2020 Honda Civic

Sedan and coupe models come standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine is optional. Depending on trim, a six-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable automatic transmission are available. The Civic has the best combination of feature content and driving dynamics.

The 2020 Honda Civic is part of a generation that began with the 2016 model year. It slots above the compact fit hatchback and midsize Accord sedan. The least expensive 2020 Honda Civic is an LX sedan with a manual transmission is priced at $20,350.

• The limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

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The 2020 Civic in its stock 2.0L 4cylinder engine generates 158 hp and 138 lb.-ft. of torque, which feels just sufficient. However, upgrade to the Touring variant, and things elevate to a different level altogether. The Touring variant comes fitted with a 1.5L 4cylinder turbo engine that can fabricate a punchy 174 hp along with 162 lb.-ft. of torque. If you are content with the stock power, we'd recommend you to go for the Sport or the EX trim. Although, if power at the tap is what you desire, go for the Touring trim. 

Honestly, Honda could have sent its engineers on a yearlong vacation to Tahiti rather than task them with updating the 2020 Civic. We've been giving this generation Civic top marks since its debut three years ago, and there's nothing else out this year that's going to steal the car's title belt. But here we are anyway with an even better Civic. -Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

Replacing the peaky, high-revving i-VTEC motor, a decent 2.0-litre, 16-valve, DOHC, 2.0-liter engine is standard on the Sedan and Coupe which pumps out 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque combined with a 6-speed manual or an optional CVT. Driving enthusiast can opt for the 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which doles out 174 to 180 ponies (depending on trim) mated with a docile continuously variable automatic (CVT). This inline-four turbo powertrain delivers good muscle throughout the rev range, with plenty of low-end torque to get you moving from a stop.

The CVT pairs well with this engine to simulate precise, smooth shifts. If you’re the type who loves control, you’ll love the standard 6-speed manual transmission on the Sedan. If you just want to hop in and go, the available continuously variable transmission (CVT) is everything you need. The available steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters make driving a truly hands-on experience.

The turbocharged engine has a very un-Honda-like growl to it and the CVT causes a light drone when accelerating hard. The Civic wins when it comes to overall performance and produces the highest amount of horsepower. 

Acceleration

The Civic Type R set records for the quickest front-drive vehicle around a number of race tracks including the notorious Nurburgring Nordschleife - Motor trend.com

The civic surges ahead with a linear acceleration when you step on the gas pedal due to a hefty low-end torque which is quite useful for city traffic and highway passes. The 2.0-litre inline-four can reach from standstill to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds while the capable turbocharged 1.5 litres having power in every rpm range does it in a meagre 6.7 seconds which is impressive.

The Hyundai Elantra is as quick as the Civic. The Toyota Corolla is a second slower while the Mazda 3 offers the quickest acceleration. In real conditions, however, the difference in performance might not feel as pronounced, especially when negotiating traffic.

Ride and Handling

The 2020 Civic strikes a perfect balance between comfort and driving dynamics. The ride is smooth with responsive steering in any driving situation. There is controlled body roll on corners and quick transitions are handled nicely. The optional 1.5-liter turbo engine delivers fierce acceleration and power is evenly distributed in the rev range.

Ride quality is awe-inspiring and the car feels playful on roads. The Civic is easy to maneuver in traffic or tight parking spots. The steering is precise and you can take corners with enthusiasm, just take some open roads.

The suspension is highly capable of keeping the car planted to the tarmac on cornering in the default driving mode. Push the Sport button on the center console, and the dampers firm up slightly, throttle response sharpens, and the computers subtract some power assist from the steering, requiring the driver to use more effort when making inputs.

Braking

Spectacular Brembo’s are quite well on surprise stops at red lights and city driving. The pedal is heavy and quite easy to modulate. The RDM system1 is designed to apply the brakes if it detects your vehicle may leave the tarmac. The average stopping distance is good if compared to the other rivals. The braking arrangement feels just right-on-point for a car of this dimension. The ride felt quite capable under panic braking tests and inspired confidence. 

Despite possessing a firm brake pedal with good feel, the brakes lack the stopping prowess of competitors.

The 2020 Civic gets its best fuel economy with the 174-horsepower turbo engine and manual transmission. Its estimates of 32 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway are some of the highest in the class among entry-level sedan. The base engine with the CVT gets 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Those are still very good numbers for the segment... Plus, thanks to Eco Assist with ECON mode, the Civic is designed to help keep you on the road longer, and at gas stations less frequently.

The Honda Civic is the most fuel efficient among the rivals and makes most out of every drop of fuel. The Corolla and Elantra returns similar numbers while Mazda 3 is the least fuel efficient.

If you’re looking for a smartly styled small sedan that isn’t so small on the inside, has incredibly good resale and reliability ratings and offers a wide range of engine and trim levels, the Honda store is your one-stop shopping destination, and the 2020 Honda Civic is the reason why. – Kellybluebook

Seating and Comfort

The interior of the Civic is conservative with full of premium material and high-grade plastic components. Center console is wide with numerous pockets and bins for small articles. All the trims use a 7.0-inch touchscreen while the LX comes fitted with a 5.0-inch infotainment system. Ergonomics are well suited for an average size individual and it has a substantial amount of interior space than most of the rivals. The legroom is also generous for a compact size sedan but sills are wide which hinders entry and exit.

