2023 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2022 Honda Civic presented a more mature and conservative design compared to its predecessor, drawing visual parallels to the larger Accord sedan. This 11th-generation Civic was less flashy, appealing to those who preferred a more understated look. The interior was a nod to simplicity, with a minimalistic layout and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim. The dashboard featured a unique metal honeycomb mesh that elegantly concealed the air vents, contributing to a refined cabin atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru WRX stood out with its bold styling, distinct from the Impreza lineage it once shared. The WRX's wide-body look, functional hood scoop, and aggressive cladding gave it a performance-oriented appearance. The interior, while basic, promised durability and practicality. The top Sport-Tech trim offered Ultrasuede upholstery with red stitching, but the absence of Recaro seats in Canada was notable. The WRX's design was a blend of traditional Subaru elements and modern performance cues, appealing to enthusiasts.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options, both paired with a CVT. The base 2.0-litre engine produced 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, while the more desirable turbocharged 1.5-litre engine in the Touring trim delivered 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine provided a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency, with a broad torque range enhancing drivability. The Civic's handling was agile, with improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning contributing to a fun driving experience. However, real-world fuel efficiency fell short of official estimates, likely due to the engaging drive.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer engine, generated 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This placed it between the Civic Si and Type R in terms of output. The WRX's all-wheel-drive system and standard 6-speed manual transmission offered a unique driving experience compared to its mostly FWD competitors. The optional CVT, branded as Subaru Performance Transmission, mimicked a traditional automatic but lacked the engagement of the manual. The WRX excelled in grip and stability, though its muted exhaust and laid-back steering detracted from the overall excitement.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support. The Touring trim featured heated leather seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat, though the passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's low stance made entry and exit challenging, but rear legroom was generous. The trunk offered 408 litres of space in the Touring trim, accommodating full-size suitcases with ease. However, the absence of rear air vents was a notable oversight.

The 2023 Subaru WRX provided slightly more front headroom and legroom than the Civic Si, but less rear-seat space. Its 354-litre trunk was smaller than the Civic's, though a 60/40 split-folding rear seat added versatility. The WRX maintained good outward visibility, a hallmark of Subaru design, but lacked adequate storage for modern smartphones. The centre console was the only viable option for phone storage, complicating connectivity and charging.

The 2022 Honda Civic impressed with its digital instrumentation and infotainment systems. The Touring trim featured a 10-inch display with customizable options and a Vehicle Activity display to enhance safety. The infotainment system included a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, supported by a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Despite a slow startup, the system's performance was commendable, with intuitive voice recognition.

The 2023 Subaru WRX's Starlink infotainment system offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across two display configurations. Base models had dual 7-inch screens, while higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The larger screen was easy to read, though physical controls were missed. The interface was user-friendly, but SiriusXM took time to load. The Sport-Tech trim's 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivered quality sound.

The 2022 Honda Civic's Honda Sensing suite included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist, enhanced by a new wide-view camera and sonar sensors. The Civic replaced its LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system, standard in Canada. The vehicle's architecture was strengthened for better collision protection, and new airbag designs improved safety.

The 2023 Subaru WRX offered EyeSight driver assist technology with the CVT, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-centring, and emergency braking. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking. The WRX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its robust safety credentials.