2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2022 Honda Civic was available in LX, Sport, EX, and Touring trims, with prices starting at $21,700 and reaching up to $28,300, excluding a $995 destination charge. The Civic Touring, tested in Morning Mist Blue, cost $29,690, while a Civic Sport with additional features was estimated at $25,880. The redesigned Civic resembled the larger Accord, adopting a more conservative and mature appearance compared to its predecessor. Inside, Honda focused on simplicity, with a minimalistic control layout and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim, which added a touch of sophistication.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with base prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. The M340i, tested in Barbera Red, featured a Cognac SensaTec interior and numerous optional packages, bringing the total to $67,390. The M340i boasted an M Performance exterior design with exclusive elements and high-performance tires. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery mimicked leather, and the cabin's design focused on driving enjoyment with quality materials and a technical aesthetic.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower. Both engines paired with a CVT, featuring Step Shift programming for a traditional automatic feel. The Civic's handling was enjoyable, with improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning. However, the Civic Touring's fuel economy fell short of the EPA estimate, returning 30.4 mpg on a test loop. The Civic's predictable and satisfying driving experience made it a reliable choice for various driving scenarios.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The M340i accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and offered impressive handling with M Sport brakes, steering, and suspension. The test car's Adaptive M Suspension enhanced its driving dynamics, making it a thrilling choice for enthusiasts. Despite falling short of the EPA fuel economy rating, the M340i's performance and driving experience were exceptional, setting a high standard for sports sedans.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support. The Touring trim featured a power-adjustable driver's seat, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's low stance made entry and exit challenging, but rear legroom was generous. The Civic's trunk offered 14.8 cubic feet of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to sound system components. Interior storage was less flexible than before, but the Civic remained practical with a split-folding backseat.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i provided power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. Rear seat legroom was adequate for four tall passengers, though the center rear seat was less practical. The M340i featured a three-zone climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available. Interior storage was decent, and the 17 cubic-foot trunk offered ample cargo space with a split-folding backseat for added utility.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with a 10-inch display in the Touring trim offering customization and driving data. The Vehicle Activity display helped drivers monitor headlight and taillight status. The Civic's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system performed well, with improved voice recognition technology.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive, offering multiple control options and voice recognition. The 3 Series included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro added BMW Remote Services and Intelligent Personal Assistant, enhancing the car's technology suite. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured an upgraded Honda Sensing suite with Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, and improved collision avoidance systems. The Civic replaced its LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system in the EX and Touring trims. The Civic's architecture was stronger, with new airbag designs and a rear-seat reminder system. However, blind-spot warning was not available in the LX and Sport trims, which could be a concern for younger drivers.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring, while the Driving Assistance Professional package offered lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving features. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, demonstrating its strong safety performance.