The automotive world frequently buzzes with anticipation for redesigned models, but few command as much attention as the Honda Civic. With a legacy spanning five decades, marked by affordability, efficiency, and unwavering durability, the introduction of the 2022 Honda Civic was met with high expectations. As highlighted in the video above, this new generation not only lives up to its predecessor’s reputation for sporty handling, a spacious interior, and a comfortable ride but, in many ways, surpasses it. This latest iteration is making waves right from its dealership debut, proving to be a formidable contender against rivals like the Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3, and Toyota Corolla.
Exploring the 2022 Honda Civic Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2022 Honda Civic arrives with a structured lineup of four distinct trim levels, each designed to cater to varying preferences and budgets. Understanding what each trim offers is key to finding your perfect fit, balancing features, performance, and cost.
1. The Foundation: Civic LX
Starting at approximately $22,000, the LX serves as the entry point into the new Civic family. It features a reliable 158 horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, a powerplant that aligns well with other base models in the compact sedan segment. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the driving experience closely mimics that of a traditional automatic, offering smooth and predictable power delivery. Notably, this CVT has been updated for improved response, ensuring a more engaging drive even at the base level. Standard safety is a priority, with the Honda Sensing Suite providing advanced features like adaptive cruise control, a significant perk for daily commutes and long journeys. You also get a partial digital instrument panel, blending modern tech with user-friendly design.
2. Adding Style and Convenience: Civic Sport
For an additional investment of about $1,400 over the LX, the Sport trim elevates the Civic’s aesthetic and functional appeal. This trim introduces stylish 18-inch alloy wheels and distinctive black styling cues that give the car a more assertive presence. Practical upgrades include keyless entry, which adds a layer of convenience to your daily routine, and paddle shifters, offering a more interactive driving experience for those who enjoy taking a bit more control. A better audio system is also part of the package, enhancing your listening pleasure on every trip.
3. The Sweet Spot: Civic EX
Many experts, including the reviewer in the video, suggest stepping up to the EX trim, which starts just under $26,000. The primary reason? A significant bump in performance. The EX comes equipped with a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering a robust 180 horsepower. While this engine is a carryover from the previous generation, it benefits from a slight 6-horsepower increase, translating to a more spirited drive. Beyond power, the EX also boasts slightly better fuel economy, improving by about one or two miles per gallon depending on the specific configuration. Feature-wise, the EX is loaded: a sunroof brightens the cabin, a blind spot monitor enhances safety during lane changes, dual-zone climate control ensures comfort for all occupants, heated front seats are a welcome luxury in colder climates, and practical split-folding rear seats expand cargo versatility.
4. Top-Tier Luxury: Civic Touring
At the pinnacle of the lineup is the Touring model, priced around $29,000. This trim includes the potent turbo engine found in the EX, along with a host of premium features. Additional advanced safety technologies, sumptuous leather seating surfaces, and a high-fidelity Bose premium audio system transform the cabin into a luxurious retreat. A standout feature is wireless phone integration, which eliminates the need for USB cables, allowing for seamless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This truly modern convenience makes every drive more streamlined and enjoyable.
Advanced Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Honda has long been committed to safety, and the 2022 Honda Civic continues this tradition with its comprehensive Honda Sensing Suite. This collection of safety and driver-assistive technologies is designed to help drivers stay aware of their surroundings and respond to potential hazards, offering peace of mind on every journey.
Core Honda Sensing Features
Every 2022 Honda Civic comes standard with an impressive array of safety tech. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control, which helps maintain a set following distance behind the car in front, making highway driving less strenuous. Other vital features often include Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Collision Mitigation Braking System. These systems work in concert to provide an extra layer of protection, helping to prevent accidents or mitigate their severity. While some older Honda systems have been criticized for being overly sensitive, the 2022 Civic shows marked improvements, with false alarms occurring less frequently, making for a more refined and trustworthy experience.
Enhanced Visibility and Practicality
Beyond the active safety systems, the 2022 Honda Civic also boasts design improvements that directly enhance safety. The video points out that the front roof pillar has been moved back and thinned, significantly improving outward visibility, especially through left turns. This seemingly small change makes a big difference in the driver’s ability to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. While the rear view is slightly narrower, the standard rearview camera effectively eliminates guesswork when backing into parking spaces, ensuring confident maneuvers in tight spots.
Driving the New Civic: Performance and Handling
A car’s true character often reveals itself on the road. The 2022 Honda Civic continues its legacy of delivering a praiseworthy driving experience, balancing everyday comfort with engaging dynamics.
Acceleration and Braking
When it comes to getting up to speed, the Civic with the turbocharged engine offers a solid, if not blistering, performance. Tests show it reaches 60 miles per hour in 7.9 seconds. While this is about a second slower than its turbo predecessor – perhaps due to the new Civic being 160 pounds heavier – it still outpaces many other sedans in its class. Power delivery, though initially modest, builds quickly, so you rarely feel the need to floor the accelerator for sufficient thrust. Braking is another strong suit, with the Civic coming to a stop from 60 mph in a commendable 120 feet, a few feet shorter than the average for its segment. The car maintains composure under panic braking, instilling confidence when sudden stops are necessary.
