2022 Honda Civic Si Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2022 Honda Civic Si sedan is a great option for folks who seek fun at an affordable price. A starting MSRP of less than $29,000 makes this car a superb alternative to a more expensive European sports sedan. Not only is the Civic Si engaging to drive, but it also has an excellent fuel economy rating. Meanwhile, a roomy interior enables passengers to travel without feeling confined. Here’s why you should consider buying the all-new generation.

What’s New for 2022?

The redesigned Civic Si sedan comes loaded with more technology, including a new digital gauge cluster and a larger infotainment screen. Updated exterior styling also helps distinguish the new model.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Honda Civic Si – The Pros

1. Fun Yet Great On Gas

The Civic Si sedan returns for 2022 with a similar 1.5-liter, turbo-boosted four-cylinder engine. It’s now rated to push out 200 horsepower, which is just a tad less horsepower than before. However, a broader torque band makes the new model more pleasing to drive at lower speeds. Road tests show the Civic Si sedan can accelerate to 60 mph in as swiftly as 6.8 seconds. According to the EPA, fuel economy stands at an excellent 27 mpg town/37 mpg freeway.

2. Great Manual Transmission

Unlike most of today’s performance-focused cars, the 2022 Honda Civic Si sedan does not offer an automatic transmission. Both trim levels come equipped with one of the best manual transmissions on the market. Honda’s six-speed manual gearbox proves to be smooth and easy to shift. New rev-matching technology makes it especially easy for drivers to maximize engine performance. Whether accelerating from a dead stop or increasing speed on the interstate, the Civic Si will keep you engaged.

3. Among Best-Handling FWD Cars

For years, the Civic Si has held a reputation for being one of the world’s best-handling FWD cars. Automotive reviewers continue to rave about how well the 2022 Honda Civic Si sedan handles. Stiffer suspension tuning helps the new model to remain poised on even the tightest curves. A limited-slip differential also helps promote good traction when ripping through corners. Luckily, drivers can still look forward to enjoying good ride quality. This sedan does an admirable job of managing potholes and rocky roads.

4. More Practical Than a Conventional Sports Car

Sporty cars often force drivers to sacrifice some practicality. Fortunately, that’s not the case for the 2022 Honda Civic Si sedan. It’s a great option for drivers who commute on a daily basis. The Civic Si sedan’s four-door design also gives it a huge advantage over a coupe. Passengers can easily step inside without any extra effort. There’s now more than 37 inches of rear legroom, which enables families to experience greater comfort.

5. More Sophisticated Exterior Styling

Don’t expect the 2022 Honda Civic Si sedan to look as bold as the previous generation. More sophisticated exterior styling gives the new model a more mature look. However, this sedan still has a sporty character. A hidden front spoiler enhances the car’s sleep profile. Meanwhile, twin chrome exhaust tips and a black trunk spoiler help the rear fascia to stand out. While both trims come standard with 18-inch black alloy wheels, drivers seeking more flair can opt for the car’s exclusive Blazing Orange Pearl paint color.

6. Honda Sensing Brings Standard Safety Technologies

Every new Civic Si sedan comes standard with adaptive cruise control. This feature is typically not offered on cars that feature a manual transmission. It makes traveling on the highway less tiresome. After drivers shift into the appropriate gear, the system keeps them cruising along at a set speed. Honda Sensing also equips the Civic Si sedan with automatic emergency braking, which lowers the risk of drivers being involved in a collision. A lane-keeping system gives the car a more secure feel.

7. More High-Tech Cabin

The 2022 Honda Civic Si sedan has a more high-tech cabin. Among the car’s most rewarding features is its updated infotainment system. It provides a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen, which can now be wirelessly linked to the driver’s smartphone. Not only does the new interface quickly process information, but it also provides a user-friendly menu. Bluetooth streaming audio and satellite radio are built onto the interface. Another highlight is the Civic Si sedan’s new fully digital instrument panel.

