The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback is expected to arrive in four or more trims with two or more engine options. The confirmed engine options include the same ongoing engines with a slight power increase and no information regarding new engine options are available as of now. The only transmission is expected to be a CVT automatic.

The different variations in options and feature set between different trims are not revealed as of now, but the prominent features that are confirmed to be included in the 2022 Civic are listed in the table below -

Which trim I should buy?

The 2022 Civic hatchback models with the more powerful 1.5 L turbocharged engine coupled with the CVT transmission would be the best combination to opt for as it comes with the increased power and the added efficiency delivered by the CVT transmission. However, for a slicker and more engaging experience, the option to choose a manual transmission is no longer available. The new Civic hatchback in this powertrain configuration would be the ideal choice whichever trim you find the ideal for your usage.

The powertrains will remain unchanged for the new model except for a slight bump in power for the 1.5L turbo models from 174 to 180 hp, and a similar bump in torque that makes the output 177 lb-ft. Unfortunately, there are still no plans for a Hybrid model like some of its competitors, but the base 2.0L engine offers excellent efficiency figures paired to a CVT transmission.

Much to the disappointment of enthusiasts, the manual transmission will be discontinued for 2022 and will be available only on the upcoming Civic Si and Type-R models, leaving only the CVT transmission. Honda CVT transmissions have always stood above the rest with excellent performance and reliability, and the new model will be no different. EPA estimates for the 2022 Civic equipped with the base 2.0 engine have seen an increase of 1 MPG in the city and 2 MPG on the highway.

2021 Data used for reference

The base model equipped with the 2.0L engine is capable of reaching 60 MPH in 8 seconds and crosses the quarter-mile in 16.2 seconds. Performance is expected to be similar for the new generation. The sport models equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine cut down the 0-60 MPH times by 1 second and a slight improvement in quarter-mile times also.

With no significant upgrades to performance, the 2022 Honda Civic will continue to be an average performer and falls behind more powerful rivals like the Mazda 3 and Volkswagen Golf which are capable of reaching 60 MPH in 7.2 and 7.6 seconds respectively. The Toyota Corolla is the slowest performer here despite having more power than the Honda Civic.

How does the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Handle?

The Honda Civic has always been a good handler, but the 2022 model further improves on that front with a stiffer platform. Both the front and rear suspension has been tweaked for better ride comfort and steering feel. The power steering system has also been returned to offer more feedback compared to the outgoing model. The updated platform is expected to refine the driving dynamics also.

All these upgrades combined with the stiffer chassis should make the new Civic an excellent handler. The improved ride comfort will make the new Civic more appealing to a wider range of customers, which will undoubtedly improve sales. The redesigned platform along with improved power outputs from the returned engines are expected to deliver an improved handling experience and driving dynamics.

With no Hybrid model on the horizon, the new Honda Civic is at a disadvantage compared to rivals. To counter this, Honda has improved the base 2.0L engine which now offers better efficiency compared to the previous model year. EPA ratings stand at 31 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway for the outgoing model, which is improved by 1 and 2 MPG respectively for the new model base.

The 2022 Honda Civic LX sedan returns an EPA estimated gas mileage of 31 MPG in the city, 40 MPG on the highway, and 35 MPG combined. The Civic turbo sedan returns 33/42/36 MPG.

The more powerful 1.5L turbocharged Civic hatchback model is also expected to be slightly more efficient than the current model which is further helped by the improved and lighter chassis. Its expected mpg figures are listed in the table below. The 2022 Honda Civic will most likely get a similar 12.4-gallon fuel tank which limits highway range compared to competitors.

*2021 Figures used for reference

Despite the updates, the Toyota Corolla continues to hold the crown with class-leading efficiency figures and a bigger tank. Both the Volkswagen Golf and Mazda 3 offer similar size fuel tanks but are less efficient owing to their higher performance. The Civic stands at second position in terms of efficiency as it is expected to offer improved efficiency in the 2022 model year version

Like the exteriors, Honda has completely revamped the interiors of the new Civic with a more elegant and simpler design. The simple design is pleasing to look at and easy to get used to with minimal controls. A horizontal mesh dominates the dashboard and integrates the A/C vents within it. The infotainment system sits above everything, right in line with the driver’s view, and provides physical controls around it for easier access. 

