2023 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

Hatchback popularity had fluctuated over the years, and by 2022, with consumers gravitating towards small crossover SUVs, hatchbacks were on a downward trend. Many automakers, including Ford, General Motors, Hyundai Motor Group, and Nissan, had removed them from their U.S. lineups. Even the Volkswagen Golf, a staple in America since 1975, exited the States for 2022. Honda saw this as an opportunity and introduced the redesigned 2022 Civic hatchback, aiming to capture a significant portion of the remaining market share. Manufactured in Indiana, it was one of the few compact cars still produced in the U.S. The new Civic hatchback was also expected to serve as the foundation for the revived 2023 Acura Integra, potentially sparking a hatchback renaissance.

The 2022 Civic hatchback needed to prove itself, and based on a week of driving, it was more appealing than most of its remaining rivals, though it could benefit from some improvements. Available in LX, Sport, EX-L, and Sport Touring trims, prices ranged from $22,900 to $29,400, plus a $1,015 destination charge. The Sport Touring trim, tested in both CVT and six-speed manual transmission versions, showcased a modern appearance with sophisticated digital instrumentation and infotainment displays. However, the Civic hatch still suffered from a design flaw known as "stubby butt syndrome," and the CVT shifter operation detracted slightly from the overall sense of sophistication.

The BMW 3 Series had been the heart of the Bavarian brand since 1975, with over 16 million buyers. The seventh-generation model, which debuted in 2019, received a mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year. The 3 Series lineup included the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 330e. Exterior design modifications were subtle but sporty, maintaining a narrow kidney grille shape and redesigned full-LED headlights. The lower air intakes and flared rear-wheel arches added to the car's sporty appearance, with standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys and an optional 19-inch wheel upgrade.

The 2023 3 Series featured Shadowline trim as standard, with satin aluminum available for 330i and 330e models. New paint choices included Skyscraper Grey and Brooklyn Grey metallic. The M Sport package added exterior enhancements, while the M340i received exclusive design elements. Inside, the new 3 Series came standard with BMW iDrive 8, featuring a 27.2-inch continuous high-definition screen display. The minimalist dashboard design and driver-centric cockpit added to the car's appeal, with the M Sport package offering additional interior finishes.

The 2022 Honda Civic hatchback offered two engine options. The LX and Sport trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The LX came only with a CVT, while the Sport offered a choice between the CVT and a six-speed manual transmission. The EX-L and Sport Touring trims had a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, available with either transmission. The Civic hatchback was front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel drive option. The suspension used MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link independent design in the rear, with 18-inch aluminum wheels on the Sport and Sport Touring trims.

The CVT worked well with the turbocharged engine, providing a smooth driving experience. The six-speed manual transmission was praised for its short throws and fluid gear engagement. The Civic hatchback offered a firm yet comfortable ride, with good steering and braking performance. However, the car's all-season tires and brakes were not suited for aggressive driving on winding roads. Despite these limitations, the Civic hatchback was enjoyable to drive and delivered good fuel economy, with real-world testing nearly matching the EPA estimates.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series carried over its powertrains from previous model years. The 330i and 330e featured a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with the 330e adding electric assist. The M340i had a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and xDrive all-wheel drive available. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. The 330e had a combined output of 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds and up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i offered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.

Fuel economy for the 3 Series was competitive, with the 330i achieving 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. The 330e had a gas-only rating of 28 combined mpg and 75 MPGe combined in electric mode. The M340i achieved 23 city, 31 highway, and 26 combined mpg. The 330i with the M Sport package, Dynamic Handling package, and Driving Assistance package provided a comfortable and precise driving experience. The turbocharged inline-four engine offered ample power, though the engine note was subdued. The 330i excelled in sharp cornering and hard braking, making it a fun canyon carver, but its comfortable suspension and neutral steering reminded drivers of its all-season performance focus.

The 2022 Honda Civic hatchback excelled in functionality, with a generous 24.5 cubic feet of trunk space and an innovative two-piece cargo shade. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, though the load floor was not flat. All seating positions were comfortable, with sufficient legroom, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, and both front seats were heated. The car had black fabric seats in LX and Sport trims, while the EX-L and Sport Touring featured black leather upholstery. Automatic climate control was standard, with a dual-zone system in higher trims.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a compact yet comfortable interior. Front headroom measured 38.7 inches, with 42 inches of legroom. Rear occupants had 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom. Standard upholstery was SensaTec faux leather, with supportive power-adjustable front sport seats. The leather steering wheel provided a good grip, and ergonomics were excellent. The 3 Series had standard storage options, with 17 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The rear seats folded in a 40/20/40-split for larger items. Standard features included a power moonroof, with available heated steering wheel, heated front seats, power lumbar support, keyless entry, and remote start.

The 2022 Honda Civic hatchback featured a new infotainment system. LX, Sport, and EX-L trims had a 7-inch touchscreen display with physical knobs and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sport Touring trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system included physical knobs for sound controls and a small shelf for steadying the hand while operating the touchscreen. Digital instrumentation was standard, with a 7-inch screen in lower trims and a 10.2-inch display in the Sport Touring.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series introduced BMW iDrive 8, featuring a 27.2-inch continuous high-definition screen display. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and easy-to-use steering wheel-mounted controls. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant allowed for natural speech commands, minimizing frustrations. Standard features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, and a one-year SiriusXM subscription. Available options included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2022 Honda Civic hatchback came equipped with Honda Sensing, a collection of safety features including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New features included low-speed following capability and Traffic Jam Assist. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning were available in higher trims. All Civics had 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.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, Active Guard, and the Active Protection System. Additional safety features were available in packages, including the Driving Assistance Package and Driving Assistance Professional Package. The optional head-up display was part of a convenience package. The 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick nod from the IIHS, though it fell short of the "Plus" distinction due to poor headlight ratings.