2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the tradition of segment-defining models that Honda released every decade or so. Following the dramatic 1984 model, the 1992 version, the futuristic 2006 model, and the polarizing 2016 model, the 2021 Civic maintained its presence on the road with a design that people either loved or hated. Despite its divisive styling, the Civic remained a popular choice, with over a million units on the road. The 2021 model was available in sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats, but the coupe was discontinued, and the Civic Si was on hiatus. The sedan came in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $23,400 to $29,200, excluding a $1,700 destination charge. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint, was particularly striking, though opinions on its aesthetics varied depending on the angle and lighting.

Inside, the 2021 Civic's interior was less dramatic than when it first debuted, but it still featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing. The cabin was spacious, comparable to a midsize car from a decade ago, and offered a comfortable ride. However, the infotainment system, with its maximum 7-inch screen, showed its age. Despite this, the Civic's adventurous design and trend-setting role in the compact car segment were evident. The Touring trim's 18-inch wheels added to its appeal, making it a car that was both quick and composed on the road.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture a significant share of the dwindling hatchback market, as many automakers shifted focus to small crossover SUVs. Built in Indiana, the new hatchback was one of the few compact cars still produced in North America. It shared its front-end design with the Civic sedan but featured unique elements from the front doors to the rear. The hatchback's design addressed the common issue of visual weight over the front wheels, though it still had a somewhat stubby rear. Inside, the Civic hatchback mirrored the sedan's interior, with Sport Touring trim offering advanced digital instrumentation and infotainment displays. The cabin featured high-quality materials, including metal honeycomb dashboard detailing that concealed the air vents. However, the CVT shifter operation was slightly janky, detracting from the overall sophistication.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, and a more desirable turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The latter, standard in the Touring trim, provided ample power and was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the CVT contributed to excellent fuel economy, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, it was criticized for its droning noise and unsophisticated gear lever feel. The Civic's ride and handling were praised, with its four-wheel independent suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels offering a composed and gratifying driving experience. However, the lack of a manual or dual-clutch transmission was noted as a missed opportunity for driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured a 2.0-litre engine in the LX and Sport trims, delivering 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The Sport and Sport Touring trims offered a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine with 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, with peak torque available from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. The hatchback was front-wheel drive only, with a choice between a CVT and a six-speed manual transmission. The CVT worked well with the turbo engine, offering infrequent droning and useful paddle shifters. The manual transmission, available in the Sport Touring trim, was praised for its short throws and fluid gear engagement. The Civic hatchback's suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride, though it was not designed for aggressive driving on winding roads. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the CVT achieving 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres and the manual averaging 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan sat low to the ground, making entry and exit a bit of a workout. Once inside, the cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating and excellent thigh support in the rear. However, the lack of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The centre console provided ample storage space, and the trunk offered 428 litres of cargo space, reduced to 416 litres in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a generous 693-litre trunk and a two-piece cargo shade. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, though the load floor was not flat. Seating was comfortable, with sufficient legroom, but the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, and heated front seats were standard in Canada. The Sport Touring trim added heated outboard rear seats and black leather upholstery. The centre console and door panels were designed for comfort, and automatic climate control was standard, with a dual-zone system in higher trims.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was somewhat outdated, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features. The Touring trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation. However, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated, and the premium sound system was only available in the Touring trim.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen in the LX and Sport trims. The Sport Touring trim featured a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Physical knobs for sound controls addressed previous criticisms, and the voice recognition system worked well. Digital instrumentation was standard, with a 10.2-inch display in the Sport Touring trim.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the LaneWatch system was limited to the right side, and the lack of a radar-based blind-spot warning system was a drawback. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured an improved Honda Sensing system with new features like low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist. A blind-spot warning system was standard in Canada, with rear cross-traffic warning available in the Sport Touring trim. The hatchback earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, and new airbags and engineering enhancements improved safety.