The new platform has increased the wheelbase by 1.4-inches which has liberated more room on the inside, especially at the rear. The seats are also redesigned, and the new front bucket seats are more comfortable than before with improved support and bolstering. Like the previous generation, the back seats are surprisingly spacious with plenty of space on offer even for taller passengers.

*2021 Model used for reference

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback is the most spacious among competitors with class-leading space at the front and rear. Trunk space is also impressive at 25.7 cubic feet. The Mazda 3 takes the second spot but the difference between the two is significant. The VW comes in next followed by the Corolla with a cramped rear seat which offers just 29.9 inches of legroom, and an equally cramped cargo capacity of just 17.8 cubic feet. Some notable interior features include:

• Wide hexagonal mesh housing the A/C vents
• Improved steering wheel with integrated controls
• Updated front bucket seats with more support
• Mechanical gear selector
• Digital drivers display

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback: Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2022 Honda Civic ditches the puny 5-inch display unit to a much improved 7-inch display as standard on the lower trims. A larger 9-inch display is also available as an option along with a huge 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. Thankfully, there are still physical controls provided for easier access when on the move. Apple Carplay and Android Auto are still available as standard and can be connected wirelessly when equipped with the larger 9-inch system.

Other notable mentions include navigation streaming directly through the gauge cluster, an improved 12-speaker audio system from Bose, and wireless charging. Overall, the infotainment system has received a complete overhaul, and the new 9-inch unit is similar to the system found in the new Accord and Odyssey. Some notable infotainment features include:

• 7-inch touchscreen display as standard with an optional 9-inch system
• 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster
• In-dash navigation
• Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto
• 12-speaker Bose premium sound system
• Rearview camera system

With the new 2022 Honda Civic, Honda has dialed back the design somewhat and made the Civic a lot more elegant and neutral, making it appeal to a wider audience. However, it still possesses some typical Civic traits like the low cowl and long hood to improve forward visibility. The rearview mirrors have been relocated to the doors to aid visibility, and the windshield is now nearer to the driver. The wheels on the new hatchback will vary from 16-inch black alloy ones in the base trim to 17-inch alloys and 18-inch ones with black or grey inserts in the higher trims. 

The new Civic looks a lot like its bigger sibling, the Accord, with an upright front grille, and a swooping design. As expected, the new Civic gets LED lighting all around with a prominent DRL set up at the front, well integrated into the top of the headlight housing. Overall, the design looks more like an evolution than a revolution. Moreover, the new Civic looks like a smaller Accord from many angles. The new Civic is also expected to feature three new color options including Meteorite Grey Metallic, Sonic Grey Pearl, and Morning Mist Blue.

*2021 Figures used for reference

The longer dimensions will make the new 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback longer than its rivals with an improved wheelbase. It remains short compared to competitors but offers segment-leading interior space. The Mazda 3 hatchback is the second largest with slightly smaller dimensions and a longer wheelbase. The Volkswagen Golf is the smallest in comparison but offers a similar wheelbase as the Toyota Corolla, and matches it in terms of interior space. 

• 16/17/18-inch alloy wheels
• New exterior colors including Meteorite Grey Metallic, Sonic Grey Pearl, and Morning Mist Blue
• Panoramic sunroof
• LED headlights
• LED taillamps
• Gloss black side mirrors

Every 2022 Civic Hatchbacks are expected to feature the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard. The system is designed to alert the driver about the surroundings and driving conditions. The Civic also is expected to feature a set of high tech safety features including Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Monitor along with other innovative safety features listed below-

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Traffic Sign Recognition

With all the updates revealed for the new 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback, it is definitely worth the wait. Customers wanting the hatchback body style will have to wait longer, as it will only be launched after the sedan models hit showrooms. Both models are expected to be launched later this year and will continue to offer the value proposition of the current model. It will be bestowed with a lot of improvements like a completely new interior, improved infotainment, improved styling, and new safety features. If you’re on the lookout for a capable compact car, the new Civic is worth the wait.