2022 Honda Civic: 5 Things That Will Change Your Opinion About The Car

Honda has introduced an all-new Civic for the 2022 model year that differs significantly from its predecessors. After 50 years of production, the Civic — arguably the world’s most beloved economy car — has grown up and matured. Take a look at these five changes that will likely alter your opinion of the all-new vehicle:

1 - New Styling is Sporty and Sophisticated

Honda chose to go with a simple, yet sporty, exterior design on its all-new 2022 Civic. The new look features a lower hood and door-mounted exterior mirrors, which improve outward vision and lower cabin wind noise. Adding to a sense of openness is a lower belt line and larger side windows. The headlights are pushed to the corners, while the taillamp extend to the edges of the vehicle — both attributes are designed to emphasis stability. Character lines are sharp and deliberate, which imply strength and power.

The overall look is a significant departure from previous-generation Honda Civics, as the 2022 model is visually more balanced — it has the proportions of a rear-wheel drive sedan (at first glance, it is strikingly similar to the attractive E90-Series BMW sedan). Unlike some of its predecessors, which were arguably over-styled for a young audience, the new sedan projects a sophistication that is new to the Civic brand — it looks great from just about every angle.

2 - Updated Engines are Refined and Effiecent

The 2022 Honda Civic will be offered with two combustion engines — both updated for the all-new model. The LX and Sport trims are fitted with a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, engine that is rated at 158 hp/138 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has been enhanced to increase fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and improve drivability.

The Civic EX and Touring trims are fitted with a more powerful turbocharged 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, engine that is rated at 180 hp/177 lb-ft of torque. The standard CVT in those models, which is more robust that the transmission in the 2.0-liter, has been tuned to work with the turbocharged engine to improve throttle response and efficiency.

Fuel economy has been improved for both models — LX and Sport deliver 30-35 mpg, while EX and Touring models deliver 31-36 mpg. (Note that the more powerful turbocharged 1.5-liter engine is more fuel efficient, which often isn’t the case.)

3 - The Cabin is More Premium and Luxurious

Passengers within the new 2022 Honda Civic will be impressed with the new layout — the company calls it the “Man-Maximum/Machine-Minimum” approach. The concept follows a human-centric design that ensures the technology and layout serve the needs of the driver and passengers.

The driver faces a large three-spoke steering wheel with controls on the spokes. Window and mirror controls are conveniently located on the door panel, with light and wiper controls on the steering wheel stalks. The primary HVAC controls are on the center of the dash, with the infotainment stack — with a physical volume knob — easily visible at the top. There are USB ports throughout. Kudos to Honda for the intuitive transmission shift lever (canted slightly the driver for easier use), and upholders and storage.

The overall feeling is of spaciousness and openness — large windows ensure that all occupants have an excellent view outward. All trim levels of the new Civic feature new Body Stabilizing Seats for the driver and front passenger. The design incorporates new internal structures to provide better support across the entire body, which enhances comfort for occupants. Standard upholstery has been upgraded to be wrinkle-resistant, and leather is offered on the Touring trim.

Another feature worthy of mentioning is the metal honeycomb mesh that replaces the traditional HVAC vents along the dashboard. In addition to visually breaking up the expansive dash — for a better aesthetic approach — the design cleanly conceals the air vents (rotary controls to open/close the vents are immediately beneath).

4 - New Technology is Innovative

Passengers within the new 2022 Honda Civic are surrounded by premium levels of innovative technology. Standard models (LX) are fitted with a 7-inch digital gauge cluster complemented by a 7-inch color touchscreen infotainment system. Sport models are upgraded with Smart Entry, Remote Start, and an upgraded audio system, among other features.

The EX models arrive with the Blind Spot Information System and dual-zone automatic climate control, while the premium Touring model supplements all of the aforementioned technology with a 10-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9-inch high-resolution color touchscreen for the infotainment system.

Audiophiles will enjoy the available 12-speaker Bose premium sound system — I sat in the car blasting tunes long after my test drive was over. And, of course, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Qi-compatible wireless phone charging are also offered.

Honda didn’t forget about safety, either. The Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assist technologies includes Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and a Collision Mitigation Braking System.

5 - Driving Dynamics are Impressive

The all-new 2022 Honda Civic rides on a new platform that boasts a rigid aluminum subframe (lighter weight for more agility), a longer wheelbase (for a more comfortable ride), wider rear track (more stability in corners), and more sophisticated suspension (for improved ride quality). On the road, the Honda Civic drives like a premium sedan, with an isolated and well-controlled ride that belies it’s low pricing.

The standard 2.0-liter models (LX and Sport) are quick and peppy, despite their lower horsepower and torque outputs. The naturally aspirated engine is a good fit for the CVT — I really enjoyed this combination in terms of drivability, but it is down on power so it’s not for the horsepower junkie.

The more powerful turbocharged 1.5-liter models (EX and Touring) deliver stronger acceleration, but the power isn’t as seamlessly integrated as it is with the naturally aspirated engine. That said, it’s my preferred powerplant as the pricing premium will deliver more exhilarating acceleration and better fuel efficiency.

Handling is impressive for this category of vehicle. The Honda Civic feels solid and stable from the driver’s seat, effortlessly tackling the curvy roads that Honda had set me out upon. Steering feel is good and accurate, although feedback through the steering wheel is minimal — typical of today's electrically-assisted systems. Our one complaint was tire choice. Honda still puts all-season tires on these models (enthusiasts should wait for the upcoming “Si” or “Type R” models).