BMW 5 Series vs Honda Civic Hatchback

BMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout.

Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better.

That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment.

Few cars can put a smile on your face when driving and making the monthly payment like a 2024 Civic can. That’s especially true when it comes to the hatchback version, which adds significant utility and an available manual transmission to the mix. Last redesigned for 2022, the Civic hasn’t seen any major changes since then. But next year, the 2025 Civic Hybrid arrives in both hatch and sedan flavors.

Verdict: We’re big fans of the 2024 Honda Civic. Unless you want all-wheel drive, you can’t go wrong with this excellent compact car. It’s practical and safe, affordable yet first-rate, and thanks to its available turbocharged engine is a blast to drive. Instead of getting a small SUV like everyone else, strongly consider a Civic Hatchback instead.