2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Review
With ten generations under its belt, the Honda Civic boasts a back-catalog of exceptionalism in the compact hatch segment that few have the pedigree to match. In recent years we've seen a new generation every three to four years, a sign of Honda's intent to keep the Civic fresh against firm rivals like the venerable VW Golf and the Mazda 3. The latest generation stays true to the traits of old with an enjoyable, exploitable chassis, while key aspects of spaciousness and refinement have been added in generous doses to ensure the Civic stays near the top of its class. The front-wheel drive hatch derives power from a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine developing between 174-180 horsepower and 162-177 lb-ft of torque in various trims and finds itself mated to either a CVT or six-speed manual transmission. Pricing, meanwhile, ranges from $21,450 to $28,750 with high levels of safety and tech giving the Civic hatchback a great value-for-money factor.
What's the Price of the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback?
The cheapest model in the Civic hatch line-up is the LX trim, carrying a base MSRP of $21,450 before tax, registration, license, and a $920 destination charge. Four further trims exist, the Sport with a sticker price of $22,250, the EX at a price of $23,750, the EX-L Navi priced from $26,250 and topping the range, a fully-loaded Sport Touring trim at $28,750. Prices took a slight bump for the 2019 model, however with initial demand now subsiding, dealers should be commanding less of a markup and buyers are likely to find several enticing incentives or alternative lease options available.
Best Deals on 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback
Handling and Driving Impressions
The firebreathing Civic Type R may steal headlines with front-wheel drive lap records around the Nurburgring, but we're happy to report the enticing driving dynamics are imbued into even the base Civic Hatch. Once the initial thrill of turbocharged acceleration subsides, the joys of a chassis that's light on its feet continues to thrill. There's a fluidity to the Civic's handling as it threads down a winding road, supple suspension managing primary bumps without losing composure while ironing out secondary imperfections wonderfully. Changes of direction happen swiftly and without much fuss, while under duress there's an abundance of grip and minimal body roll to speak of. Steering responses are exceptional, even if the Civic is lacking in feedback, but it still gives the driver a great sense of control and involvement - particularly when rowing through the gears of the sublime six-speed manual.
Despite the performance pretense, the Civic hatch loses none of the comforts we've come to expect not just from Honda but from all entrants in the midsize segment. It doesn't quite have the same bump absorption of a crossover, but the Civic rides like a far more expensive, refined car than its price and dimensions might suggest. Without robbing the driver of all feel, bigger impacts are absorbed competently, while undulating surfaces are ironed out smoothly.
Verdict: Is the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback A Good car?
The Honda Civic Hatch is, simply put, the most enjoyable combination of comfort and driver involvement in the midsize hatchback segment. But Honda ensures the Civic lives up to the hype created by the halo Type R hot-hatch, imbuing this base derivative with a potent-yet-frugal turbocharged engine and a chassis that blends the best ride quality with involving driving dynamics and astute handling. The fact that Honda gives the Sport a sweet six-speed manual gearbox with an accompanying bump in torque and power just sweetens the deal for the purists.
However, the Civic is a practical masterpiece as well, with comprehensive lists of safety and convenience equipment, a spacious, well-appointed cabin, and generous cargo volume. The VW Golf and Mazda 3 might be well worth a look, but the Civic ultimately comes out the top of its class in 2019.
What Honda Civic Hatchback Model Should I Buy?
High levels of safety and a potent turbocharged engine on all models make the Civic Hatch enticing in all trims, but two stand out above the rest. The EX-L Navi offers excellent value for money, equipping smartphone integration and a touchscreen infotainment system, along with dual-zone climate, keyless entry, and a power sunroof for added convenience. However, there's no option for a manual transmission on the EX, which is why for driving enthusiasts we recommend the Sport trim. It doesn't get access to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but the six-speed manual is joyous to row, and there are an extra six horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque to go with it. If you're willing to sacrifice the niceties of smartphone integration and accept single-zone climate control, the Sport is huge amounts of fun for a relatively budget price.
2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Comparisons
2019 Honda Civic Hatchback vs Volkswagen Golf
In many aspects, the VW Golf is seen as the benchmark of this segment - a jack of all trades and a complete package. But the Honda outshines the VW in many aspects, not least of which is standard cargo volume behind the rear seats and abundant passenger volume. The VW does provide more cargo volume with the rear seats flattened, however, and the interior quality rivals premium brands while the Honda's doesn't quite meet the same standards. Both are priced similarly and offer similar specification, but the VW adds a couple of extra features like full blind spot monitoring and a better infotainment system. However, the Civic boasts a more powerful engine that beats the Golf's mileage estimates. It's a close match-up, but the Civic just offers more where it matters and is the better vehicle between the two.