knob. However, its interior doesn't feel as premium as the one in the newer car, and its infotainment system isn’t the best or most intuitive to use. Also, the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is another sign that the car isn’t as modern as its FL5 successor.
However, both cars score well when it comes to physical buttons, with them both receiving proper controls for their climate functions and on the steering wheel for different driving modes.
Practicality
The Civic Type R has grown a reputation not only for its excellent performance but its high levels of practicality.
The latest FL5 model comes with 470 litres or 1,212 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Despite the sloping roof line, there is enough space in the back for average-sized adults and the interior features large front door bins, a decent centre storage cubby hole and a long and wide glovebox.
The FK8 is shorter and lower than the FL5, which results in a smaller boot space of 420 litres, but you get a larger overall capacity when the rear seats are folded at 1,580 litres. Passenger space isn’t as good as in the FL5 with less headroom, but legroom is still impressive. Also, up in the front, you still get bags of space with large front door bins, a split centre armrest and wide and deep glove compartment.
Performance
Whichever Civic Type R you choose, it’s going to have a lot of power.
The latest FL5 generation comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces a total of 333bhp and 427Nm of torque. That enables the car to reach 60mph in 5.2 seconds and the car will go on to a top speed of 170mph.
Its older brother, the FK8, also features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, its power and torque output is only a fraction off that of the FL5, with the car producing 320bhp and 400Nm of torque. In terms of acceleration, it enables the car to get from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds and will run out of puff at 169mph.
Prices
On the used market, prices on both cars vary depending on condition, mileage and age.
Firstly, the FL5 has been around since 2023, and if you can find an earlier car with around 15,000 miles on the clock, that will set you back around £38,000. If you look at lower-mileage examples, prices will sit between £45,000 and £50,000 – making the FL5 Civic Type R quite expensive.
The FK8 Civic Type R has been around since 2017, but prices have remained strong, with low-mileage cars priced at £28,000 to £30,000. However, the large price gap begins to make the FK8 look like a much better deal. It comes with similar levels of equipment and only has 10bhp less than an FL5.
Reliability
Honda has a strong reputation for building some of the most reliable cars on the planet and the Civic Type R is no exception.
The FL5 hasn’t received any major issues in its two-year production life, making it a strong contender when it comes to durability and quality.
However, the FK8 is a much older car, having been around for nearly a decade. But, there are still very minimal things that have gone wrong with glitches in the infotainment system, the pronounced seat bolsters suffering from early signs of wear and some cars developing a grinding noise in second gear.
Verdict
In conclusion, both the FL5 and FK8 Civic Type R are two of the most hardcore and exciting hot hatchbacks that have ever been made.
The FL5 feels more premium inside, has classier looks and is more practical inside than the older FK8.
However, the FK8 Civic Type R represents better value for money, as you can pick one up for over £10,000 less than an FL5 Type R, it’s just as fast, has a bold exterior and interior design and still offers the same excellent levels of practicality – despite a slightly smaller boot capacity. However, whichever one you'd like to go for, you'll find examples available here at Cazoo.