2020 Honda Civic

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. 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 sedan has five trims: LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. Pricing for the base Civic starts at $20,000 (MSRP) and ranges up to $27,850 for the top-spec Touring. Honda offers a wide range with varied performance and features at an affordable price point. The Civic LX and Sport trims get a 2.0 L four-cylinder engine configuration, while the higher trims getting a zippier 1.5 L turbocharged engine.

We Recommend:

Most shoppers will enjoy the Civic Sport that comes with a 158 horsepower engine paired to either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission. With the Sport trim, you will get upgrades such as 18-inch alloy wheels, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition and entry, a 7-inch touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and an eight-speaker audio system.

Those who want more power should consider the EX trim which gets the standard 174 hp turbo-four with the CVT. The EX also adds more convenience features including a sunroof, Honda's LaneWatch blind-spot camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat.

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. -Edmunds

The 2020 Honda Civic gets its power from either a 158-horsepower naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter or a peppier 174 hp turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The Civic's base engine is adequate but the turbocharged engines offer swifter acceleration. Transmission duties are handled by a smooth and precise 6-speed manual standard on the LX and Sport trims while a CVT automatic is an available option. The 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque and starts at $23,600. You will get this engine standard in Civic sedan EX, EX-L, and Touring trims paired with a CVT.

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 more engaging on the sedan. The available steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters make driving a truly hands-on experience. The 2020 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 base Civic model reaches 60 mph from a dead stop in 8.2 seconds while the turbocharged Civic does the same run in 6.7 seconds, which is impressive.

The turbocharged engine has a very un-Honda-like growl to it and the CVT causes a light drone when accelerating hard. The Hyundai Elantra is as quick as the Civic but the driving dynamics of the Honda are unmatchable. The 2020 Mazda 3 offers the quickest acceleration and precise handling for you to have fun around the corners. 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 and quick transitions are handled nicely. 

Ride quality is awe-inspiring and the car feels playful on 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.

The 2020 Civic gets the best fuel economy with the 174-horsepower 1.5-litre turbo engine paired with a CVT automatic. EPA estimates the turbo-four sedan at 32 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway while the Touring sedan drops the ratings to 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The base engine is also frugal in comparison to the rivals. The Civic LX with manual gets 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway while with the CVT the ratings improve to 30/38 mpg.

The Civic has the best fuel economy in this segment at 32/42/36 miles to the gallon in the city, highway, and combined. 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 Corolla and Elantra return 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

The interior of the 2020 Civic looks conservative and is full of premium material and high-grade plastic components. The center console is wide with numerous pockets and bins for small articles. All but LX trims come with a 7.0-inch touchscreen while the base trim 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. Despite being an entry-level compact, the 2020 Civic provides ample cargo space. Its low liftover height makes it easy for your load and unloads large articles. The utilitarian sedan provides 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space and it can be increased to 46.2 with the rear folding seat for loading bulky items.

Easily the rival of the Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla, the Civic’s interior is a great place to be in. In the Civic sedan, the rear legroom measures 37.4 inches. 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.

The base Civic also gets a four-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, and a USB port. A 7-inch touch screen is available, as are Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a navigation system, an eight, 10, or 12-speaker stereo, wireless phone charging, an additional USB port, satellite radio, HD Radio, and a moonroof.

Technology and Convenience 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  

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

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 Civic sedan can be easily mistaken as a hatchback from the front view.   Its wide stance with sloping rooflines looks daring but innovative. Unique C-shaped tail-lights look 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 Honda Civic's exterior is highly aerodynamic, lending the car the ability to cut through the air while sipping the least amount of fuel. Some of the most eye-catching exterior features of the Honda Civic Sedan include:

• Smart Entry
• Capless Fuel Filler
• Rain-sensing Auto Wipers
• Efficient Aerodynamics
• LED headlights
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Rear lip spoiler
• Bodyside molding

The NHTSA gave the 2020 Civic a perfect five-star overall safety rating. The sedan received the highest score of Good in all six crash tests conducted by IIHS, and it received the highest score of Superior for the front crash prevention. However, the Civic earned the lowest possible score of Poor for the illumination of the standard headlights.

As for advanced driver-assistance features, the Honda Sensing Suite is now standard across the 2020 lineup. It includes lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and collision mitigation braking system. Manual models do not include low-speed follow and will deactivate around 20 mph if the driver doesn’t downshift to avoid stalling. 

The Active Safety Features include:

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

2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 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.

2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 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 than 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.

2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 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 the highway passes.

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

More from Honda:

• What's new on the 2022 Honda Civic?
• Read 2022 Honda Civic Type R Review, Prices, and Ratings

2020 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 is the best in the 2020 Honda Civic?

We'd recommend you to go for the manual transmission since it offers more engagement and quick shifts as compared to the CVT. However, for those looking for maximum fuel efficiency, the Civic automatic delivers the best-in-class EPA ratings.

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, which is about average in the compact sedan class.