2022 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2023 Subaru WRX

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
$23,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2023 Subaru WRX
2023 Subaru WRX
$30,605MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
$23,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Subaru WRX
$30,605MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2023 Subaru WRX scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on this comparison, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback emerges as the recommended choice for those seeking a well-rounded car with practicality, advanced technology, and a competitive starting price on its side. However, for those who prefer a more performance-oriented model, the Subaru is the better option.

Overview

MSRP

$23,550

MSRP

$30,605

Average price

$25,691

Average price

$31,790

Listings

601

Listings

553
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Stereo is lacking
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great handling
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Poor value for money
  • Less cargo space than rivals

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Reviews Summary

The very first Honda Civic was a hatchback. In fact, except for the period between 2006 and 2016, a hatch was almost always a part of the Honda Civic lineup. Now in its 11th generation, redesigned for 2022, the Honda Civic is again available as a hatchback, and the automaker expects it to be more popular than at any time since the 1990s. There is good reason for this optimism, as we discovered while testing two versions of the new 2022 Civic hatchback.

2023 Subaru WRX Reviews Summary

Subaru's image is centered around rugged station wagons, outdoor activities, and cute dogs, but the automaker also has a sporty side—exemplified by the 2023 Subaru WRX.

The WRX first appeared in the 1990s as a homologation special for the World Rally Championship (WRC), which at the time required cars to be closely related to production models. Subaru viewed rallying as the perfect way to show off its all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles so, after a trial with the Legacy midsize sedan, it launched the Impreza-based WRX with the goal of becoming more competitive. It worked: Subaru has won multiple rally championships and the WRX has endeared it to car enthusiasts.

Subaru didn't begin selling the WRX in the United States until the 2002 model year, but it's remained a fixture of the automaker's U.S. lineup every since, competing against other sporty compact cars like the Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Elantra N, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Jetta GLI, and other derivatives of those models.

The current, fourth-generation WRX was introduced for the 2022 model year, so there are no changes to report for 2023. The lineup includes base, Premium, Limited, and GT trim levels. For this review, we drove the WRX GT, which sits at the top of the range.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 158 hp I4

Engine

2.4L 271 hp H4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

158 hp @ 6500 rpm

Horsepower

271 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

30

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

38

MPG Highway

26
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
$23,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Subaru WRX
2023 Subaru WRX
$30,605MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
$23,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Subaru WRX
$30,605MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2023 Subaru WRX scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on this comparison, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback emerges as the recommended choice for those seeking a well-rounded car with practicality, advanced technology, and a competitive starting price on its side. However, for those who prefer a more performance-oriented model, the Subaru is the better option.

Overview
MSRP
$23,550
$30,605
Average price
$25,691
$31,790
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
5.0
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Stereo is lacking
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great handling
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Poor value for money
  • Less cargo space than rivals
Summary
The very first Honda Civic was a hatchback. In fact, except for the period between 2006 and 2016, a hatch was almost always a part of the Honda Civic lineup. Now in its 11th generation, redesigned for 2022, the Honda Civic is again available as a hatchback, and the automaker expects it to be more popular than at any time since the 1990s. There is good reason for this optimism, as we discovered while testing two versions of the new 2022 Civic hatchback.

Subaru's image is centered around rugged station wagons, outdoor activities, and cute dogs, but the automaker also has a sporty side—exemplified by the 2023 Subaru WRX.

The WRX first appeared in the 1990s as a homologation special for the World Rally Championship (WRC), which at the time required cars to be closely related to production models. Subaru viewed rallying as the perfect way to show off its all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles so, after a trial with the Legacy midsize sedan, it launched the Impreza-based WRX with the goal of becoming more competitive. It worked: Subaru has won multiple rally championships and the WRX has endeared it to car enthusiasts.

Subaru didn't begin selling the WRX in the United States until the 2002 model year, but it's remained a fixture of the automaker's U.S. lineup every since, competing against other sporty compact cars like the Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Elantra N, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Jetta GLI, and other derivatives of those models.

The current, fourth-generation WRX was introduced for the 2022 model year, so there are no changes to report for 2023. The lineup includes base, Premium, Limited, and GT trim levels. For this review, we drove the WRX GT, which sits at the top of the range.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 158 hp I4
2.4L 271 hp H4
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
158 hp @ 6500 rpm
271 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
30
19
MPG Highway
38
26
Look and feel
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
9/10
2023 Subaru WRX
9/10
The redesigned 2022 Civic hatchback aims to capture a significant portion of the remaining market share for hatchbacks. It features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the LX and Sport trims, while the EX-L and Sport Touring trims offer an energetic turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2022 Civic hatchback was priced from $22,900 to $29,400 when new. On the other hand, the 2023 Subaru WRX boasts a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, generating 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It features all-wheel drive and offers a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 2023 WRX was priced from $31,625 for the base model with the manual transmission.
Performance
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
8/10
2023 Subaru WRX
8/10
The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offers a choice of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 and 180 horsepower, respectively. It is front-wheel drive and offers a choice between a CVT and a 6-speed manual transmission. The Civic hatchback provides a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience, with good fuel economy and responsive handling. In comparison, the 2023 Subaru WRX is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It features all-wheel drive and offers a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT. The WRX provides a well-mannered driving experience, with generous grip from its AWD system and standard summer tires.
Form and function
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
8/10
2023 Subaru WRX
7/10
The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offers a generous 24.5 cubic feet of trunk space, innovative cargo shade, and comfortable seating positions. It provides a practical and functional interior, with thoughtful design elements and standard automatic climate control. On the other hand, the 2023 Subaru WRX offers 12.5 cubic feet of trunk space, slightly less than some of its competitors. It provides a comfortable cabin with good outward visibility, but lacks convenient storage for modern smartphones.
Technology
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
8/10
2023 Subaru WRX
7/10
The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback features a new infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display in lower trims and a 9-inch touchscreen display in the Sport Touring trim. It offers wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint 2 surround-sound audio system in the Sport Touring trim. In comparison, the 2023 Subaru WRX comes with Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Base models feature a pair of 7-inch touchscreens, while higher trims get an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The WRX's infotainment system provides good functionality but lacks physical buttons and knobs for certain controls.
Safety
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
9/10
2023 Subaru WRX
9/10
Both the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback and the 2023 Subaru WRX are equipped with advanced safety features. The Civic Hatchback comes with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The WRX features Subaru's EyeSight safety system, including adaptive cruise control, automated lane-centering, and forward collision warning.
Cost Effectiveness
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
4/10
2023 Subaru WRX
6/10
The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offers good value, with a starting price range from $22,900 to $29,400 when new. It provides a practical and efficient choice for consumers seeking a versatile and stylish hatchback. On the other hand, the 2023 Subaru WRX was priced from $31,625 when new for the base model with the manual transmission. While it offers a well-equipped and capable performance car, it comes at a slightly higher starting price compared to its competitors.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.