2022 Honda Civic vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series was known for its understated elegance, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans with a more restrained design. It lacked the flashy elements of the 3 Series and the grandiose size of the 7 Series, opting instead for a subtle presence that flew under the radar. 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, contributing to a slightly longer body while maintaining an efficient drag coefficient.

Inside, the 5 Series retained its classic BMW layout, with familiar design cues that made it unmistakably a BMW. The interior featured standard SensaTec upholstery, with options for Dakota and Nappa leather at an additional cost. The test car, a 540i xDrive, boasted Nappa leather in Mocha, enhancing the luxurious feel. Aluminum trim added a touch of sophistication, though the sport steering wheel felt somewhat out of place due to its size and sporty design, contrasting with the car's otherwise luxurious interior.

The 2022 Honda Civic, meanwhile, presented a more conservative and mature design compared to its predecessor. The new model year saw the Civic adopting a look reminiscent of the larger Accord, appealing to those who preferred a more tailored appearance. The interior embraced simplicity, with a minimalistic approach to controls and layout. A metal honeycomb mesh elegantly concealed the air vents, and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim, reflected a newfound maturity. The Civic's redesign aimed to enhance comfort and practicality, with thoughtful touches like a new centre console and improved seating support.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft 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 featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 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 617 hp and a zero to 100 km/h time of just 3.0 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor, providing 288 hp and an electric range of 31 km.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options. The LX, EX, and Sport trims featured a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The Touring trim came with a turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with continuously variable transmissions (CVT), featuring Step Shift programming for a more traditional automatic feel. The Civic's improved structural rigidity, suspension tuning, and steering feel contributed to an enjoyable driving experience, with the Touring trim offering quicker acceleration and a sportier ride.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door, five-seat sedan, offered a spacious interior with competitive front-seat space and ample rear-seat room. The 540i's trunk provided 396 litres of cargo space, surpassing rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The rear bench featured a 40/20/20 split fold for added 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 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering improved support. The Touring trim featured a power driver's seat with excellent adjustability, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The Civic's low stance made entry and exit challenging for some, but the rear seat provided generous legroom. The Touring trim included heated rear cushions, though the absence of rear air conditioning vents was notable. The Civic's trunk offered 419 litres of space, or 408 litres in the Touring trim, with a split-folding backseat for added utility.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring the iDrive 7 system, alongside a 12.3-inch 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's layout could be confusing. A rotary knob provided tactile control, complemented by voice and gesture controls.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display panel. The Vehicle Activity display provided valuable information about the car's lighting status. The standard infotainment setup included a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system performed well, with impressive voice recognition technology.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, 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, and lane-keep assist, with smooth operation and sophisticated driver-assist technology.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured an upgraded Honda Sensing suite, including Traffic Jam Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Lane Keeping Assist. The Civic replaced the LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert. The car's architecture was strengthened for improved collision protection, and new airbag designs enhanced safety. A rear-seat reminder system was also standard.