2022 Honda Civic: Five Things to Know

Published on April 29, 2021 in Previews by Dominic Boucher

Canada’s best-selling car, the Honda Civic, is completely new for 2022, introducing a revised powertrain, sleeker design and new technologies.

Before you start making plans to buy one, here are five things you need to know about the 2022 Honda Civic...

Fresh Looks

This new generation marks a radical departure from the previous one in terms of styling. It looks more modern and refined, not unlike the larger Accord, and should prove less polarizing than its predecessor launched six years ago.

The front end retains angular headlights which are admittedly a bit less striking than before. The two-tier grille is completely transformed and easier on the eye. The bottom of the windshield was moved 50 mm rearward for a longer hood and sportier profile overall.

In the rear, a wider track and redesigned, stretched taillights combine to emphasize the car’s stance. The sedan will be available in eight exterior colours, three of which are new: Meteorite Gray Metallic, Sonic Gray Pearl and Civic-exclusive Morning Mist Blue Metallic.

CVT Only

The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine and turbocharged 1.5-litre engine are back. The former delivers the same 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, but gets standard start/stop and a new catalytic converter for improved fuel economy

The 1.5T now generates 180 horsepower (+6) and 177 pound-feet of torque (+15). New, more efficient turbo plumbing and the addition of Variable Timing and lift Electronic Control (VTEC) to the exhaust valves help save 0.2 L/100 km, Honda claims.

All sedan models use a CVT to send power to the front wheels. The transmission has been programmed to provide early downshifts during braking and features revised Step-Shift programming that simulates physical gear changes under hard acceleration for a more familiar and pleasant driving experience.

If you want a manual gearbox, you’ll have to wait for the sportier Civic Si sedan or the new Civic Hatchback (including the Type R).

Stiffer Chassis

The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure in the new Civic has been enhanced for even better compatibility with larger vehicles. An all-new and lighter aluminum front subframe with an efficient truss and rib structure provides rigidity and stability. Overall, engineers achieved an 8-percent improvement in torsional rigidity and 13-percent improvement in bending rigidity versus the previous generation.

When it comes to driving dynamics, the 35-mm longer wheelbase and 12-mm wider rear track combine with a revised suspension and steering to deliver a more stable and more comfortable ride. In particular, Honda says the reduced suspension friction and improved bushings help reduce harsh road shock by 20 percent.

Elsewhere, a new lightweight flex tube in the exhaust system decreases noise transmission, while new low-drag front brake calipers and low-friction front and rear wheel bearings reduce rolling resistance to help improve fuel economy.

For Technology Lovers

Inside the 2022 Honda Civic, LX, EX and Sport grades are equipped with a 7-inch colour LCD instrument display similar to that found in Accord. An all-digital speedometer and tachometer are on the left side of the instrument panel, while a physical speedometer dial occupies the right side. Touring models get an all-digital 10.2-inch LCD instrument display.

As for infotainment, a new 7- or 9-inch touchscreen (depending on the trim level) rises from the top of the dashboard to reduce distractions while driving. The touchscreen systems also come standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, while Touring comes standard with Qi-compatible wireless charging.

Another cool addition is the first-ever Bose audio system in a Civic, complete with 12 speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer.

Extra Safety

The standard Honda Sensing suite of active safety and driver assistance technologies in the 2022 Civic benefits from the addition of eight sonar sensors. As a result, the car features for the first time Low-Speed Braking Control and front and rear false-start prevention.

What’s more, there’s a new front bumper beam safety plate designed to decrease leg injuries and a hood with an embossed inner structure designed to improve head protection performance.

The 2022 Honda Civic sedan is available in four trim levels—LX (MSRP from $24,465), EX ($26,765), Sport ($27,865) and Touring ($30,265). As previously mentioned, performance enthusiasts need to wait for the Civic Si or the almighty Civic Type R.