The Honda Civic continues to sit at the top of the small car segment against rivals like the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla. The 2022 Civic is available in two versions, a sedan or hatchback, which means the slow selling coupe is gone. The 2022 Honda Civic is a reliable and well-rounded compact car that will easily satisfy more buyers.
The last generation’s styling turned off some buyers. The 2022 Civic sedan, however, has addressed this issue with a more sophisticated and refined design that resembles a smaller version of the Accord. The new hatchback model also offers a sportier and more versatile alternative to the sedan. The entire 2022 Civic lineup boasts a more mature and elegant look, with the hatchback featuring a unique grille and a sleek roofline that flows into the rear. The hatchback also has a longer wheelbase and a wider track than the previous generation which gives it more interior space and cargo capacity.
The 2022 Civic is available with two engine options, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed manual. The 2.0-liter engine generates 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The EX-L and Sport Touring models get the turbo with 180 hp and 177 lb-ft. The LX and EX-L models are only available with the CVT, but both the Sport and Sport Touring are available with either a six-speed manual or a CVT.
The 2.0-liter with the CVT is rated at 30 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined with the base LX trim level. The Sport with the CVT is rated at 29/37/32 mpg, while the manual version is rated at 26/36/29 mpg. The 1.5-liter with the CVT is rated at 31 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 35 mpg combined in the EX-L. The Sport Touring is rated at 30/37/33 mpg with the CVT and 28/37/31 mpg with the manual.
The Civic has good ride and handling, with a sophisticated ride and the ability to absorb bumps in the road. The 2022 Civic gets a new steering rack, a new front suspension, stiffer springs, upgraded stabilizer bars and new dampers. The steering is perfectly weighted with good feedback and the firm ride isn’t punishing.
The interior has also been upgraded with a minimalistic design, improved materials, and an upgraded tech system with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and optional 9-inch infotainment system. The infotainment system is an improvement over the last system, the system reacts fast, but it doesn’t look or feel years ahead of the last one. The graphics could look better.
Inside you’ll find that the Civic hatchback is a lot more spacious than either the Corolla or Mazda 3 hatchbacks. There’s plenty of room for five and also more cargo room than its rivals.
On the safety front, the 2022 Civic comes standard with a long list of driver assistance features, like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, road-departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams and traffic-sign recognition. A blind-spot monitor is standard on the EX-L and Sport Touring models.
The 2022 Civic hatchback starts at $23,915, including destination, but if you want the top spec Sport Touring that you see here, it starts at $30,810.
At the end of the day the 2022 Honda Civic is a top pick in the small car segment, with efficient and refined powertrains, entertaining handling, class-leading safety, and impressive technology. It is a reliable and well-rounded vehicle that is suitable for a wide range of drivers. Regardless of body style or trim, the Civic should be on your small car shopping list.
