2022 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of the original 2008 Lexus IS F with its naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine, now producing 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, maintaining the thrilling driving experience that enthusiasts cherished. Despite its modest mechanical upgrades, the IS 500 F Sport Performance offered an emotional thrill ride, balancing excitement with the comfort, quality, and dependability expected from a Lexus. However, this came at a premium price, significantly higher than its IS 350 and IS 300 counterparts.

The exterior of the IS 500 F Sport Performance remained understated, with subtle styling tweaks like a raised hood and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, it mirrored the IS 350 F Sport, offering a comfortable and high-quality interior for four passengers. The infotainment system featured a wide touchscreen display, although the touchpad on the centre console was deemed unnecessary. Overall, the IS 500 F Sport Performance was a blend of performance and luxury, appealing to those who appreciated a powerful yet refined driving experience.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture the remaining market share for hatchbacks as other automakers phased them out. Built in Indiana, it was one of the few compact cars still produced in North America. The Civic hatchback shared its front design with the sedan but featured unique styling from the front doors to the rear. It offered a practical and enjoyable driving experience, with a focus on comfort and functionality. The Sport Touring trim, in particular, provided a more modern appearance with digital instrumentation and infotainment displays.

Inside, the Civic hatchback offered comfortable seating and a spacious trunk with a two-piece cargo shade. However, some passengers noted the lack of a seat-height adjuster for the front passenger seat and the absence of rear air conditioning vents. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, and the Sport Touring trim included heated front and rear seats. The Civic hatchback's interior was designed for practicality, with a focus on comfort and convenience for daily driving.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine, producing 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This rear-wheel-drive sedan featured an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. The IS 500 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, providing a thrilling driving experience.

The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper contributed to a comfortable ride and enhanced stability. The car's brakes were upgraded for improved cooling and performance, withstanding abuse in high temperatures. Despite its weight distribution, the IS 500 felt capable on public roads, delivering an exhilarating driving experience with its throaty engine note. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.3 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice of engines, with the Sport and Sport Touring trims featuring a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided accessible torque from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm, making it suitable for everyday driving. The Civic hatchback was front-wheel drive, with a choice between a CVT and a six-speed manual transmission.

The Civic hatchback's suspension used MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link independent design in the rear, providing a balance between comfort and handling. The Sport Touring trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires. The CVT worked well with the turbocharged engine, offering smooth operation, while the manual transmission provided an engaging driving experience. The Civic hatchback delivered good fuel efficiency, with real-world testing nearly matching official estimates.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 offered a comfortable interior with effective climate control, including seat heaters and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, providing excellent support and a driving position that enhanced control. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, but rear passengers lacked smartphone charging options. The trunk space was limited, measuring just 305 litres, and the centre console's touchpad controller took up valuable space.

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, although the load floor was not flat. All seating positions were comfortable, but the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, and the Sport Touring trim included heated front and rear seats. The Civic hatchback's interior was designed for practicality, with a focus on comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system with separate climate and stereo controls, making it user-friendly. The IS 500 Premium included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The dynamic voice command system was impressive, handling queries accurately. The IS 500 added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a new infotainment system, with the Sport Touring trim featuring a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The inclusion of physical knobs for sound system controls addressed previous criticisms. The Civic's voice recognition system worked well, and the digital instrumentation provided comprehensive information. However, the Sport variant's speakers were considered mediocre.

The 2022 Lexus IS came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a range of driving assistance and collision-prevention technologies. The system included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The IS earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it received a four-star frontal-impact collision rating.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured Honda Sensing, a collection of safety features including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The system also included Road Departure Mitigation and Lane Keeping Assist. The Civic hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS. However, the system's operation was not entirely transparent, with some functions being overly aggressive.