2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2022 Civic hatchback model 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. Enthusiasts would definitely enjoy the manual transmission and hence we would recommend opting for the 2022 Civic EX-L model and the transmission option of your preference. 

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback is available for sale in the same four trim configurations with two or more engine options. The powertrain does not get any major changes and continues with the FWD layout. While the sedan gets only a CVT automatic transmission, the Honda Civic hatchback is available with both the manual and CVT automatic transmissions. 

All trims get the CVT as standard, only the Sport and Sport Touring models get the manual, while the top EX-L and Sport Touring trims are powered by the more powerful 1.5L turbo-4 engine. Honda offers plenty of features right from the base trim and gets a plethora of safety aids as standard as well. But we would have loved to see alloy wheels being offered from the LX trim onwards. 

The 2022 Civic hatchback Sport trim gets sporty looks and features additional interior features while the EX-L trim adds a few more creature comforts to the mix. Only the top-end Civic Sport Touring model gets the premium amenities like the larger touchscreen, Bose premium audio system, satellite radio, navigation system, and more. Honda does not offer any options apart from the basic accessories. 

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. 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 base model equipped with the 2.0L engine is capable of reaching 60 MPH in 9.4 seconds and crosses the quarter-mile in 17.3 seconds. The models equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine cut down the 0-60 MPH times by over a second and see an improvement in quarter-mile times also.

With no significant upgrades to performance, the 2022 Honda Civic hatchback will continue to be an average performer and falls behind more powerful rivals like the Mazda 3 and the Toyota Corolla. While the Civic is the most expensive hatchback here just ahead of the Mazda 3 hatchback, the Mazda 3 is the quickest of the lot by a huge margin. In spite of the standard AWD drivetrain of the Subaru Impreza hatchback, it is still the most affordable compact car of the segment. 

With no Hybrid model on the horizon, the new 2022 Honda Civic hatchback is at a disadvantage compared to its 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 2022 Civic hatchback 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. The 2022 Honda Civic hatchback also gets a similar 12.4-gallon fuel tank capacity as before which limits highway range compared to competitors, limiting it to just about 471 miles on the highways.

Despite the updates, the Toyota Corolla continues to hold the crown with class-leading efficiency figures and a bigger tank. Both the Subaru Impreza and Mazda 3 offer similar size fuel tanks but are less efficient owing to their standard AWD capabilities and higher performance nature respectively. The Civic stands in the 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 2022 Honda Civic hatchback 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. Like the previous generation, the back seats are surprisingly spacious with plenty of space on offer even for taller passengers. 

The seats are also redesigned, and the new front bucket seats are more comfortable than before with improved support and bolstering. The 2022 Civic hatchback ditches the puny 5-inch display unit for 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. Other notable mentions include navigation streaming directly through the gauge cluster, an improved 12-speaker audio system from Bose, and wireless charging. The 24.5 cu-ft of trunk space is similar as before and the folding rear seats continue to add to the practicality. 

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback is the most spacious among competitors with class-leading space at the front and rear. The Subaru Impreza takes the second spot but the difference between the two is significant. The Mazda 3 hatchback comes in next followed by the Corolla with a cramped rear seat with limited 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
• 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

Check out the detailed interior review of the 2022 Honda Civic hatchback >>

With the new 2022 Honda Civic hatchback, 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 hatchback also features three new color options including Meteorite Grey Metallic, Sonic Grey Pearl, and Morning Mist Blue and takes the paint color options to a total of 8 colors.

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. While the Toyota Corolla looks sporty too, it is the Mazda that looks the most stylish followed by the sophisticated design of the Civic. The Civic 2022 also offers the best ground clearance which again is the segment best. 

• 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 Honda 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 hatchback gets a set of high-tech safety features including a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Monitor, most of which are standard from the base LX trim. Along with that, the other innovative safety features are listed below:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Driver Attention Monitor
• Front & rear parking sensors w/rear cross-traffic alert

2022 Honda Civic hatchback vs 2022 Toyota Corolla hatchback

The biggest rival for a Civic has always been the Corolla and it continues to be so this year too for the Civic hatchback. While the Honda is more expensive, the Corolla offers better acceleration performance and higher MPG ratings. It is the interior where the Civic demolishes the Toyota both in terms of space and premium appeal. The 2022 Civic hatchback also looks sleeker, has a higher stance, and also handles better, making it our preferred choice. 

2022 Honda Civic hatchback vs 2022 Subaru Impreza 5-door hatchback

The Subaru Impreza offers the practicality of an AWD drivetrain as standard for adverse weather conditions and yet is quicker off the mark over the base Civic powertrain. It also costs much lower than the Honda but then that's about it. The 2022 Civic hatchback features a more spacious interior and trunk, has more creature comforts, more safety technology, and also looks better. It is also more reliable in the long run and has lower ownership costs, therefore feels worth the additional investment. 

2022 Honda Civic hatchback vs 2022 Mazda 3 hatchback

There is no doubt that the Mazda 3 attracts most eyeballs wherever it goes, but now the sophisticated design language from Honda also makes it pretty attractive to most buyers. That said, the powerful engine options under the hood of the Mazda obliterate the Civic hatchback in terms of performance but lack dearly in terms of fuel efficiency. The Civic on the other hand feels more premium & spacious on the inside and the higher practicality and resale value make it the winner in this comparison. 

With all the updates revealed for the new 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback, has been definitely worth the wait. It is bestowed with a lot of improvements like a completely new interior, improved infotainment, improved styling, and new safety features. The improved styling is more subtle and acceptable by the masses while the added creature comforts and agile handling with the manual transmission option makes it one of the most comprehensive packages in the compact car segment.