The Honda Civic has been a budget-friendly option for decades, and the latest generation is no different. The 2023 model offers handsome interior trim and several features that were considered luxuries not too long ago. You can choose from a sedan or hatchback body style, and there are four different four-cylinder engines to pick from – along with either a continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission or six-speed manual.
All models come with a touchscreen infotainment system and an extensive list of driver-assistance features, with more desirable options available throughout the lineup. The Civic’s combination of value, efficiency, niceties, and refined road manners make it a no-brainer choice when compared to other similarly well-respected rivals such as the Hyundai Elantra, the Mazda 3, and the Toyota Corolla. Simply put, it’s a great car at a great price.
Although it gave the new Civic a facelift, Honda elected to not touch the powertrain options from its predecessor. Standard on base models is a 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an upgraded engine available as a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that now puts out 180 horsepower.
The new Civic is only available as a front-wheel-drive car. Unfortunately, the manual transmission offered on the previous generation Civic sedan has been discontinued for 2022, leaving a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) as the sole option; a six-speed manual is still available on the hatchback model, though.
Our turbocharged Touring sedan needed 7.5 seconds to reach 60 mph at the test track, which is only a bit slower than last generation Civic's outcome. The manual Sport Touring hatchback we tested did slightly better- reaching 7.3 seconds to 60 mph. Luckily, the nimble handling that we appreciated so much in the past model is still around and in good condition along with additional features like communicative steering and well-balanced ride . Both sporty Si and seriously sport high-performance Type -R variant are once again part of this family but will be reviewed separately
The most fuel-efficient model of the new Civic according to the EPA is the mid-range EX, which earns ratings of 33 mpg City, 42 mpg Highway, and 36 mpg combined. The 2022 Civic Sport hatchback delivered 36 MPG on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route. If you want more information about the Civic's fuel economy visit the EPA's website.
The interior design is sleek and features clean lines. The dashboard has a full-width honeycomb-patterned mesh design element that hides the air vents cleverly. There is a wide center console that appears less cluttered than the outgoing model's, and it features a large, deep bin ahead of the shift lever. This is perfect for stashing smartphones, keys, and road-trip snacks. Honda says passenger space about the same but its cargo bay is more generous.
The Civic has a 7.0-inch touchscreen display as a standard, but you have the option to get a larger 9.0-inch unit instead. You can also choose to 10.2-infotainment digital gauge display or go without it entirely. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available and come with wireless connectivity when used with the bigger screen size. Other options for upgrades include in-dash navigation, Bose stereo system, and wireless smartphone charging pad among others..
The 2023 Honda Civic starts at $24,650. This is a higher starting price than most compact cars, but that's because the entry-level Civic is better-equipped than most other base models. Honda dropped the Civic LX from the lineup for 2023, leaving the more popular, more recommendable Sport as the entry model.
The Honda Civic hatchback is an excellent buy. It offers admirable performance, a refined and roomy cabin, and plenty of connectivity and safety tech to please most buyers.
Over the years, the Honda Civic has consistently earned high scores in predicted reliability ratings. Regardless of the year model, it's one of the most dependable compact cars on the market.