8. Exciting Bose Audio System Comes Standard

An impressive audio system is found inside the new Civic Si sedan. It enables music lovers to experience a more exciting drive. This 12-speaker unit promises to treat listeners to an entertaining soundtrack. Centerpoint surround-sound technology helps ensure excellent clarity. Rock and rap fans will especially appreciate the system’s deep bass. A built-in equalizer also enables drivers to obtain the perfect tone.

9. Great Performance Value

Some of today’s premium sports sedans are too costly for the average car shopper. The new 2022 Honda Civic Si sedan is a great compromise. Both trims have a starting MSRP of less than $28,000. An affordable cost of maintenance enables owners to save even more money over the long haul. Several premium features are also on the sedan’s list of standard equipment, including a widescreen infotainment display and a premium sound system.

10. Excellent LED Exterior Lighting

The Civic Si sedan’s LED headlights perform extremely well. They received a top rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. When traveling at night, drivers will have a clear view of any potential road hazards. LED daytime running lights also help make the car more visible in heavy traffic.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Honda Civic Si – The Cons

1. No Automatic Transmission

The Civic Si sedan’s manual transmission is a favorite among driving enthusiasts. However, some people would prefer an automatic transmission. While a manual transmission can be fun, it requires more work on the driver’s behalf. Folks who desire an automatic transmission should take a look at the Civic Sport, which does not offer quite as much performance as the Civic Si.

2. No All-Wheel-Drive Option

Front-wheel-drive is found throughout the 2022 Honda Civic Si sedan lineup. In rainy conditions, this car will perform well. However, it’s not the best option for folks who often encounter snowy road conditions. A good alternative is the Subaru WRX, which ranks among the segment’s best choices for wintry weather. Subaru’s full-time AWD system helps promote superior traction.

3. Front Seats Lack Some Premium Features

Most people will find the Civic Si sedan’s front seats to be comfortable. Nevertheless, they lack lumbar support. Honda also does not offer the Civic Si with heated/ventilated front seats. Some drivers will prefer a more luxurious sports sedan.

4. Some Driving Enthusiasts May Desire More Speed

The 2022 Honda Civic Si sedan is decently quick. However, some drivers will still desire more performance. Many of the Civic Si sedan’s competitors offer stronger acceleration. This car puts a bigger emphasis on handling.

5. Average Warranty

Some of today’s other compact sport sedans provide a better warranty. The Civic Si sedan’s 60,000-mile powertrain warranty is just average. A longer, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty would give owners more protection in the long run. Honda’s 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty could also be lengthier.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Honda Civic Si Sedan vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The redesigned 2022 Subaru WRX is a good match for the new Civic Si sedan. A standard AWD system enables it to offer good traction in all weather conditions. However, don’t expect the WRX’s fuel economy rating to be as high. A greater number of premium features also come standard on the Civic Si sedan. To get a premium audio system and an upgraded touchscreen interface, WRX buyers must step up to a more expensive trim level.

2022 Honda Civic Si Sedan vs 2022 Mazda 3 Sedan

There’s much to like about 2022 Mazda 3 sedan. Drivers enjoy its rather luxurious interior and snappy acceleration. However, prices for the new Mazda 3 are a tad more expensive. Families will also be happier traveling in the Civic Si sedan. There’s noticeably less legroom in the Mazda 3’s backseat.

2022 Honda Civic Si vs 2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line

Another great option is the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line. Car shoppers will appreciate its 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, a premium sound system is not offered on the Elantra N-Line. A roomier rear seat gives the Civic Si sedan yet another advantage over the Elantra N-Line.

Conclusion

When shopping for a budget-friendly sports sedan, drivers absolutely must check out what the 2022 Honda Civic Si sedan has to offer. It delivers a fun and economical driving experience. Fantastic handling enables the Civic Si sedan to tightly hug curves. Highly desirable features, such as a premium Bose stereo system and a widescreen infotainment display, come standard.

There are only a few big downsides to the new Civic Si sedan. For starters, it does not offer an automatic transmission. Buyers also won’t have access to an all-wheel-drive system. While the Civic Si is definitely satisfying to drive, some people will ultimately desire more blistering acceleration.