The 2022 Honda Civic touring is a new chapter for the most popular sedan in Canada. Both the interior and exterior received a very welcome new design to remain relevant in this day and age, where sedans are dying off.
Exterior
I felt like the redesign from Honda was meant for drivers like me. The older model had deep curves and a very sporty finish, while the new Civic stands a lot closer to the Honda Accord.
As soon as you see the 2022 version of the Civic, you feel like it's a totally different car than the previous generation released in 2015. Everything in the design of the vehicle is made to attract a more refined clientele. The backlights are narrower than the previous generation, offering a slicker physique. The headlights are slimmer and have an angular design, making the resemblance to the Honda Accord almost undisguisable to most. A hatchback model is also on the way but was not announced yet.
Interior
The interior is, in my opinion, the most welcome change; I didn't think so at first. Personally driving a 2009 hybrid, I've always looked at the 2015 design as a significant leap forward. After inviting the owner of a 2016 version to try the car, I'm now certain that they feel the same. So for those who enjoyed the previous version will feel at home.
In the LX, Sport and EX trim, you'll find a very convenient 7-inch cluster that offers basic features. However, our touring version had the 9-inch HD screen that provides a more user-friendly interface similar to other Honda models such as the Odyssey or the Accord. The infotainment within the touring model is more prominent, boasting a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. Additionally, this system allows for wireless charging and a Bose audio system for the first time in a Civic. And to make things even easier, Android Auto and Apple Car play connect wirelessly. The air conditioning and heating are now delivered through a long grill, making for a more minimalist interior.
The electrically adjustable front seats were very comfortable. An excellent point for families is that the rear bench offers plenty of space for the kids, and the trunk is massive. The rear seats are fitting for young children. It was reasonably easy to install two car seats. The latches are a bit hidden away; however, they are still accessible. Most car seats will have no issues to be installed; the only problem we found was with a booster car seat that was ill-fitting, and it was harder for kids to buckle themselves. It's possible to haul oversized items as the back seats fold from the trunk using a lever. The bench folds in a 40/60 fashion. Need a car to taxi your three kids around? Not a problem! Need to drop your mom, cousin and aunt at work? Go for it! Do you need to drive six kids to school? Well, for that, you will need to wait for our Honda Odyssey review that is coming soon. So don't miss it!
Performance
While the 2022 Civic might be a total redesign coming from Honda, it hasn't gained any power. Honda kept the powertrain options from the last generation: base models keep the 2,0-liter four-cylinder with a very sleek 158hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. Our touring model offered a 1.5L turbocharged engine making a decent 180hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. If you hoped to get your hands on a manual version, you might be sad to learn that only a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) will be available.
Fuel Economy
During our week-long test, the fuel consumption was at 6,9L/100km. Our usage was representative of how most people would use it. Lots of highway driving to work, driving in the city a little, coming back to work and being stuck in traffic. A plug-in hybrid version of the car would, in my opinion, would be the best option for this car since its consumption is a bit higher than I would like to see.
Overall
The 2022 Honda Civic Touring we had the chance to try was more than pleasant. Out of 15km of highway to get to work, I never corrected the vehicle's direction. It felt like I could trust the car, whether in traffic or going at higher speeds while surrounded by moving vehicles. The improvement over the last generation makes me very eager to see what comes in the future with self-driving technology.
On a more personal note, the Civic did not disappoint. The acceleration was smooth yet still engaging.
The comfort is comparable to cars, with a heftier price tag. I spent 1000km driving this car, sometimes for multiple hours in a row and barely got any discomfort.
Even if it is not an SUV or a minivan, it was perfect for our family of 4. The kids liked the car, which is always a nice bonus. The girlfriend liked it too, which is an even BIGGER bonus with an MSRP of $30,265 for the touring. And, $24,465 for the base version, this is a car you can purchase without hesitation. If you ever stopped and asked yourself why there are so many Civics on the roads.
Honda has lent us this vehicle one week as a press vehicle. We have no affiliation with Honda Canada. The above is a recollection of our personal opinion of the car referred above.
