2020 Honda Civic Hatchback Review: A True All-Rounder
There are many compromises needed when having a family - one of them being the compromise of that dreamy sports car in favor of an ordinary family-friendly one, which may be a soul-destroying life decision for some. But, sometimes it's not so bad, at least as long as the Honda Civic Hatchback remains a competitor in the compact segment. Since its debut on US shores in 2017, its balanced driving dynamics, exceptional specification levels, class-leading practicality, and excellent safety ratings quickly made it a popular vehicle. Its potent 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, which churns out outputs ranging from 174-180 horsepower, is astonishingly frugal too. In standard trims, a CVT automatic is on hand, with the Sport and Sport Touring trims getting a six-speed manual gearbox. The Honda Civic Hatch, especially with the stick, is a highly capable and engaging car, and one the entire family can safely enjoy from every seat. It's not the only passionate all-rounder though, with the Mazda 3, VW Golf, and Toyota Corolla Hatchback all calling to the dads and moms who haven't lost their passion for driving.
What's the Price of the 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback?
The price of the Honda Civic Hatchback is quite average for its class in the USA, with the most affordable trim being the LX with a base MSRP of $21,750 before Honda's destination charge of $955 as well as any tax, registration, or licensing fees. The Sport comes in with a sticker price of $22,850, the EX at a price of $24,250, the EX-L goes on sale for $25,450, and finally, at the top position in the lineup is the Sport Touring with a price of $28,150. It'll cost an extra $800 to opt in the CVT to the Sport and Sport Touring. While prices for the LX, Sport, and EX were slightly raised for the 2020 model year, the EX-L and Sport Touring are both a couple of hundred dollars cheaper.
2020 Civic Hatchback Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
177.9 in | 106.3 in | 56.5 in | 70.8 in | 60.9 in | 61.5 in | 2,901.0 lbs |
2020 Civic Hatchback Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Most vehicles are given a specific motive, to perform well in one of two key areas, either in performance or in luxury. But when the focus is directed at one, the other is generally severely compromised, and the line that divides the two is oh so fine. The Honda Civic Hatchback, on the other hand, gets the best of both worlds as an extremely fun-to-drive hatchback with a ride quality that's so great, you may forget that it's actually capable of being pushed.
In terms of handling in specific, it's certainly no Civic Type R, but it does commandeer many of its captivating handling dynamics, there's a flow to the hatch's movements that have it stream through winding roads like water would through a carved path. Its supple suspension keeps it composed around corners and shrugs off any mid-corner bumps without losing stability. Mash the accelerator and the Civic Hatch lifts-off like a majestic eagle taking flight, building speed and when at its limits, exhibits full control. Changes in direction are swift and effortless, body roll is near non-existent, and grip always feels plentiful. There aren't oodles of feedback ceded through to the steering, but its responses are precise and still convey a strong sense of control to the driver. The brakes don't provide the most effective stopping power, but there's good feel and the pedal is appreciably firm.
The Civic Hatch impresses just as much in the ride quality it delivers, it's not as subtle as any comparable crossover but still delivers a ride that's better than its price and dimensions may suggest. Imperfect road surfaces are effectively smoothed over and typical everyday blemishes are absorbed with ease.
2020 Civic Hatchback Interior
2020 Civic Hatchback Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback A Good car?
In the compact hatchback class, the Honda Civic Hatchback is certainly one of the most enjoyable ones for driving enthusiasts and with a ride quality that's comparable to that of luxury vehicles. The turbo-four engine Honda equipped the Civic with delivers an enthusiastic punch and at the same time remains competitively frugal. Moreover, with Honda standardizing the six-speed manual gearbox in the Sport Touring trim for the first time, the Civic's driving enjoyment can be enjoyed with all the luxuries too.
The Civic Hatch proves to be a marvel in practicality as well; its cabin is truly commodious with plenty of storage solutions to boot, and its hatch has abundant cargo room. The comprehensive consignment of driver-assist and safety features makes the Civic hatch one of the safest vehicles on the road too, making it a consummate professional in the compact segment.
What 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback Model Should I Buy?
The entire 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback lineup is powered by a nifty turbo-four engine, and all but the base LX are rich in value, and packed with high levels of safety. But when it comes to the Honda Civic Hatchback, in particular, it's the driving experience that matters most. And it's in that realm, where the Civic Sport trim delivers the most well-rounded package. Whereas last year it still had a rudimentary infotainment system, upgrades for 2020 now mean you get full smartphone integration, more power, and a manual gearbox. You miss out on leather seats and a few other amenities, but it covers the basics and doesn't cost a fortune. Of course, if you have money to spend, the fact that the Sport Touring gets the same power bump and a manual makes it an ideal, but well-specced, alternative.
2020 Honda Civic Hatchback Comparisons
2020 Honda Civic Hatchback vs Honda Accord
The Honda Accord Sedan isn't available as a hatchback but is a good option for those who prefer the new sleek styling many sedans have taken on recently. On that topic, some may also prefer the Accord's calmer styling in general, compared to the somewhat garish looks of the Civic. The Accord comes equipped with a more powerful 1.5-liter turbo-four in base specification with an even more potent 2.0-liter turbo-four available on higher trims. Not only that, but it still retains access to a six-speed manual gearbox. With the latter pairing, the Accord offers a 0-60 mph sprint time of 5.5 seconds, but the power and performance comes at the expense of poorer fuel economy. Being midsized, the Accord is larger inside and out, and gets a better consignment of features. The Civic, however, is more practical thanks to the hatchback's capacious cargo bay. With a price overlap between the upper end of the Civic models and the lower end of the Accord lineup, the choice comes down to needs. If you need space, get the Accord, but if you want high levels of spec and driver engagement, the Civic will be the best bet.
2020 Honda Civic Hatchback vs Toyota Corolla Hatchback
At $20,290, the base trim of the Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a little more affordable than the corresponding Civic Hatchback. The Corolla Hatch proves just as fun to drive as the Civic Hatch, offering all the performance and handling prowess any driving enthusiasts would appreciate. With its weaker 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, it is slower, getting up to 60 mph in a lackadaisical 7.8 seconds in independent tests, but returns better gas mileage estimates of 32/41/35 mpg. The Civic Hatch is certainly the more practical vehicle of the two, boasting 4.4 cubes more cargo room over the Corolla Hatch, as well as more space for rear-seat passengers. Some may prefer the futuristic styling of the Corolla's cabin, and specification levels are certainly better with the Corolla, but there are fewer trim levels in the lineup, so it makes sense that the higher trims in the Civic roster pack in more creature comforts. Both are immensely safe and reliable, and at the end of the day you'll need to choose which takes your fancy more. We personally prefer the turbo power and endearing chassis of the Civic, but won't judge too harshly if you opt for the Corolla.