2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2022 BMW 2 Series presented a fresh exterior design that avoided the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. It maintained a sleek and aerodynamic appearance with a wider kidney grille and upright triangular air curtains. The M240i xDrive Coupe, in particular, showcased a performance-oriented style with shadowy M-type accents and the M Shadowline package. The interior was driver-focused, featuring standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with options for a larger display and additional comfort features. Despite its high-end vibe, some cost-cutting materials were noticeable.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture the remaining hatchback market with its redesigned model, produced in the U.S. It shared a front design with the Civic sedan but differed from the rear doors back. The Sport Touring trim added digital instrumentation and a modern infotainment system, enhancing its appeal. The interior featured metal honeycomb dashboard detailing and high-quality controls, though the CVT shifter operation was slightly janky. The Civic hatchback was positioned as a practical and enjoyable alternative to small crossovers, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe delivered impressive performance with its turbocharged engines. The 230i Coupe's 2.0-liter four-cylinder produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive's 3.0-liter inline-six offered 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i reached 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and the M240i xDrive did so in just 4.1 seconds. Both models featured an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, with the M240i xDrive including performance enhancements like an aerodynamic kit and adaptive M suspension. Despite its speed and agility, the 2 Series lacked engagement, with a numb steering feel and a disconnected driving experience.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice of engines, with the LX and Sport trims featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The EX-L and Sport Touring trims had a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The Civic hatchback was front-wheel drive, with a CVT or six-speed manual transmission available. The turbocharged engine provided accessible torque, and the manual transmission was praised for its smooth operation. While the Civic hatchback was enjoyable to drive, it was more focused on comfort and practicality than sporty performance.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was compact, with limited rear seat space suitable for children or short trips. The front seats offered more room, but the slanted roofline and design elements restricted rear headroom. The trunk provided 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats for added flexibility. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, though the overall space was tight.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a generous 24.5 cubic feet of trunk space and a two-piece cargo shade. The back seat had a 60/40-split folding design, though the load floor wasn't flat. All seating positions were comfortable, with the driver enjoying an eight-way power-adjustable seat. The interior featured black fabric or leather upholstery, with automatic climate control standard. The Civic hatchback prioritized comfort and practicality, with thoughtful design elements for everyday use.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, featuring BMW Live Cockpit Plus with over-the-air updates and connected services. Optional upgrades included a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital display. The 2 Series offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and a head-up display. The audio system included a standard 10-speaker setup, with an optional Harman Kardon system for enhanced sound quality.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured a new infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 9-inch display on the Sport Touring trim. The Sport Touring also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Civic's infotainment system addressed previous criticisms with physical knobs and a shelf for steadying the hand. Digital instrumentation was standard, with a 10.2-inch display on the Sport Touring trim.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series included Active Driving Assistant with features like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included adaptive LED headlights and a 360-degree surround view. The BMW Drive Recorder could capture driving footage, but the 2 Series had not yet been rated by safety organizations.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. New features included Traffic Jam Assist and low-speed following capability. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Civic hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, with advanced airbags and engineering for improved crash protection.