The Best 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Configurations: A Review with Heart

"I had a blast driving the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback" said Alex Collantes a long-time car enthusiast who personally tested each configuration of the Civic. "I think Honda really outdid themselves this year it felt like a ride crafted with drivers in mind." If you’re in the market for a compact car with a versatile twist Honda's 2022 Civic Hatchback is a model worth taking a deep dive into. We’re going to examine the configurations and trims available in this year's version—highlighting the features strengths and yes even a few weaknesses that might help you decide whether this is the car for you.

Overview of the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

Honda has always made an impression with its Civic lineup but with the 2022 Civic Hatchback the automaker has taken it a step further focusing on versatility without compromising style or performance. The hatchback offers four key configurations that allow it to appeal to a range of drivers and lifestyles.

Configurations Breakdown

1. Honda Civic Hatchback LX
2. Honda Civic Hatchback Sport
3. Honda Civic Hatchback EX-L
4. Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring

These configurations make it easier to pick the one that suits your needs without overwhelming you with choices that feel too similar. Let’s get into the specifics of what makes each trim stand out—what they’ve got going for them and maybe a couple of things they could’ve done better.

LX Configuration: Starting with the Essentials

The LX trim is the base model of the 2022 Civic Hatchback lineup and though it’s the entry-level it doesn’t skimp on key features.

Features

• Powertrain: A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that offers 158 horsepower. It’s paired with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that helps deliver a smooth ride and better fuel economy.
• Infotainment: A 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability—modern drivers will love the convenience and connectivity.
• Safety: Honda Sensing Safety Suite is standard which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Keeping Assist, and Collision Mitigation Braking.

Pros of the LX Trim

• Affordability: The price tag makes it accessible for younger buyers or those looking for a well-rounded first car.
• Efficiency: Fuel economy is excellent estimated at 31 mpg city / 39 mpg highway making it an economical choice for commuters.

Potential Drawbacks

• Basic Power: The 2.0-liter engine is quite functional but lacks the punch of higher trims. It’s adequate for daily driving but if you’re looking for something with a bit more excitement on the highway the LX might not quite fit the bill.

Sport Configuration: A Little More Spice

If you want something that looks and feels a little sportier the Sport trim takes the LX and dials it up a bit.

What the Sport Offers

• Sport Pedals and Style: There are some nifty exterior styling tweaks that add more personality plus sport pedals inside to enhance the driver's experience.
• 18-inch Alloy Wheels: The sportier 18-inch alloy wheels make this trim visually distinct.
• Engine Options: It still has the 2.0-liter engine from the LX but also offers an available 6-speed manual transmission for those who like to keep it hands-on.

Pros of the Sport Trim

• Manual Transmission Available: For those who miss the control of a manual transmission this option is a nice nod to driving enthusiasts.
• Bolder Design: The exterior and interior have some nice touches that add a more athletic vibe.

Cons of the Sport Trim

• Performance Limits: The power is still limited by the 2.0-liter engine so even with the visual upgrades it doesn’t add too much more in terms of actual driving excitement.

EX-L Configuration: Comfort and Tech Make an Entrance

The EX-L trim starts to add more comfort and tech making it a great middle-ground for those who want luxury without going all the way up to the Sport Touring.

Key Features

• 1.5-liter Turbocharged Engine: This trim introduces the 180-horsepower turbocharged engine which immediately delivers more kick compared to the lower trims.
• Leather Trimmed Seating: Comfort upgrades like leather-trimmed seats and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat mean the EX-L feels more premium.
• Upgraded Infotainment: The 9-inch touchscreen includes enhanced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a power moonroof for an added sense of openness.

Advantages of the EX-L

• Comfort Focus: The addition of leather seating and comfort features really elevate the driving experience.
• Better Power: The turbocharged engine adds a lot more pep to your ride making highway merging and overtaking easier and more fun.

EX-L Drawbacks

• Price Point: The EX-L definitely costs more than the LX or Sport configurations and you may feel like you’re paying for features that are more about luxury than functionality.

