2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2022 Honda Civic was offered in familiar trim levels: LX, Sport, EX, and Touring, with prices starting at $21,700 and reaching up to $28,300, excluding a $995 destination charge. A new five-door hatchback was set to return, but the two-door coupe was discontinued. The Civic Touring, priced at $29,690 with destination charges, featured a new Morning Mist Blue paint, adding $395 to the cost. The Civic Sport, with Platinum White Pearl paint and the Honda Performance Development package, was estimated at $25,880. The redesigned Civic resembled the larger Accord, with a more conservative appearance compared to its predecessor. The interior embraced simplicity, with a minimalistic layout and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim, reflecting a mature and tailored look.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series received a new exterior design, avoiding the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. It was available as a rear-wheel-drive 230i Coupe and an all-wheel-drive M240i xDrive Coupe, with the four-door Gran Coupe also offered. The 2 Series Convertible was discontinued, and the next-generation M2 Competition was anticipated for 2023. The 2 Series Coupe variants featured an extended wheelbase, with the 230i Coupe being 4.3 inches longer, 2.6 inches wider, and 1 inch lower than its predecessor. The M240i xDrive Coupe had similar dimensions, with a 3.5-inch longer body and a 0.1-inch lower stance. The design included a wider kidney grille, triangular air curtains, and flared fenders, giving the coupe an aerodynamic and agile appearance. The M240i xDrive Coupe had performance-oriented styling, with shadowy M-type features and the M Shadowline package as standard.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options, both improved from the previous generation. The LX and Sport trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The EX and Touring trims came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, providing a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency. Both engines were paired with continuously variable transmissions (CVT), with different CVTs for each engine. The Civic's Sport and Touring trims included a Sport transmission mode, enhancing responsiveness. The Civic's handling was enjoyable, with improved structural rigidity, suspension tuning, and steering feel. However, the Civic Touring's fuel economy fell short of the EPA estimate, returning 30.4 mpg on a 95-mile loop.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe packed impressive performance in its subcompact size. The 230i Coupe had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the M240i xDrive featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 230i Coupe accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the M240i xDrive achieved it in 4.1 seconds. Both coupes had top speeds of 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on specifications. The 2 Series came with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, calibrated for smooth shifts and quicker responses with paddle shifters. The M240i xDrive Coupe included performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes. The 2 Series offered balanced handling, but the driving experience felt disconnected, with numb steering feel and a lack of engagement.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort, with redesigned front seats offering better support. The Touring trim featured leather-lined, heated power driver's seats, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's low ground clearance made entry and exit challenging, but the back seat provided ample legroom. The Civic lacked rear air conditioning vents, and the Touring trim lost heated rear cushions. The redesigned interior included a new center console with less storage space but more accessible cupholders. Trunk volume was generous at 14.8 cubic feet, or 14.4 cubes with Touring trim, accommodating full-size suitcases and offering a split-folding backseat for added utility.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was compact, with rear seats suitable for children or short trips. The front seats were relatively spacious, but the slanted roofline limited rear headroom. The trunk lid was shorter, posing challenges for loading bulky items, but the 2 Series offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up. The interior featured soft touchpoints, cushioned knee pads, and improved ergonomics with updated multifunction buttons on the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. The lower console area had a layout similar to other new BMW models.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with a 10-inch display in the Touring trim offering greater customization and a Vehicle Activity display. This feature showed when the LED headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals were on, addressing the issue of driving with lights off. The Civic's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Touring trim offered a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity, HD radio, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The Touring trim also featured a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, providing a richer audio experience.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, featuring BMW Live Cockpit Plus with over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and connected services. The 2 Series offered a WiFi hotspot, two USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Live Cockpit Professional included a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital display. The 2 Series also featured remote capabilities like the BMW Digital Key and a 10-speaker Hi-Fi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon 14-speaker system.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured the upgraded Honda Sensing suite, including Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Lane Keeping Assist. The Civic replaced the LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert in the EX and Touring trims. The Civic's architecture was stronger, with new front airbag designs and rear side-impact airbags. A rear-seat reminder system was standard.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series included Active Driving Assistant, with blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and speed limit information. The 2 Series offered adaptive front LED headlights, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree surround view. The BMW Drive Recorder could record driving footage before and after a collision. The 2 Series had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.