Civic Type R vs Integra Type S, GR Corolla and Elantra N: Which Should You Buy?
Published November 13, 2026 · Last updated November 13, 2026
Integra Type S vs Civic Type R is where most shoppers start, but the GR Corolla and Elantra N belong in the same test. The 2026 Civic Type R sets the bar with 315 hp, a six-speed manual and front-wheel drive for $47,395. The Integra Type S wraps similar hardware in an Acura for $53,900, the GR Corolla adds AWD and an optional automatic from $40,520, and the Elantra N costs $35,300. Plaza Honda, Acura of Brooklyn, Plaza Toyota and Plaza Hyundai share one stretch of Nostrand Avenue, so all four drives fit into one afternoon.
Which Performance Compact Fits You?
- Choose the Civic Type R for 315 hp and a rev-matching manual at $6,505 less than its Acura sibling, plus the most cargo room (24.5 cu ft).
- Choose the Integra Type S for the most power (320 hp), an Acura cabin and longer factory coverage.
- Choose the GR Corolla if you need AWD, five seats or an automatic.
- Choose the Elantra N if price comes first: $12,095 below the Type R, with the longest powertrain warranty.
Model-year note: all four are compared as 2026 models, priced from each maker's site on November 13, 2026. Honda also sells the 2027 Type R at $48,695, with the same 315 hp plus a deeper splitter, heated seats and Google built-in; the Type R photos show the 2027 car. Acura has shown a 2027 Integra Type S Heritage Edition without a price. Model guides: what the 2027 Type R changes, the 2027 Integra for NYC drivers, GR Corolla release date and pricing and every Elantra trim, N included.
How Do the Civic Type R and Its Rivals Compare at a Glance?
| Spec | Civic Type R | Integra Type S | GR Corolla | Elantra N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $47,395 | $53,900 | $40,520 manual; $42,520 auto | $35,300 |
| Horsepower | 315 hp | 320 hp | 300 hp | 276 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 289 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual only | 6-speed manual only | 6-speed manual or 8-speed auto | 6-speed manual or 8-speed DCT |
| Drive | FWD, limited-slip diff | FWD | AWD, front and rear limited-slip diffs | FWD, electronic limited-slip diff |
| EPA combined | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg manual; 22 auto | 24 mpg manual; 23 DCT |
| Curb weight | 3,188 lb | 3,219 lb | 3,296 lb manual | 3,186 lb manual |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 5 | Rear bench |
| Cargo | 24.5 cu ft | 24.3 cu ft | 17.8 cu ft | 14.2 cu ft trunk |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 3 yr/36k / 5 yr/60k | 4 yr/50k / 6 yr/70k | 3 yr/36k / 5 yr/60k | 5 yr/60k / 10 yr/100k |
Want Prices on More Than One of These Cars?
Tell us which cars you are weighing, manual or automatic, and how to reach you. Each Plaza store will check its lot, price the cars with this month's offers and set up back-to-back drives.
Civic Type R vs Acura Integra Type S: Is the Acura Worth $6,505 More?
For most buyers, no. Acura is Honda's luxury brand, and the two share a 2.0-liter turbo four with 310 lb-ft, a rev-matching six-speed manual, front-wheel drive, 265/30 summer tires on 19-inch wheels and 13.8-inch Brembo front brakes. The Integra Type S makes 320 hp to the Civic's 315 and costs $53,900 against $47,395. The Civic is 31 lb lighter, has 0.2 cu ft more cargo room and accepts regular fuel (premium recommended), where Acura lists 93-octane premium.
The Acura's case is ownership: 4 years or 50,000 miles of coverage, 6 years or 70,000 miles on the powertrain and roadside help for 4 years or 50,000 miles, against the Civic's 3/36,000 and 5/60,000. More in 2026 vs 2027 Acura Integra.
Civic Type R vs Toyota GR Corolla: Front-Drive Manual or AWD?
It depends on your winters. The GR Corolla is the only all-wheel-drive car here, with torque splits from 60:40 to 30:70 and limited-slip differentials front and rear. It also offers an eight-speed automatic for $2,000 more and seats five. The manual starts at $40,520, or $6,875 below the Type R.