Sport Touring Configuration: Top of the Line

At the top of the lineup is the Sport Touring trim. This one is all about performance technology and comfort—essentially giving you the fully-loaded Civic Hatchback experience.

What Sets the Sport Touring Apart

• Bose Premium Audio System: An incredible 12-speaker Bose audio system is a huge draw for audiophiles.
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: More customizable comfort with dual-zone automatic climate helps enhance overall driver and passenger comfort.
• Engine and Transmission: You still have the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine but the Sport Touring also offers the choice of a 6-speed manual for those who want it.

What We Loved

• Great Audio and Tech: The Bose sound system makes long drives a real pleasure and the tech is quite impressive.
• Manual Transmission: Again that manual transmission adds excitement and appeal for driving enthusiasts who want more control and engagement.

Weak Points

• Price: This is the most expensive configuration by a notable margin and you may wonder whether the extra tech and comfort features are worth it for a hatchback.
• Sport vs. Practical: The sport-oriented features can be a bit of overkill for anyone just looking for a practical day-to-day car. If that’s your goal you might feel like you’re paying for things you don’t actually need.

Practical Considerations: Which Trim Should You Choose?

What Are Your Priorities?

Budget-Friendly

If you’re working with a tighter budget the LX offers great value without a lot of compromises. It has the basics you need and nothing more which makes it a great option for a first-time car buyer or someone who just needs a dependable daily driver.

Sport and Style

The Sport trim is for those who want a Civic Hatchback that stands out. It has a sportier look and adds some engaging driving features—though it doesn’t offer a performance boost beyond its manual transmission.

Comfort and Performance

The EX-L is where you start to get a better balance of power and comfort. The turbocharged engine makes it more responsive while the added luxuries—leather seats an upgraded sound system—make every ride feel special.

Fully Loaded

For those who want the best the Sport Touring gives you everything. It’s the trim that packs in all the performance features tech and comforts Honda could fit into a hatchback.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Fuel Economy: No matter the trim you’re choosing the 2022 Civic Hatchback is fuel-efficient but opting for the 1.5-liter turbo will slightly adjust your mpg—and opting for the manual will affect your fuel efficiency too.

• Cargo and Space: The hatchback body style makes all trims of the Civic a bit more practical when it comes to cargo space. The rear seats fold down easily to expand cargo area which is ideal for road trips or when you need to haul larger items. This is a key benefit over the Civic Sedan.

Alex's Final Take on the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

"Overall I'd say Honda has put out a solid set of configurations for the Civic Hatchback" said Alex Collantes. "For anyone looking at a compact car that's versatile and fun to drive the EX-L or Sport Touring are really gonna make you feel like you got more than what you paid for."

"But even if you just want a good reliable car that looks great and drives well you're not missing out with the LX either" Alex added. It’s clear that Honda has gone to great lengths to make sure there’s a 2022 Civic Hatchback for every type of driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback worth buying?

Absolutely—if you’re looking for a practical reliable and efficient car that offers a little something extra depending on which trim you choose. The range of configurations means you can pick a model that fits your needs perfectly without compromise.

How does the Hatchback compare to the Civic Sedan?

The hatchback body style is more practical for those who need extra cargo space. The sedan might be a little sleeker but the hatchback adds versatility without sacrificing style or performance.

Which configuration offers the most value?

This depends on what you’re looking for. The LX is the best value if you’re just looking for affordability and reliability. However if you want more tech and comfort the EX-L offers great value for the added features.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback is versatile and fun with a configuration that can appeal to anyone from the budget-conscious buyer to someone who wants the most tech and comfort in a compact car. Each of the trims—LX Sport EX-L Sport Touring—offers a unique combination of features so it’s just a matter of finding the one that’s right for you.

There are pros and cons to each of these configurations and while the LX might feel a bit basic or the Sport Touring a bit too pricey there’s certainly a sweet spot for every driver. One thing’s clear: Honda has continued its streak of making the Civic Hatchback a truly solid choice for anyone shopping in this class.