All-New 2022 Honda Civic 5D Hatchback

More Fun, More Versatility

Hatchback, or sedan – that is the question. Both have the same dimensions, trims and form factor with the exception of the hatchback adding a 5th door rear lift gate for added versatility and cargo space. The hatchback costs about $1,200 more than the sedan, and if you’re up north in Canada, you’re going to have to fork out an extra $3,000 Canadian. Regardless of choice, you’re guaranteed a versatile and very fun road 5-passenger road car with exceptional fuel economy.

What’s New

The all-new 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback brings more luxury and contemporary design treatments with a first-ever all-digital instrument cluster, 12-speaker BOSE sound system, and re-designed cosmetics for a more enhanced and modern look. Engine and overall powertrain configuration remains the same from the previous generation.

Banging for the Buck

The following are the trim MSRP prices for the Honda Civic Hatchback

LX	$28,650
Sport	$32,150
Sport Touring	$35,650

While the base LX trim is the most affordable option, we’d recommend the Sport trim and up primarily for the upgraded 1.5L turbocharged engine that boosts the power output to 180 as opposed to the standard 2.0L engine with just 158 hp. The Sport trim also adds additional convenient and luxury features including dual zone climate controls, 3 USB device connectors, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and a moonroof. The highest Sport Touring trim (under test) comes equipped with an all-new 10.2″ all-digital instrument cluster, leather-trimmed seating, enlarged 9″ infotainment touchscreen with Satellite Navigation as well as an all-new BOSE 12-speaker sound system.

Engaging Mechanics

Base LX trims get a standard 2.0L naturally aspirated engine producing just 158 horsepower while Sport and Sport Touring trims get an upgraded 1.5L turbocharged engine bumping up the horsepower to 180hp. Regardless of engine, buyers have the option to choose between a 6-speed manual or a CVT transmission. While the 6-speed manual transmission is certainly more fun and engaging, the CVT transmission in paddle-shift sequential shift mode is still fun and responsive in between shifts. The Honda Civic can also be fitted with independent strut and multi-link rear suspensions for improved handling.

As always, the Honda Civic is praised for its exceptional fuel economy, with the Sport Touring trim getting a very respectable 34 mpg on both city and highway driving.

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The Interior Plus Tech

Where the Honda Civic shines is the refreshed interior for 2022. With design cues trickled down from the Accord, the Honda Civic feels surprisingly clean and luxurious. Featured on the Sport Touring includes an all new 10.2″ all-digital instrument cluster and and a 12-speaker BOSE audio sound system. The climate controls panel is also redesigned with a unique and modern honey-comb mesh grille pattern.

Base models get a smaller 7.0″ infotainment touchscreen that can be upgraded to a larger 9″ screen with both systems supporting both Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Sport Touring trims receive built-in satellite navigation and a smartphone wireless charging pad.

Opting for the hatchback benefits primarily for the increased cargo capacity and rear-access versatility. The Honda Civic hatchback cargo space gets 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space while the Honda Civic sedan only gets 15.1 cubic feet with the rear 60/40 seats folded down. That’s a significant increase – 70.2% more cargo space compared to the Honda Civic Sedan to be exact.

Road Practice and Final Thoughts

As expected, the Honda Civic is light and nimble on the road with quick and natural response on both the steering and throttle. Turbo lag is now a thing of the past with improved technology and only fuel economy and more horsepower to benefit from the 1.5L turbocharged engine.

Under test is the 6-speed manual transmission giving the Honda Civic the ultimate driver’s experience. With a low center of gravity, the Honda Civic stays glued to the ground with high confidence.

No car is perfect and in the end of the day, it’s a Honda Civic. Even with contemporary looks and a pristine interior, the Honda Civic steel feels rough over road bumps and a lack of interior sound isolation can make long drives feel harsh uncomfortable. Still, the Honda Civic has a lot to offer, and with the choice of multiple trims and the option between a sedan or hatchback gives buyers more choices that best suit their needs.

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2022 Honda Civic
• Model : 5D Hatchback
• Vehicle Type : 5-Door Hatchback
• Seating Capacity :2+3
• Engine : 1.5L Turbocharged Engine
• Transmission : 6-Speed Manual or CVT
• Price as tested: $35.650

Pros

• Significant increase in cargo space with hatchback variant
• Sport Touring trim adds luxury features including 12-speaker BOSE sound system and an all-digital instrument cluster display
• All-new interior and exterior styling
• 6-Speed manual transmission option available for more engaging driving experience.
• Clean and well equipped interior on Sport Trim

Cons

• Driving the Honda Civic can feel harsh with lack of suspension response, sound isolation and road shear noise