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- Highs Fun to drive, practical and spacious interior, lots of versions to choose.
- Lows Overdone styling, below-average warranty, real-world fuel economy doesn't match EPA numbers.
- Verdict A well-rounded compact car that goes above and beyond its stellar reputation.
Overview
With a fun driving experience, a practical interior, and many versions to choose from, the Civic is an even better compact car than its reputation would suggest. It offers sedan, coupe, and hatchback versions, and each is efficient and affordable. Lots of technology and safety features are available, and both the base engine and optional turbocharged engines provide good power and high fuel economy. You can choose from either a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) or a more involving six-speed manual. We love the Civic and have given the Sport hatchback our 10Best award in the past, along with the even more exciting Civic Si and Civic Type R models (which we review separately).
What's New for 2020?
The sedan and coupe received an update for 2019 and are unchanged for 2020, but the hatchback gets styling updates, new features, and rearranged trim levels. The grille, headlights, front and rear bumpers, and wheels are new, while the interior trim is slightly different and there is more sound deadening to quiet the cabin. The Sport hatchback now comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and a keyless entry and push-button start. The EX hatchback gets a power-adjustable driver's seat. The six-speed manual transmission, previously available only on Sport hatchback models, can now also be had on the fully loaded Sport Touring model.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Our favorite version of the Honda Civic is the Sport hatchback, which costs $23,680. Not only does it come standard with a manual transmission, it's also more spacious than the sedan and coupe and comes with a slightly more powerful, 180-hp version of the turbocharged four-cylinder engine optional on those models. The new features that the Sport hatchback adds for 2020 are just icing on top.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Civic's four-cylinder engines are peppy, with the pricier—but more powerful—turbocharged version earning our preference. It's a terrific engine. In our testing, it eagerly pulled our Civic Touring test car away from stoplights. While we prefer the light and crisp action of the six-speed manual to the optional continuously variable automatic transmission, the CVT is by no means a poor partner—in fact, it's one of the best on the market.
A true jack-of-all-trades, the Civic strikes a great balance between comfort and driver engagement. Its smooth ride, responsive steering, and athletic driving dynamics make it a joy to pilot. Neither cushy nor harsh, the Civic's ride quality is just right. Quick, well-weighted, and surprisingly feelsome steering makes driving the Civic that much more enjoyable to pilot. Those looking for even sportier vibes should consider the Sport versions, which feature quicker steering. Despite possessing a firm brake pedal with good feel, the brakes lack the stopping prowess of competitors.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Honda proves that power and fuel efficiency need not be mutually exclusive. Both Civic four-cylinders sip fuel as frugally as if it were fifty-bucks-a-snifter brandy, but, interestingly, the more powerful turbocharged engine manages to return slightly better fuel economy than the base 2.0-liter found in lower-level Civic sedans and coupes. Unfortunately, the Civic's fuel economy failed to pan out in our real-world highway fuel-economy test. Our turbo Civic Touring sedan scored just shy of the EPA's rating. Furthermore, we eked out 37 mpg from a six-speed manual Civic Sport hatchback—2 mpg less than the EPA number.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Practical and modern in appearance, the Civic's interior is roomy and offers sufficient storage space. Even the entry-level model is far from a penalty box. While it doesn't offer the most optional comfort-and-convenience equipment in the compact class, it has enough of the good stuff for any small-car shopper. The interior of the sedan is on the roomier end of its class, though the coupe's rear seats are all but useless to anyone of above-average height.
The Civic has a number of cleverly designed storage cubbies throughout its cabin, and the sedan's trunk is one of the biggest in the class. Need even more cargo-carrying capability? Then check out the hatchback model. The coupe, however, is more about style than practicality.
Infotainment and Connectivity
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 top-tier Touring sedan we tested served up infotainment features through its 7.0-inch touchscreen, including navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The front compartment has two USB ports and a single 12-volt outlet. Sadly, rear-seat passengers are left unconnected, as not a single USB port or 12-volt outlet makes its way past the Civic's front seats.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
Paired with solid crash-test scores, the Civic is a fine option for those who prioritize safety. Every Civic also has a host of driver-assistance features that includes automatic high-beams and forward-collision warning. Honda gathers these features together under the Honda Sensing umbrella. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- Standard lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Those seeking the best warranty coverage may be better off looking at a competitor such as the Hyundai Elantra. Honda does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance, a feature that's included on competitors such as the Toyota Corolla.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
