2023 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
Overview | |
MSRP$23,550 | MSRP$30,605 |
Listings702 | Listings370 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Reviews SummaryThe 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 SummarySubaru'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 | |
Engine2.0L 158 hp I4 | Engine2.4L 271 hp H4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower158 hp @ 6500 rpm | Horsepower271 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City30 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway38 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 158 hp I4 | Engine Name2.4L 271 hp H4 |
Torque138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | Torque258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Horsepower158 hp @ 6500 rpm | Horsepower271 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City30 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway38 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space24.5 cu ft | Cargo Space12.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight2928 lbs | Curb Weight3431 lbs |
Height55.7 in | Height57.8 in |
Length179.0 in | Length183.8 in |
Width70.9 in | Width79.3 in |
Wheelbase107.7 in | Wheelbase105.1 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1189 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $23,550 | $30,605 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
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 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 158 hp I4 | 2.4L 271 hp H4 |
Torque | 138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Horsepower | 158 hp @ 6500 rpm | 271 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 30 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 38 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 24.5 cu ft | 12.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2928 lbs | 3431 lbs |
Height | 55.7 in | 57.8 in |
Length | 179.0 in | 183.8 in |
Width | 70.9 in | 79.3 in |
Wheelbase | 107.7 in | 105.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1189 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
CarGurus highlights
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.
Choose the 2023 Subaru WRX if:
- You desire a high-performance compact sedan with all-wheel drive and a powerful turbocharged engine.
- You value advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and automated lane-centering.
- You are willing to invest in a well-mannered and capable performance car with a focus on driving dynamics.
Choose the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback if:
- You prioritize practicality and versatility, with a spacious trunk and comfortable seating.
- You seek advanced technology features, including a premium audio system and wireless smartphone integration.
- You are looking for a fuel-efficient and stylish hatchback with a range of trim options.
CarGurus highlights
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.
Choose the 2023 Subaru WRX if:
Shop Now- You desire a high-performance compact sedan with all-wheel drive and a powerful turbocharged engine.
- You value advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and automated lane-centering.
- You are willing to invest in a well-mannered and capable performance car with a focus on driving dynamics.
Choose the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback if:
Shop Now- You prioritize practicality and versatility, with a spacious trunk and comfortable seating.
- You seek advanced technology features, including a premium audio system and wireless smartphone integration.
- You are looking for a fuel-efficient and stylish hatchback with a range of trim options.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.