2021 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2021 Subaru WRX was often critiqued for its youthful and somewhat rebellious design, characterized by its wedge-like front end and short trunk lid, which gave it a speedy appearance even when stationary. Its aerodynamic bodywork and functional hood scoop added to this impression. Inside, the WRX shared a similar design language with other Subaru compacts from the past decade, focusing on functionality over aesthetics. This utilitarian approach resulted in a cabin filled with hard plastics, which some found less refined compared to competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si. The WRX offered trims such as Base, Premium, and Limited, each adding more features and options, including larger wheels, heated seats, and advanced driver assistance features with the CVT option.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic presented a more mature and conservative design, reminiscent of the larger Accord sedan. This 11th-generation Civic aimed for a tailored and grown-up look, moving away from the previous model's bold styling. Inside, Honda embraced simplicity, with a minimalistic control layout and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim. The dashboard featured a unique metal honeycomb mesh to conceal air vents, adding a touch of elegance. The Civic's interior reflected a newfound maturity, offering a more sophisticated environment than its predecessor.

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. This engine configuration allowed for a low center of gravity, enhancing its all-wheel-drive system's performance. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT, with the latter offering paddle shifters to maintain revs in the powerband. Despite its power advantage over rivals like the Civic Si and VW GTI, the WRX required precise rev management to extract its full potential. The manual transmission, however, was criticized for its vague clutch feel. The WRX's Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring provided precise cornering, though its ride was stiffer compared to competitors.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque for the LX and Sport trims, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque for the EX and Touring trims. Both engines were paired with CVTs, featuring Step Shift programming for a more traditional automatic feel. The Civic's Sport and Touring trims included a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness. With improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning, the Civic delivered enjoyable handling without sacrificing ride quality. However, during a 95-mile test drive, the Civic Touring's fuel economy fell short of the EPA estimate, indicating a trade-off for its engaging driving experience.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While this was more than the Civic Si coupe, it lagged behind the Civic sedan and VW GTI in cargo capacity. The WRX's interior design showed its age, lacking modern conveniences like accommodating door bottle-holders. However, it provided a comfortable driving position with good visibility and decent rear seat space for a compact sedan.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support, especially in the leather-lined Touring trim. The power driver's seat allowed for a perfect driving position, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's low stance made entry and exit challenging for some, but rear legroom was generous. The Civic's trunk offered 14.8 cubic feet of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to sound system components. Despite losing some storage flexibility, the Civic's interior redesign improved accessibility and usability.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a user-friendly interface despite dated graphics. The Limited trim's optional package included navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, enhancing the audio experience. However, the WRX's tech felt outdated compared to newer models.

The 2022 Honda Civic boasted advanced digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim featuring a 10-inch display offering customization and driving data. The Vehicle Activity display provided crucial information about the car's lighting status. The Civic's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Despite a slow startup, the system performed well, with improved voice recognition technology.

The 2021 Subaru WRX lacked standard advanced safety features, with Subaru's EyeSight system available only on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and other features were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX models included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.

The 2022 Honda Civic impressed with its upgraded Honda Sensing suite, offering features like Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centering technology. The Civic replaced its LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system on EX and Touring trims, with rear cross-traffic alert on the Touring. The Civic's architecture was strengthened for improved collision protection, and new airbag designs enhanced safety. A rear-seat reminder system was standard across all trims.