The Civic answers with 15 hp and 15 lb-ft more, 108 lb less weight than the manual GR Corolla and 6.7 cu ft more cargo. Both manuals are rated 24 mpg combined; the automatic GR Corolla gets 22, and Toyota calls for 91-octane premium. Details in Plaza Toyota's GR Corolla guide.
Civic Type R vs Hyundai Elantra N: What Does the Extra $12,095 Buy?
Power and space. The Type R has 39 hp and 21 lb-ft more than the Elantra N's 276 hp and 289 lb-ft, and its hatchback holds 24.5 cu ft against a 14.2 cu ft trunk. Weight is a wash at 3,188 and 3,186 lb, and both manuals are rated 24 mpg combined.
The Elantra N counters with its $35,300 price, an optional eight-speed dual-clutch, 14.2-inch front rotors and a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for the first owner. NHTSA lists one recall for the 2026 Elantra N, for wheel lug nuts, and none for the 2026 Civic. Hyundai is redesigning the regular Elantra; Plaza Hyundai's 2026 vs 2027 Elantra guide covers that car.
Shopping the Elantra N on price? The 2026 Civic Si costs $31,495, which is $3,805 less, and is rated 31 mpg combined. With 200 hp it is slower, but it keeps a rev-matching manual and a limited-slip differential. See Prelude vs Civic Si and Type R.
Which Has the Strongest Performance Numbers?
The Integra Type S leads on horsepower, and it ties the Civic on torque and on weight per horsepower. The GR Corolla trails on paper but is the only one driving all four wheels.
| Spec | Civic Type R | Integra Type S | GR Corolla | Elantra N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pounds per hp | 10.1 | 10.1 | 11.0 | 11.5 |
| Peak torque | 2,600–4,000 rpm | 2,600–4,000 rpm | 3,250–4,600 rpm | 2,100–4,700 rpm |
| Front brakes | 13.8-in, Brembo 4-piston | 13.8-in, Brembo 4-piston | 14-in slotted, 4-piston | 14.2-in |
| Tires | 19-in Pilot Sport 4S, 265/30 | 19-in summer, 265/30 | 18-in Pilot Sport 5, 235/40 | 19-in Pilot Sport 4S, 245/35 |
Which Is Easiest to Live With Every Day?
The Civic Type R, if four seats are enough. Its 24.5 cu ft hatch is the largest here, the Integra Type S is close at 24.3, the five-seat GR Corolla holds 17.8 and the Elantra N's trunk 14.2. All four manuals return 24 mpg combined, and only the Civic is fine on regular fuel.
| Coverage | Civic Type R | Integra Type S | GR Corolla | Elantra N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Powertrain | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 6 yr / 70,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 10 yr / 100,000 mi (first owner) |
| Included care | — | Roadside 4 yr / 50,000 mi | Maintenance 1 yr / 10,000 mi; roadside 2 yr | Roadside 5 yr |
Before you decide, check Plaza Honda specials, Acura of Brooklyn offers, Plaza Toyota specials and Plaza Hyundai specials, then apply for financing or price your trade-in.
Civic Type R and Its Rivals at Plaza Auto Mall
Browse the Civic Type R, Integra Type S, GR Corolla and Elantra N listings, or see the live inventory below. Call Plaza Honda at (855) 528-6785, Acura of Brooklyn at (347) 501-8047, Plaza Toyota at (855) 529-1806 or Plaza Hyundai at (800) 556-2369. Delivery is free within 25 miles, and directions to Plaza Auto Mall get you to all four stores.
| MSRP | $37,345 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza price | $37,520 |
| MSRP | $28,290 |
| No Hassle discount | -$750 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza price | $27,715 |
| MSRP | $28,290 |
| No Hassle discount | -$750 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza price | $27,715 |
| MSRP | $29,490 |
| No Hassle discount | -$750 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza price | $28,915 |
| MSRP | $28,290 |
| No Hassle discount | -$750 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza price | $27,715 |
| MSRP | $38,520 |
| No Hassle discount | -$2,000 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza price | $36,695 |
| MSRP | $28,290 |
| No Hassle discount | -$750 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza price | $27,715 |
| MSRP | $28,290 |
| No Hassle discount | -$750 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza price | $27,715 |
| MSRP | $41,195 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza price | $41,370 |
| Original price | $22,500 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza price | $22,675 |
| Original price | $25,000 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza price | $25,175 |
| MSRP | $28,290 |
| No Hassle discount | -$750 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza price | $27,715 |
| MSRP | $37,945 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza price | $38,120 |
| MSRP | $41,195 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza price | $41,370 |
Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The benchmark at $47,395
315 hp, a rev-matching manual and the most cargo, for $6,505 less than its Acura twin. Four seats, no automatic.
