2022 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a restrained design, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans with its understated elegance. It lacked the flashy design elements of the 3 Series and the grandiose size of the 7 Series, opting instead for a more subtle presence. The 2021 model year introduced a minor styling refresh, enhancing the sedan's sleekness with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully proportioned, twin-kidney grille. Additional updates included trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers for the M Sport Package. Despite being slightly longer, the 5 Series maintained an impressive drag coefficient, ensuring efficient aerodynamics. Inside, the familiar BMW layout remained largely unchanged, with distinctive design elements that reinforced the brand's identity. While the interior materials varied by trim level, the overall ambiance was one of understated luxury, with a few sporty touches like the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capitalize on the dwindling hatchback market, offering a redesigned model that was both practical and enjoyable to drive. Built in North America, the Civic hatchback shared its front-end design with the sedan but featured unique elements from the front doors back. Despite some visual quirks, the hatchback's design was generally well-received. Inside, the Civic hatchback mirrored the sedan's layout, with Sport Touring trim adding advanced digital displays and high-quality materials. The interior was praised for its comfort and functionality, though some minor complaints were noted, such as the lack of a seat-height adjuster for the front passenger seat and absent rear air conditioning vents. Overall, the Civic hatchback delivered a modern and practical driving experience, with thoughtful design elements that enhanced its appeal.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrain options, starting with the 530i sedan's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This entry-level model could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed limited to 210 km/h or 235 km/h, depending on tire choice. The 540i model featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The M550i xDrive and M5 models offered even more power, with the latter boasting a 617 hp V8 engine. Additionally, the 530e plug-in hybrid provided a combined output of 288 hp and an electric range of 31 km. The 5 Series was praised for its precise handling and smooth engine performance, though it leaned more towards luxury than pure sportiness.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the LX and Sport trims, generating 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The Sport and Sport Touring trims offered a more spirited 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, producing 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, with peak torque available from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. All Civic hatchbacks were front-wheel drive, with a choice between a CVT and a six-speed manual transmission. The CVT was noted for its smooth operation, while the manual transmission was praised for its engaging driving experience. The Civic hatchback delivered a balanced ride, with firm yet comfortable suspension tuning and responsive steering. While not a performance car, it provided an enjoyable driving experience, with good fuel efficiency and a focus on practicality.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door sedan, offered a spacious interior that matched its exterior dimensions. Front-seat space was competitive, and while rear-seat room appeared slightly less generous on paper, it still provided ample comfort for passengers. The 540i model boasted a 396-litre trunk, surpassing rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The rear seats featured a 40/20/20 split fold, enhancing cargo versatility. The test car's 16-way power front seats offered excellent support and comfort, though forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood. A surround-view camera system aided in maneuvering the vehicle in tight spaces.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a generous 693-litre trunk and a two-piece cargo shade for added convenience. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, though the load floor was not flat. All seating positions were comfortable, with sufficient legroom, though some passengers noted the lack of a seat-height adjuster for the front passenger seat and the absence of rear air conditioning vents. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, with heated front seats standard in Canada. The Sport Touring trim added heated outboard rear seats and black leather upholstery, enhancing comfort and style. The Civic hatchback's interior was thoughtfully designed, with practical features and a focus on passenger comfort.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring the latest iDrive 7 system, alongside a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system's graphics were excellent, though the instrument cluster layout could be improved. A rotary knob served as the primary controller for infotainment functions, offering a tactile alternative to touchscreens. Voice control and gesture controls were also available, though the latter required some learning.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system, with LX and Sport trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen display, physical knobs, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sport Touring trim offered a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The inclusion of physical knobs addressed previous criticisms of Honda's infotainment interfaces. The Civic's voice recognition system performed well, and the digital instrumentation varied by trim, with the Sport Touring offering a comprehensive 10.2-inch display. Overall, the Civic's infotainment system was a significant improvement over previous models.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for the 2021 model year, but the 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist. BMW's driver-assist technology was noted for its sophistication and smooth operation, particularly in traffic-jam situations.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback was equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New features included low-speed following capability and Traffic Jam Assist, though these were only available with the CVT. A blind-spot warning system was standard in Canada, with rear cross-traffic warning available on the Sport Touring trim. The Civic hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety features and improved structural engineering. However, some driver aids were noted for their less-than-transparent operation.