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Best Exhaust for Honda Civic (2019-2024): Top Picks & Buyer’s Guide

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Best Exhaust for Honda Civic (2019–2024): Sound, Power & Style Upgrades

If you’re hunting for the best exhaust for Honda Civic models built between 2019 and 2024, you’ve landed in the right place. Whether you’re driving the turbocharged 1.5L Si, the naturally aspirated LX, or the fire-breathing Type R, a quality aftermarket exhaust system can transform the way your Civic sounds, performs, and looks rolling down the street. We’ve dug into the most popular options on the market — from budget-friendly axleback swaps to full catback systems favored by weekend track warriors — and broken them all down so you can make a smart, confident purchase.

Quick Comparison Table: Top Exhaust Systems for 2019–2024 Honda Civic

Brand / System Type Material Sound Level Est. HP Gain Best For
Borla ATAK Catback Catback T-304 Stainless Aggressive 8–12 hp Performance enthusiasts
MagnaFlow Street Series Catback 409 Stainless Moderate 5–8 hp Daily drivers
Invidia Q300 Catback SUS304 Stainless Moderate–Aggressive 6–10 hp Style + sound balance
DC Sports Axleback Axleback Stainless Steel Mild 2–4 hp Budget-conscious buyers
Tanabe Medalion Touring Catback SUS304 Stainless Mild–Moderate 5–7 hp Refined daily driving
HKS Hi-Power Spec L Catback SUS304 Stainless Sporty 6–9 hp JDM style fans

Top Exhaust Picks for the 2019–2024 Honda Civic

1. Borla ATAK Catback Exhaust — Best for Maximum Performance Sound

Borla has earned a legendary reputation in the aftermarket exhaust world, and their ATAK (Aggressive Turbo Active Kombustion) catback system for the 2019–2024 Honda Civic is a testament to that legacy. Built from aircraft-quality T-304 stainless steel and backed by Borla’s million-mile warranty, this system is designed for drivers who want people to hear them coming.

The ATAK produces a deep, throaty growl under acceleration that settles into a pleasant hum at highway speeds — no drone, no rasp, just pure performance tone. Installation is a straight bolt-on affair using your factory mounting points.

Check the Borla ATAK Catback for your Honda Civic

[CTA_BUTTON:borla-atak-civic-catback:Borla ATAK Catback]

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2. MagnaFlow Street Series Catback — Best for Daily Drivers

If you want a tasteful performance upgrade without turning every parking lot into a spectacle, the MagnaFlow Street Series catback is your go-to pick. MagnaFlow is an OEM supplier to major automakers, which means their build quality and fitment standards are exceptionally high.

This system uses a straight-through perforated core design that reduces backpressure, improves exhaust flow, and delivers a moderate, sporty tone — deep enough to sound intentional, subtle enough that your neighbors won’t file complaints. It’s CARB-exempt in most configurations, making it street-legal across all 50 states.

Browse MagnaFlow Street Series for Honda Civic

[CTA_BUTTON:magnaflow-street-civic-catback:MagnaFlow Street Series]

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3. Invidia Q300 Catback — Best Balance of Sound & Style

The Invidia Q300 has become a community favorite among Civic owners on forums like ClubCivic and Reddit’s r/civic — and for good reason. It threads the needle perfectly between an aggressive exhaust note and daily-driver livability, all while sporting a polished rolled-tip or titanium tip finish that looks factory-premium.

Built from SUS304 stainless steel and featuring a larger-diameter piping than stock, the Q300 delivers measurable improvements in exhaust flow. Dyno tests from trusted tuners frequently show gains in the 6–10 whp range on the 1.5T engine when paired with a good tune.

See the Invidia Q300 for 2019–2024 Honda Civic

[CTA_BUTTON:invidia-q300-civic-catback:Invidia Q300 Catback]

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4. DC Sports Axleback — Best Budget Option

Not ready to commit to a full catback? The DC Sports axleback exhaust is a wallet-friendly entry point that upgrades only the muffler and rear pipe section. You’ll get a noticeably improved exhaust note and a sportier look at a fraction of the cost of a full system.

It’s not going to unlock meaningful power gains, but if you’re a newer Civic owner testing the waters of aftermarket mods, this is a low-risk, high-reward starting point.

Get the DC Sports Axleback for Honda Civic

[CTA_BUTTON:dc-sports-axleback-civic:DC Sports Axleback]

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5. Tanabe Medallion Touring — Best for Refined Driving

The Tanabe Medallion Touring catback is engineered for the Civic owner who wants a premium upgrade without sacrificing daily comfort. Tanabe’s internal chamber design specifically targets exhaust drone elimination, making this one of the quietest-yet-sportiest systems available.

