2022 Honda Civic Touring: Elevating the Hatchback Experience for a Mature Audience

The automotive world is constantly evolving, and even iconic models like the Honda Civic must adapt to stay relevant. Just as boxing legends refine their techniques with age, the Honda Civic has undergone a sophisticated transformation, particularly evident in the 2022 Honda Civic Touring Hatchback. This isn’t the high-revving, boy-racer Civic of the past, but a mature, refined hatchback designed to appeal to a broader, more discerning audience.

For decades, the Honda Civic has been a staple in the compact car segment, known for its practicality, reliability, and affordability. It has consistently attracted younger buyers, claiming the top spot in sales among millennials, Gen Z, and first-time car owners. However, the market landscape has shifted. Today’s younger buyers face different economic realities than previous generations, and the demands for fuel efficiency and sophisticated features have increased. The 2022 Honda Civic Touring addresses these changes head-on, presenting a more premium and grown-up version of the beloved hatchback.

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring rear three-quarter

Honda

The Civic’s journey has seen its peaks and valleys. While the eighth generation (2005-2009) with its high-revving Si variant is fondly remembered, subsequent generations faced criticism for feeling less engaging. The tenth generation addressed some substantive issues but struggled to balance youthful styling with less-than-thrilling powertrains (excluding the Type R). The 2022 Honda Civic Touring marks a deliberate shift, aiming to capture a more mature demographic – buyers who appreciate sophistication and refinement alongside the Civic’s traditional virtues.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring essentially refines the sporty edge of the Civic Si, tempering its overt sportiness for a more mature appeal. It features a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower, slightly less than the Si’s 200 hp. The suspension is tuned for comfort with softer dampers and springs, and it omits the mechanical limited-slip differential and larger brakes found in the Si. While these changes might seem like a step back in outright performance, they contribute to the Sport Touring’s more relaxed and premium character. The price point, starting just over $30,000, reflects this move upmarket.

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring front seat

Honda

A key differentiator for the Sport Touring is its hatchback configuration, a body style not currently offered for the Si. Honda openly acknowledges design inspiration from premium European fastbacks like the Audi A7, Porsche Panamera, and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. The designers have successfully translated the sleek proportions of these larger, luxury models onto the compact Civic platform. Remarkably, this stylish fastback roofline doesn’t compromise practicality. Rear headroom remains the same as the sedan, and the hatchback offers even more cargo space than competitors like the Mazda 3 hatchback. Furthermore, visibility is improved with more practical C-pillars, a notable advantage over some rivals.

Inside, the 2022 Honda Civic Touring takes a significant leap towards a more upscale ambiance. Honda has moved away from the futuristic, “spaceship” aesthetic of previous Civics, opting for a design language that echoes premium brands like Audi. Tasteful chrome and piano black trim accents create a refined atmosphere. A standout design element is the mesh grille that conceals the HVAC vents, stretching across the dashboard for a clean, integrated look. This mature interior makes the sportier Si’s boy-racer elements seem out of place. The Sport Touring replaces the Si’s red cloth seats with more sophisticated leather-upholstered buckets, and even the manual shift knob has a subtly upscale design.

Speaking of the manual transmission, the 2022 Honda Civic Touring offers a rewarding experience for driving enthusiasts. While manual transmissions are becoming less common, Honda has engineered a truly enjoyable one here. Clutch engagement is smooth and predictable, even with the auto stop/start system engaged. The shifter has a slightly more deliberate action than traditional Honda manuals, which feels well-matched to the engine’s character. This carefully tuned gearbox mitigates the rev-hang issues that plagued previous turbocharged Civics, making it a joy to operate. While the Civic Si offers an even lighter flywheel for quicker rev response, the difference is subtle in everyday driving. The Sport Touring’s manual transmission is so well-executed that it could inspire a new generation to learn and appreciate the art of driving stick.

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring

David Zenlea

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring taillight

David Zenlea

The overall driving experience of the 2022 Honda Civic Touring is remarkably well-rounded. While the Civic Si offers sharper performance figures, the Sport Touring delivers a similarly engaging and confident driving feel, even on less-than-ideal road surfaces. The ride and handling balance is reminiscent of the praised Volkswagen GTI, offering a blend of comfort and agility. The steering retains Honda’s signature quickness and precision, providing excellent feedback and control.

While the naturally aspirated, high-revving Honda engines of the past are gone, the 2022 Honda Civic Touring demonstrates that Honda can still create a compelling and desirable compact car. The Civic formula has always been about balancing refinement, practicality, and engaging driving dynamics. This latest hatchback iteration successfully embodies these qualities, arguably better than any Civic in recent memory, all at a competitive price point.

The 2022 Honda Civic Touring represents a necessary evolution for the Civic. It may have lost some of the overt playfulness of earlier models, but it has gained a maturity and sophistication that broadens its appeal. In a market where compact cars are fiercely competing with the ever-popular crossover segment, the 2022 Honda Civic Touring is well-positioned to excel through its refined driving experience and premium features. It’s a testament to Honda’s ability to adapt and innovate, creating a Civic that is both familiar and refreshingly new.

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring

Price: $30,415/$30,810 (base/as-tested)

Pros: Premium design and feel, refined driving experience.

Cons: Lower redline compared to older Civic models.

Summary: The 2022 Honda Civic Touring is the epitome of a luxury Civic, offering a sophisticated and enjoyable hatchback experience that rivals premium competitors.

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring dash