Interior space is nearly the same in all the cars in this rivalry, although the Corolla and the Mazda 3 feels cramped at times. This isn’t a really big issue though, as all the cars here can seat 4 passengers in comfort and 5 in relative comfort.

Interior Features

• Reclining Front Bucket Seats -inc: driver seat manual height adjustment and adjustable head restraints
• 60-40 Folding Bench Front Facing Fold Forward Seatback Rear Seat
• Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
• Remote Keyless Entry w/Integrated Key Transmitter, Illuminated Entry, Illuminated Ignition Switch and Panic Button
• Cruise Control w/Steering Wheel Controls
• Automatic Air Conditioning
• Engine Immobilizer
• Air Filtration
• Power Door Locks w/Autolock Feature

Infotainment System

The Honda's touchscreen interface is much-improved thanks to the addition of a long-awaited volume knob for the audio system and hard buttons for certain functions. Plus it gets the following features :

• 450-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers, including subwoofer
• Mobile hotspot capability
• Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM integration
• SiriusXM Radio / HD Radio
• Honda LaneWatchTM
• Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock

Cargo Capacity

Despite being an entry-level compact, the 2020 Civic provides ample cargo space. Its low liftover height makes easy for your load and unloads large articles. The utilitarian sedan provides 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space and it can be increased to 46.2 with the rear folding seat.

The Honda Civic has the highest amount of cargo space when compared to other vehicles. The Mazda 3 here have the smallest capacity because of its size.

From mild to wild, the 2020 Honda Civic has a look and a body style for everyone- Carconnection

Dimension and Weight

The 2020 Civic looks very aggressive from every angle with a sleek silhouette, the stance is wide with dynamic sporty lines running through the length of the car. The bumper is restyled with a lower grille and a piano black deckled spoiler accounts for a sporty look. The sedan can be easily mistaken as a hatchback. The Audi A7 is a perfect example of depicting its body style. Its wide stance with sloping rooflines looks daring but innovative. Unique C shaped tail-lights looks menacing. The competition is heavier than the Civic but also smaller, with all the cars having less length, ground clearance, and wheelbase than the Honda. The reworked front end lends the car a sleeker and slender look. 

The competition is heavier than the Civic but also smaller, with all the cars having less length, ground clearance, and wheelbase than the Honda. The Golf, especially, is quite a bit smaller than the others in this comparison. The Subaru is the heaviest of the lot, with more than 300 pounds weight disadvantage over the Civic.

The Honda Civic gets the “Honda Sensing” safety suite as standard on all models, it includes driver assist technologies like:

• Forward-collision warning
• Lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
• Road-departure mitigation
• Low-speed collision avoidance with emergency braking

Manual models do not include low-speed follow and will deactivate around 20 mph if the driver doesn’t downshift to avoid stalling. 

Honda Civic vs Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is a solid car but the overall performance is timid. On the other hand, Honda Civic has several potent engine choices and exceptional ride quality. You will get a nicer interior, more cargo space, and better fuel economy with the Civic as well. The handling of Toyota is snooze-worthy and there is no support for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. You get both of these smartphone integration features in the Civic.

Honda Civic vs Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Elantra is a pretty good car in terms of safety and reliability. It has decent handling with OK engine power. The Civic is way ahead in terms of overall performance. Elantra is priced way lower than the Civic and the infotainment system is more straightforward and easy for us then the Honda’s. The cabin is much impressive in Civic and the Elantra don’t have enough reasons to sway you away from the compelling Honda.

Honda Civic vs Mazda 3

Mazda 3 offers sharp looks, a premium interior, and superb driving elements. Like the Civic the Mazda is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. The rev-happy inline 4 motors and a choice of either a smooth six-speed manual or a nearly as-fulfilling six-speed automatic transmission. Neither powertrain delivers fierce acceleration, yet the 3 is a star while highway passes.

As an everyday driver, it's viable, comfortable, and stylish. Still the driving dynamics and ride quality of Honda Civic is a step ahead.

Though the Honda Civic cost more than the rivals its hands down a better car than the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra. It is the best compact car for performance, quality, space or efficiency. It is an appealing package with multiple variants and lots of tech and features. You should definitely consider buying a Honda Civic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the engine options available for the 2020 Honda Civic

The 2020 Honda Civic is available in two engine options, the stock 2.0L 4 cylinder engine, and a 1.5L 4 cylinder turbo engine. The stock generates 158 horsepower, whereas the turbo engine can fabricate 174 hp. 

Which transmission to go for? 

We'd recommend you to go for the manual transmission since it offers greater fuel economy as compared to the CVT and the engaging drive factor is always a brownie point for the manual transmission. 

What is the 5-year cost to own a Civic? 

The true 5-year cost to own a Honda Civic may range around $28,000