For nearly half a century, the Honda Civic compact car series has embodied safe, reliable, entry-level family transportation. Along the way, both fun and frugality have added variety to the mix. Now, there is an all-new 11th generation 2022 Civic on the streets that is more modern, efficient, and stylish than ever; ready to please a whole new era of fans.  

As is usually the case, the traditional 4-door sedan is the first Civic to arrive; with a hatchback, along with Si’s and Type R’s, to follow.  

Outside, the exterior design has been simplified. It is definitely more eye-catching and perhaps a little sportier than before, with 1.4-inches of added wheelbase. Inside, Honda continues to add as much tech as possible without being distracting or difficult to use.  

Civics have been using digital speedometers for some time now, but up their game here to a fully digital 10-inch LCD instrument panel. However, as of now it’s only in Touring trim, which also adds first time Bose audio, wireless phone charger, and wider leather seats. The infotainment screen is mounted high, on top of the newly formed, very linear dash. Rising to meet the dash, is a substantial center console with a traditional-looking shifter, and plenty of storage space.

Passenger space is virtually identical to last year, and we found our car’s split folding rear seats more than roomy for commuting adults. Civic has always been about safety. The major addition for 2022 is a new airbag design for the driver, fashioned to reduce brain and neck injuries by reducing head rotation.  

Both the standard 158-horsepower 2.0-liter I4 and optional 1.5-liter turbo-4 get upgrades for 2022. The naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter is more along the line of increasing efficiency; while the turbo gains 6–horsepower to 180, and 15 lb-ft. of torque to 177. Regardless of engine, a CVT continues to manage power flow.

There is the same suspension design as before with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear. But, upgrades include a wider track, reduced friction, and more compliant bushings. In our early drives we found the handling experience to be quite nimble and competent, and more importantly, the now stiffer chassis is a great base for Si and Type Rs to build upon.  

For our complete road test of the all-new Honda Civic sedan, be sure to catch MotorWeek episode #4107 that begins airing on PBS October 22, 2021. For a listing of the PBS public television stations that broadcast MotorWeek, click here. You can also watch weekly episodes of MotorWeek on our cable partner MAVTV with new episodes airing each Saturday at 7:30 PM. Check their entire schedule at MAVTV.com. MotorWeek can also be streamed in its entirety on PBS.org/MotorWeek, as well as on PBS Living, a part of Amazon Prime Video. The test of the Honda Civic sedan will also be available at motorweek.org and on youtube.com/motorweek.

Some may criticize Honda for mostly playing it conservative with everything they do.  But our take on it is, they just keep delivering hits. The 2022 Honda Civic is likely to be Honda’s biggest hit ever, redefined for a new generation.