2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the tradition of segment-defining models that Honda released every decade or so. Following the bold 2016 model, the 2021 version maintained its polarizing design, which some loved and others disliked. Despite its divisive appearance, the Civic remained a familiar sight on the roads, with over a million units in circulation. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, offered a striking yet sometimes questionable aesthetic depending on the angle or lighting. Inside, the Civic's cabin, though showing signs of age, still featured quality materials and an adventurous design that aligned with its trend-setting reputation.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic adopted a more conservative and mature look, reminiscent of the larger Honda Accord. This redesign aimed to appeal to those who found the previous model's styling too bold. The interior embraced simplicity, with a minimalistic approach to controls and layout. A notable feature was the metal honeycomb mesh that elegantly concealed the air vents, adding a touch of sophistication. The improved interior materials, especially in the Touring trim, reflected a newfound maturity that the previous generation lacked.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between two engines. The base models, including the LX, EX, and Sport trims, came with a 2.0-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate performance for everyday driving. However, the turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, standard in the Touring trim, was the preferred choice. It delivered 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, offering a more spirited driving experience. Despite the CVT's tendency to drone, it contributed to impressive fuel economy, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on a test loop.

The 2022 Honda Civic improved upon its predecessor's powertrains. The base 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine remained, producing the same 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. However, the turbocharged 1.5-litre engine received a boost, now delivering 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a refined CVT featuring Step Shift programming, provided a more satisfying blend of performance and efficiency. The Civic's handling and ride quality were enhanced, thanks to improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning. Despite falling short of fuel efficiency estimates during spirited driving, the 2022 Civic offered a predictable and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, though low to the ground, provided a comfortable interior once inside. The driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Leather upholstery was exclusive to the Touring trim. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, with excellent thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle. However, the absence of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The centre console offered remarkable storage space, and the trunk provided 428 litres of cargo capacity, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

In the 2022 Honda Civic, comfort remained a hallmark. The redesigned front seats offered improved support, and the power driver's seat in the Touring trim allowed for a perfect driving position. While the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, it provided excellent thigh support. The rear seats offered ample legroom, though the backrest angle might feel too reclined for some. The absence of rear air conditioning vents persisted, but the Touring trim included heated rear cushions. The redesigned centre console sacrificed some storage space for a more conventional layout. Trunk volume remained generous at 419 litres, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology showed its age, 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, while nice, wasn't a significant improvement over the standard setup.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic boasted impressive technology. Every model featured digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display. The Vehicle Activity display provided valuable information about the car's lighting status. The infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with volume and tuning knobs, while the Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system's performance was a significant improvement over the previous generation, with faster load times and better voice recognition.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the LaneWatch system, available from the EX trim, was problematic due to its limited coverage and reliance on a camera feed. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, providing peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2022 Honda Civic improved its safety features with an upgraded Honda Sensing suite. It added Traffic Jam Assist and refined the performance of existing features with a new wide-view front camera and ultrasonic sonar sensors. 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 better collision protection, and new airbag designs enhanced safety. A rear-seat reminder system was also standard, ensuring occupants' safety.