2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the tradition of segment-defining models that Honda released every decade or so. This model was available in various formats, including the four-door sedan, five-door hatchback, and the performance-tuned Type R. The Civic sedan came in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, with the Touring trim offering a premium experience with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels. The interior, while not as dramatic as when first introduced, still featured quality materials and thoughtful design. However, the infotainment system's maximum screen size of 7 inches showed its age. Despite its polarizing exterior design, the Civic remained a familiar sight on the roads, with over a million units sold.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX presented a more subtle exterior design, with a wider stance and a signature hood scoop. The side profile was less busy, featuring black plastic cladding with a hexagonal pattern to improve aerodynamics. The rear fenders flared outward, and the taillights had a multifaceted design. The WRX's interior saw significant improvements, with better fit and finish, a D-shaped steering wheel, and carbon-fibre-pattern trim accents. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, making the WRX a viable commuter vehicle. The inclusion of standard all-wheel drive added to its appeal, especially for those seeking a performance-focused sedan.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine, standard on the Touring trim, provided ample power and was complemented by a sophisticated suspension system. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, with its droning nature and ineffective paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, surpassing the estimated 7.1 L/100 km.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, featured a new 2.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While the power improvement was minimal, the WRX's all-wheel drive system and six-speed manual transmission provided a satisfying driving experience. The manual transmission was precise and easy to handle, while the suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, offered a forgiving ride quality. The CVT option, although not tested, promised faster shift times and variable torque distribution. The WRX's performance was commendable, but it occasionally felt sluggish compared to competitors like the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan offered a spacious interior, comparable to a decade-old midsize car. The driver's seat featured eight-way power adjustment, while the rear seats provided excellent thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle. However, the lack of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The centre console offered remarkable storage space, and the trunk provided 428 litres of cargo space, reduced to 416 litres in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, despite lacking a hatchback option, increased its cargo capacity to 354 litres, with a 60/40 split-fold function for the rear seats. The sport seats were comfortable and well-upholstered, with options for cloth, premium cloth, or Ultrasuede materials. The WRX's standard all-wheel drive and comfortable seats made it a practical choice for daily commuting.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was starting to show its age, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and limited infotainment features. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation with voice recognition. However, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated, and the premium sound system was only available in the Touring trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen in the Sport trim and higher, offering a visually impressive interface. The system included physical controls for essential functions, but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity were not seamless. The base trim had a unique dual 7-inch display setup, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system was available in higher trims.

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

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered the EyeSight suite of ADAS on CVT-equipped models, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. However, the manual transmission models did not have EyeSight due to potential stalling issues. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The WRX's new platform absorbed more energy in a crash, enhancing safety, and it came with seven airbags as standard.