The Honda Civic holds its position as a strong contender in the small car category, standing up against rivals like the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla. The 2022 Civic model comes in sedan and hatchback versions, as the coupe variant has been discontinued due to poor sales. The 2022 Honda Civic is a dependable compact car, offering a well-rounded package that appeals to a broader range of buyers.
The previous generation of the Civic faced criticism for its styling, but the 2022 Civic sedan addresses this by adopting a more sophisticated and refined design akin to the Accord. The new hatchback model provides a sportier and more versatile alternative to the sedan. Across the 2022 Civic lineup, there is a more mature and elegant aesthetic, with the hatchback featuring a unique grille and a stylish roofline that smoothly transitions to the rear. The hatchback’s increased wheelbase and wider track from the previous generation enhance its interior space and cargo capacity.
The 2022 Civic offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed manual. The 2.0-liter engine delivers 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine in the EX-L and Sport Touring models produces 180 hp and 177 lb-ft. While the LX and EX-L models are only available with the CVT, both the Sport and Sport Touring models offer a choice between a six-speed manual or a CVT.
The 2.0-liter engine with the CVT achieves fuel efficiency ratings of 30 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg combined in the base LX trim. The Sport with the CVT is rated at 29/37/32 mpg, while the manual transmission version gets 26/36/29 mpg. The 1.5-liter engine with the CVT achieves 31 mpg in the city, 39 mpg on the highway, and 35 mpg combined in the EX-L trim. The Sport Touring achieves 30/37/33 mpg with the CVT and 28/37/31 mpg with the manual transmission.
The 2022 Civic offers a comfortable ride and handling, with improved suspension components including a new steering rack, front suspension, stiffer springs, upgraded stabilizer bars, and new dampers. The steering is responsive with good feedback, and the ride quality is smooth even over bumps in the road.
Inside, the interior has been upgraded with a clean and modern design, high-quality materials, and an enhanced tech system featuring a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an optional 9-inch infotainment system. While the infotainment system is an improvement over the previous generation, the graphics could be better.
The Civic hatchback boasts more interior space compared to competitors like the Corolla and Mazda 3 hatchbacks, providing ample room for five passengers and more cargo space.
In terms of safety, the 2022 Civic comes equipped with a comprehensive set of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. The EX-L and Sport Touring models also include a standard blind-spot monitor.
The starting price for the 2022 Civic hatchback is $23,915, including destination charges. For the top-of-the-line Sport Touring model, the price starts at $30,810.
In conclusion, the 2022 Honda Civic is a standout choice in the small car segment, offering efficient and refined powertrains, engaging handling, leading safety features, and impressive technology. It is a dependable and versatile vehicle suitable for a wide range of drivers. Whether you opt for the sedan or hatchback version, the Civic is a must-consider option when shopping for a small car.
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