The 2022 Honda Civic Sedan has arrived and, unlike its predecessors, there is no coupe body style. A hatchback variant that will serve as the basis for the new Type R is due shortly. But there's no mistaking the new Civic for last year's model. They look very different and that's exactly what Honda aimed to achieve.
The edgy styling inside and out has been replaced with a smoother, far more refined look. The interior actually represents the most significant design change and we think it was the right approach. While the exterior design is not exactly groundbreaking, the 2022 Civic is still immediately recognizable as a Honda. Over 300,000 Civics have been sold in the US annually since 2012, so it was vital for Honda not to mess the redesign up. Did it make the right choices? Let's take a closer look.
More Mature Front End
Gone is the over use of chrome in the grille (dare we call it a chrome mustache) and its place is a far more refined design with narrower and slightly longer LED headlights. Instead of an excessive amount of plastic the lower intakes are a pair of C-shaped accents in gloss black. The lower intake is significantly larger overall and the cladding has been eliminated around the upper air intake as well. The Honda badge also appears to be slightly smaller.
We were never fans of the previous generation's front end for one simple reason: it was far too busy. It's almost as if designers didn't know when to lift the pen. That's all gone now and its place is an even sportier design destined to age well.
Far Fewer Rear Angles
It's a similar situation at the rear end. Again, there's clear maturity in the design. Those awkward-looking previous-gen taillights have been swapped for less C-shaped units with a much more conventional look. They are also darker, which happens to look great on the Sport trim pictured here.
Another significant change is the elimination of the small spoiler on top of the trunk. There's now a small lip sculpted directly into the sheetmetal. And since this is the Sport model we're looking at, Honda has added a bolt-on spoiler for better styling. Lastly, the trunk opening is wider at the bottom which will make loading and unloading cargo an easier process.
Cleaner Side Profile
Honda ditched the previous Civic's fastback design for a more traditional three-box sedan and that's just fine. As much as we like fastbacks, it didn't quite seem to fit the Civic's personality. And remember, there's also the hatchback for those who desire easier rear loading.
The new model has a lower hood that makes the car look longer and more refined. Its A-pillars have been pushed rearward by 2-inches. A lower beltline, swept-up lower character line, and stronger rear haunches combine for a sportier yet more mature look.
In contrast, the outgoing model has a crease in the bodywork running from the back of the front wheel arch, slicing its way through the door handles, and going into the taillights. The new Civic's rear fender doesn't protrude as much, another solid contribution towards a less "chunky" silhouette.
Far More Upscale Interior
The new interior is far more upscale and minimalist than that of the 2021 model. There are far fewer physical buttons (though the volume knob remains) because their functions are now integrated into the standard 7-inch touchscreen. Touring models get a 9-inch screen and a 10.2-inch customizable digital instrument display. The three HVAC knobs blend very naturally into the narrow dash.
The outgoing Civic's interior got the job done but wasn't what we'd call "great." It definitely isn't considered elegant either, but it is sporty. The new interior combines both. The old car's 7-inch touchscreen was integrated directly into the dash; this one sits on top.
Notice the new center console also has fewer physical buttons and the dual cupholders have been relocated to the right of the gear shifter instead of behind it for much easier access.