Handling and Ride Comfort
True to its reputation, the 2022 Honda Civic excels in handling. It navigates turns with a sharpness that many competitors can’t match, often feeling more agile than its compact sedan rivals, with the possible exception of the Mazda 3. This sporty handling does contribute to a slightly stiffer ride, meaning you might feel more road imperfections. However, the initial impact of bumps is well-smoothed, preventing harsh jolts. On the downside, road noise can be noticeable, particularly on coarse highway surfaces, which might be a factor to consider for those prioritizing a whisper-quiet cabin on long journeys.
Inside the 2022 Civic: Design, Comfort, and Technology
Stepping inside the 2022 Honda Civic reveals a cabin that mirrors the exterior’s shift towards a cleaner, more refined aesthetic. Honda has focused on creating an interior that is both attractive and highly functional.
Modern and User-Friendly Interior Design
The interior design takes a “less is more” approach, featuring a wide horizontal dash that creates an open and airy feel. A standout design element is the honeycomb grille spanning the dashboard, subtly integrating the air vents while adding a touch of sophistication. Climate controls are intuitively placed and easy to use, avoiding complex digital menus that can distract drivers. The infotainment screen sits perfectly within the driver’s sightline, reducing the need to glance away from the road, a critical factor for safety and convenience.
Infotainment and Connectivity
In the top Touring trim, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are game-changers, offering the familiar interface of your smartphone without the clutter of cables. While the video notes some minor delays when running wirelessly, performance is seamless when connected via a cord. This level of integration ensures that navigation, music, and communication are always at your fingertips.
Seating Comfort and Storage
The front seats of the 2022 Honda Civic are well-shaped and cushioned, providing excellent comfort for long distances. Even taller passengers, up to 6’4″, report ample space. While the absence of adjustable lumbar support might be a minor concern for some on extended drives, overall comfort is high. Storage solutions are thoughtfully designed, including a generously sized bin, large cupholders, and a rubberized wireless charging pad that securely holds your phone in place.
Premium Materials and Practicality
Honda has also paid close attention to materials quality, elevating the cabin’s feel for its class. A notable innovation is the micro-herringbone pattern applied to areas often rendered in piano black plastic. This clever design significantly cuts down on glare and reflections while also being much more resistant to smudges, addressing a common complaint about high-gloss finishes. In the rear, the Civic offers adult-sized seating, with ample knee and foot space, ensuring comfort for most passengers. Two USB ports keep devices charged, and a center armrest with two cupholders adds to passenger convenience. The cargo area provides a generous 14.8 cubic feet of space, and the rear seats fold down (though not completely flat) to accommodate larger items.
The 2022 Honda Civic Against Its Rivals
In the fiercely competitive compact sedan segment, the 2022 Honda Civic continues to hold its own, often outperforming its direct rivals. While the video notes that the top trims of the Civic can be more expensive—about $3,500 more than a fully loaded Kia Forte and a few hundred dollars more than a top Toyota Corolla—it justifies this with a robust suite of features and superior driving dynamics.
For instance, while the Civic Touring makes slightly less power than the Mazda 3 and Kia Forte, it outmatches the Hyundai Elantra. More importantly, the overall package of the 2022 Honda Civic provides a refined balance of performance, sophisticated design, advanced technology, and practical utility. Its ability to excel in key areas like handling, interior quality, and standard safety features allows it to maintain its top-tier position among compact sedans, reinforcing its value proposition despite a slightly higher price point.
Unpacking the Conventional Redesign: Your Honda Civic Q&A
What kind of car is the 2022 Honda Civic?
The 2022 Honda Civic is a redesigned compact sedan known for being affordable, efficient, and durable. It is a strong competitor in its class, offering a balance of performance and comfort.
What are the different versions (trim levels) available for the 2022 Honda Civic?
The 2022 Honda Civic is available in four distinct trim levels: the entry-level LX, the stylish Sport, the feature-rich EX, and the top-tier Touring model.
What engine options does the 2022 Honda Civic offer?
The Civic LX and Sport trims come with a reliable 158 horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the EX and Touring trims feature a more powerful 180 horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.
Does the 2022 Honda Civic come with standard safety features?
Yes, every 2022 Honda Civic includes the Honda Sensing Suite as standard, which is a collection of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies like Adaptive Cruise Control.
What is the interior design like in the 2022 Honda Civic?
The interior of the 2022 Honda Civic features a modern, clean design with a wide horizontal dashboard and easy-to-use climate controls. It focuses on user-friendliness and comfortable seating for occupants.