2021 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a reputation for its adolescent aesthetic, often seen as the rebellious member of the Subaru family. While it appeared tamer compared to the racier WRX STI, the WRX still sported a wedge-like front end and a short trunk lid, giving it a speedy look even when stationary. Aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop added to its sporty appearance. Inside, the WRX's cockpit was function-first, featuring plenty of hard plastics, which contributed to its less refined reputation compared to competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture a significant share of the hatchback market, especially as other automakers phased out their models. The new Civic hatchback, produced in Indiana, shared its front design with the Civic sedan but had a unique rear. The Sport Touring trim added sophisticated digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, giving it a modern look. However, the Civic hatchback still suffered from a somewhat stubby rear design. Inside, the Civic hatchback featured high-quality materials and expertly rendered controls, although the CVT shifter operation was slightly janky.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Despite being the most powerful among its rivals, the WRX required precise rev management to extract its full potential. The CVT, though not ideal for driving enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband effectively. The manual transmission, however, felt vague and less precise compared to the WRX STI.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered two engine options. The LX and Sport trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The EX-L and Sport Touring trims came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The CVT worked well with the turbocharged engine, providing a smooth driving experience. The six-speed manual transmission in the Sport Touring trim was praised for its short throws and fluid gear engagement. The Civic hatchback's suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While it provided more space than the Civic Si coupe, it fell short compared to the Civic Si sedan and the VW GTI. The WRX's interior packaging was less accommodating for large water bottles, and the center console cupholders could obstruct shifting with the manual transmission. However, the WRX offered a comfortable driving position and decent rear seat space for a compact sedan.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a trunk measuring 24.5 cubic feet. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, although the load floor was not flat. All seating positions were comfortable, with sufficient legroom. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, while the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The Civic hatchback also featured rear smartphone charging ports but lacked rear air conditioning vents. The EX-L and Sport Touring trims offered black leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. The Limited trim offered an option package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing solid sound quality. However, the WRX's infotainment system felt dated compared to newer models.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured a new infotainment system. The LX, Sport, and EX-L trims had a 7-inch touchscreen display with physical knobs, while the Sport Touring trim boasted a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The inclusion of physical knobs addressed previous criticisms of Honda's infotainment systems. The Civic hatchback also featured digital instrumentation, with the Sport Touring trim offering a comprehensive 10.2-inch display panel.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, including adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available only on the Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. The Limited trim also offered adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. All trims came standard with a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came equipped with the Honda Sensing collection of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, Road Departure Mitigation, and Lane Keeping Assist. New features included low-speed following capability and Traffic Jam Assist, available only with the CVT. The EX-L and Sport Touring trims added a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic warning system. All Civics featured a rear-seat reminder system, rear seatbelt reminder, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Civic hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.