It’s a favorite among owners of the 2022–2024 Civic sedan who want the exhaust to complement the car’s refined interior rather than fight against it.

View the Tanabe Medallion Touring for Honda Civic

[CTA_BUTTON:tanabe-medallion-touring-civic:Tanabe Medallion Touring]

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Exhaust Buying Guide for 2019–2024 Honda Civic

Catback vs. Axleback: Which Do You Need?

An axleback system replaces everything behind the rear axle — typically just the muffler and tailpipe. It’s cheaper, easier to install, and improves sound. A catback system replaces everything from the catalytic converter back, including the mid-pipe. Catbacks offer significantly better flow improvements, more power gains, and a more dramatic sound change. For most enthusiasts, a catback is the better long-term investment.

Material Matters: Stainless Steel vs. Aluminized Steel

All the top picks above use stainless steel (T-304 or SUS304), which resists corrosion, withstands high heat, and lasts the life of the car. Cheaper aluminized steel systems will rust faster — especially if you live in a salt-belt state. Stick with stainless.

Sound Level: Know What You’re Getting Into

Sound is subjective, but here’s a rough guide: Axlebacks = mild improvement. Touring catbacks (Tanabe, MagnaFlow) = moderate, refined. Performance catbacks (Borla ATAK, Invidia Q300) = aggressive. If you’re not sure, search YouTube for sound clips of each system on a Civic — it’s one of the best research tools available.

Fitment Notes by Civic Trim & Year

Brief Installation Overview

Most catback and axleback systems for the 2019–2024 Civic are direct bolt-on replacements requiring no cutting, welding, or specialized tools. Here’s a general overview of what’s involved:

  1. Safety first: Let the car cool completely. Use jack stands — never work under a car supported only by a floor jack.
  2. Remove the stock system: Loosen the flanged connection at the mid-pipe/cat junction, then unhook the rubber exhaust hangers along the underside of the car.
  3. Install the new system: Hang the new pipes on the factory rubber hangers, align the flange connection, and hand-tighten all hardware before final torquing.
  4. Check alignment: Ensure the tips are centered in the bumper cutout before fully tightening everything down.
  5. First startup: A little burn-off smoke from new welds/coatings is normal on the first heat cycle.

Difficulty level: 2/5 — Most Civic owners with basic mechanical confidence can handle this in a driveway with common hand tools in 1–3 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an aftermarket exhaust void my Honda Civic’s warranty?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer cannot void your entire warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket exhaust. However, if a dealer can prove that the exhaust directly caused a specific failure (e.g., damage to the catalytic converter), that particular repair may not be covered. Stick with quality brands and keep your stock system in case you need warranty work.

How much horsepower does an aftermarket exhaust add to a Honda Civic?

On the 1.5T engine, a quality catback system typically adds 5–12 wheel horsepower depending on the system and whether you have supporting mods like a cold air intake or ECU tune. Axleback systems yield much more modest gains of 2–4 hp since they don’t significantly improve mid-pipe flow.

Is there exhaust drone on aftermarket Civic exhausts?

Some systems do exhibit light drone at steady highway RPMs (typically 2,000–2,500 RPM). Systems like the Tanabe Medallion Touring and MagnaFlow Street Series are specifically engineered to minimize drone. Aggressive systems like the Borla ATAK may have slightly more cabin resonance. Reading community reviews and watching in-cabin sound clips on YouTube is the best way to gauge this before buying.

Does an aftermarket exhaust fit both the 10th and 11th generation Civic?

No — the 10th gen (2016–2021) and 11th gen (2022–2024) Civic have different chassis and exhaust routing, so systems are not interchangeable. Always check the product fitment guide and confirm your specific year, trim, and body style (sedan, hatchback, coupe) before purchasing.

Do I need a tune after installing a catback exhaust on my Civic?

For a catback exhaust alone, a tune is not strictly required — your ECU will adapt to the changes. However, pairing the exhaust with a cold air intake and an ECU tune (from brands like Hondata or KTuner) will maximize your power gains and ensure optimal air-fuel ratios. A tune is highly recommended if you’re building a more comprehensive performance package.

Final Verdict: Which Exhaust Should You Buy for Your Honda Civic?

The best exhaust for your Honda Civic ultimately comes down to what you value most:

No matter which direction you go, upgrading your Civic’s exhaust is one of the most satisfying modifications you can make — you’ll feel it every time you press the accelerator. Drive it your way.