2022 HONDA CIVIC TEST DRIVE

2022 HONDA CIVIC TEST DRIVE BY CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

2022 Honda Civic Touring Sedan – the 5 things you need to know before shopping the new 2022 Civic Sedan. 

 

 

 

 

The Honda Civic is an automotive icon; a nameplate instantly identifiable by even the most casual car person. 

 

 

 

 

And though the introduction of this next generation model doesn’t garner the attention it once did, those who continue to eschew SUVs will delight in its offerings. 

 

 

 

I’ve spent the entire week getting very familiar with this one and here are the 5 things you need to know before shopping the new 2022 Civic Sedan.

 

 

 

 

Though this is an all-new car it still possesses all of those traits we love about the Civic – just elevated.  It sits low to the ground with excellent forward visibility immediately making a sporty driving impression.  And indeed, that hallmark fun-to-drive nature lives on through a longer wheelbase, wider rear track and a chassis retuned for better responsiveness and ride comfort.  What does all of that mean?  When you sit behind the wheel of the Civic you feel connected to this car in ways that belie its entry-level status.

 

The 2 available powertrains are familiar but updated for 2022.  The lower trims use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder producing 158 horsepower while the 2 higher trims, like here in the Touring, receive a more powerful, gutsy 1.5-liter turbo generating 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque and that’s on 87 octane.  Either way you’re getting a continuously variable transmission – but don’t tune out because of that – there’s nothing to fear here.  It too has been updated with smarter programming to make it feel even more “normal”, if you will.  And I’m telling you it does not detract from the driving experience.  And on the Sport and Touring trims you get paddle shifters to compliment the 3 drive modes including a new Sport setting that doesn’t permit RPMs to drop below 2000.  

If you’re like me, you gotta’ have modern tech in your new car which makes this top-of-the-line Touring trim that much more attractive because it’s the only Civic to get the high-definition, digital driver display, bigger touchscreen navigation system with full smartphone integration, wireless phone projection with wireless charging, and a new Bose 12-speaker sound system engineered specifically for the Civic – and yes, the volume knob is back.  It’s easier to use and faster than ever and can also be controlled via common language voice commands.  

The front seats have been redesigned and man are they comfortable – so supportive and cushioned.  They’re perfect for both long trip comfort and sporty driving.  And in general, the cabin looks as good as it feels.  The touchpoints are quality, particularly the soft leather used on the steering wheel, and the honeycomb pattern makes an impression.  It’s simple with an air of sophistication.  And there are a bevy of driver assistance features enhanced by the Civic’s new camera-based setup which acts faster to detect pedestrians and cyclists to help avoid accidents.  It’s also the basis for the smooth operating adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist  

And lastly this Touring trim priced at $29,690 including the upcharge paint and destination is as high as you can take the Civic Sedan and everything you see is standard equipment.  For comparison, the base LX model starts at $22,715.  Gas mileage is up slightly across the board but note that this Touring trim is the least efficient of the turbocharged models, rated at 31mpg city/38mpg highway. If you want the Turbo and over 40mpg highway you’ve got to stick with the lesser appointed EX trim.

       

Other than the lack of a height-adjustable passenger seat there’s really very little to complain about here – the new Civic is extremely well done at a reasonable price.  But if the 4-door bodystyle isn’t your cup of tea, note that a cool-looking hatchback, sportier Si trim with stick shift and a high performance Type-R are all in the pipeline.