[Auto] 2022 Honda Civic

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Overview

Honda's po[CENSORED]r Civic compact car is in for a big glow-up for the 2022 model year as it debuts a more grown-up appearance, new features, and a refined cabin design. Honda hasn't released all the information yet, but we expect a selection of four-cylinder engines—including a turbocharged 1.5-liter—to be offered; front-wheel drive will continue to be standard as Honda insists all-wheel drive is not part of the plan. Updated tech features such as a larger infotainment display, wireless smartphone connectivity, and improved driver-assistance features are all meaningful updates that will help the Civic stave off competition from the likes of the Hyundai Elantra, the Mazda 3, and the Toyota Corolla. The all-new Civic sedan is expected to go on sale in spring 2021 with hatchback models following shortly after.

 

What's New for 2022?

The Civic is all-new for 2022, with a redesigned body, updated interior, and—purportedly—better performance.

 

Pricing and Which One to Buy

LX$: 22,000 (est)

Sport: $23,000 (est)

EX: $25,000 (est)

EX-L: $26,000 (est)

Touring: $29,000 (est).

Although we expect pricing of the 2022 Civic to be similar to that of the outgoing 2021 model, Honda hasn't released a full list of standard and optional features, so it's difficult to choose the one that represents the best value. In the past, we've been fans of the affordable Sport model, but depending on the car's available features, that could change. When we find out more about the Civic's packaging and pricing, we'll update this story with details.

 

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Honda hasn't released any information about the 2022 Civic's powertrain, but we'd wager a guess that the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that's optional on the current car will carry over to the new model. A lower-powered, naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder is currently standard and also could make the jump to 2022. Honda says the new Civic will remain solely a front-wheel drive car. Sporty Si and high-performance Type-R variants are also in the works; we review those models separately.

 

 

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy estimates for the 2022 Civic yet, but the current model is among the most fuel efficient in the compact car segment, and that's not likely to change. When we get a chance to test drive the new Civic, we'll take it on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route and report its results here. For more information about the Civic's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

 

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

A more streamlined interior design debuts in the 2022 Civic, with cleaner lines and a dashboard featuring a full-width honeycomb-patterned mesh design element that cleverly hides the air vents. A wider center console appears less cluttered than the outgoing model's and features what looks like a large, deep bin ahead of the shift lever for stashing smartphones, keys, and road-trip snacks. Honda says passenger space is roughly the same as the 2021 model, and the same goes for cargo room in the sedan; a hatchback body style will also be offered, but we don't yet have information on that model.

 

 

Infotainment and Connectivity

The prototype of the 2022 Civic shown in the photos here features a 9.0-inch touchscreen display running the most up-to-date version of Honda's infotainment system. We are unsure if that display will be offered as standard equipment or if a smaller screen—perhaps a 7.0-inch unit—will be the base offering. Either way, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both likely to be standard and may also offer wireless connectivity. Expected options include in-dash navigation, on-board Wi-Fi, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

 

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

We'll have to wait for crash test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but Honda says a host of driver-assistance features will be offered as standard. For more information about the Civic's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Honda's standard warranty package is merely average, with rivals such as the Elantra and Kia Forte offering more comprehensive coverage. Buyers of the Civic also won't find any complimentary scheduled maintenance plan, something the Corolla offers as standard.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance