2022 Honda Civic — Civic gets better with full redesign



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 3, 2021) For 2022, Honda has ripped the wrappings of its newly redesigned 11th-generation Civic. It impresses with upgraded refinement, new safety and technology along with an overall simpler new design language that’s less busy than the outgoing Civic.


Much of what was already right with the 2021 Civic has been left alone with the 2022 version.
There’s a less complex grille, a lower hood and front fenders, and newly styled LED taillights out back with an integrated trunk spoiler that looks attractive. Overall, it looks a lot like its bigger Accord sibling right down to the hammerhead grille, but carries the same general proportions and is instantly recognized as a Honda Civic.

For this review, Honda dropped off a top-trim Touring model powered by a revised 180-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

There’s front-wheel drive like all Civics before it, along with selectable drive modes that do make a bit of difference. But, selecting Sport mode doesn’t change it into a performance beast, so excitement isn’t part of the deal. The engine simply doesn’t have the strength it needs to deliver an entertaining experience.

Inside, there’s a new interior with a honeycomb dash and vents that are especially good looking. The leather-wrapped steering wheel looks and feels nice, as does the carbon-fiber-like center console trim. There are two cupholders in the center console up front, but no rear folding armrest with built-in cupholders; the space in the door pockets will have to suffice.

The leather-trimmed seats sit rather low, so there’s plenty of headroom, but adjustment is limited and the wide center console steals much needed legroom movement. The seats were mostly comfortable and supportive, but devoid of any lumbar-support adjustment. Rear seat is tight and the sloping roofline requires ducking to climb in and out of the vehicle.

Our Touring came with a 9-inch touchscreen with Honda navigation, voice recognition and multi-view rear camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with wireless charging pad. All gauges and operating controls are simple and straightforward; a large speedometer and tachometer are included for easy reading.

On the road, our Civic felt confident and the ride well controlled. We thought it easy to drive with secure handling, responding predictably with quick turns to avoid obstacles on the road. Braking was respectable with acceptable stopping distances.
The Civic is Honda’s best-selling car and the number-one best-selling car in America with over 261,000 sold in 2020. We have every reason to believe the Civic will continue to attract scads of customers with the new 11th generation model, now on sale.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $21,895 - $29,995
Price as Tested: $29,295
Engine/Transmission: 180-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy: 31/38/34 MPG – City/Highway/Combined
Seating: Five
Crash Test Safety Ratings: The 2022 Honda Civic has not been crash test rated as of this writing

Where Built: Ontario, Canada

Competes with:
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Forte
Mazda3
Nissan Sentra
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Jetta

Fab Features
Fully redesigned
Updated tech features
Comfortable, pleasant and easy to drive