320 hp with Acura coverage
The most power and longer warranties, for $53,900 and 93-octane fuel.
Grip for every season
AWD, five seats and an automatic option from $40,520; less cargo room.
The value play at $35,300
276 hp and a 10-year powertrain warranty; the smallest trunk here.
Civic Type R vs Integra Type S vs GR Corolla vs Elantra N Scorecard
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Elantra N | $35,300, or $12,095 below the Type R |
| Horsepower | Integra Type S | 320 hp vs 315, 300 and 276 |
| Torque | Civic Type R and Integra Type S | 310 lb-ft each |
| AWD and transmission choice | GR Corolla | Only AWD car; manual or automatic |
| Cargo | Civic Type R | 24.5 cu ft vs 24.3, 17.8 and 14.2 |
| EPA combined | Even (manuals) | 24 mpg for all four with a manual |
| Warranty | Elantra N | 10 yr/100,000 mi powertrain, original owner |
| Overall for NYC drivers | Civic Type R | Near-Integra power for $6,505 less, plus the most cargo |
Still deciding? Weigh Honda's other sporty options in Prelude vs Civic Si and Type R, see why the Type R starts as a hatchback in Civic sedan vs hatchback, compare the two brands in Honda vs Toyota, or step down to everyday commuters with Civic vs Corolla for NYC drivers.
Your new car, dropped at your curb. Whichever you pick, its Plaza store delivers free within 25 miles of Nostrand Avenue.
Schedule Free DeliveryCivic Type R vs Integra Type S, GR Corolla and Elantra N: FAQ
What are the main alternatives to the Civic Type R?
The Acura Integra Type S, Toyota GR Corolla and Hyundai Elantra N. The Integra Type S is closest, with 320 hp; the GR Corolla adds AWD and an automatic; the Elantra N costs $12,095 less. Within Honda, the Civic Si starts at $31,495.
Is the Civic Type R better than the Integra Type S?
For value, yes. The 2026 Type R costs $6,505 less than the $53,900 Integra Type S, with only 5 hp less, the same torque and slightly more cargo space. The Integra counters with 320 hp and longer warranties.
Which is cheaper, the Civic Type R or the GR Corolla?
The GR Corolla, at $40,520 with a manual and $42,520 with the automatic, against $47,395 for the 2026 Civic Type R. The Type R has 15 hp more and 6.7 cu ft more cargo space.
Can I test drive the Civic Type R and its rivals at Plaza Auto Mall?
Yes. Plaza Honda, Acura of Brooklyn, Plaza Toyota and Plaza Hyundai are all on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn, so you can drive all four in one visit. Call ahead, since stock of these cars is small.
Does the Civic Type R come with an automatic transmission?
No. The Type R and Integra Type S come only with a six-speed manual. For two pedals, the GR Corolla offers an eight-speed automatic and the Elantra N an eight-speed dual-clutch.
Which gets the best gas mileage?
It's a tie with manuals: all four are EPA-rated at 24 mpg combined. The automatic GR Corolla gets 22 mpg and the dual-clutch Elantra N 23. The Civic Si is rated 31 mpg combined.
Sources: automobiles.honda.com; Honda's 2026 Civic Type R releases (January 6, 2026), 2027 Civic Type R releases (October 1, 2026) and 2026 Civic Si releases; acura.com Integra pricing and specs; Acura's 2027 Integra release (November 10, 2026); toyota.com GR Corolla specs; hyundaiusa.com Elantra N specs; EPA ratings; NHTSA recall records. Checked November 13, 2026.
*MSRP excludes destination (set by each maker), taxes, title, registration and dealer fees. Figures as of November 13, 2026. EPA ratings are for comparison; actual mileage will vary. Confirm pricing and availability with the dealer.
