Honda Civic vs Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2024 Honda Civic had a sleek and sporty design, reminiscent of the iconic compact cars that have been a staple in American automotive culture since the 1980s. Unlike its predecessors, it did not flaunt outright power but emphasized a balanced driving experience. The Civic Si, a sport-injected variant of the standard Civic sedan, presented subtle yet distinctive style cues such as LED headlights, a unique upper grille, a gloss-black lip spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and matte-black 18-inch wheels. Opting for eye-catching colors like Blazing Orange Pearl added a layer of charisma to its otherwise modest appearance. The interior of the Civic Si was where its sporty nature shone more brightly. Red seat and door panel inserts with matching cabin accents, polished metal details, and a metal mesh trim on the dashboard air vents made a compelling statement. Digital instrumentation and a well-equipped touchscreen infotainment system offered an uncluttered and user-friendly experience. Metal pedal covers and an aluminum shift knob added a tactile connection to the car’s sporty heritage. In contrast, the 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback showcased a dual personality. Depending on the configuration and color, it could appear either dowdy or strikingly sporty. Our test model, a Sport Touring variant gleaming in Boost Blue with 18-inch alloy wheels, leaned towards the sporty side. While the rear end seemed somewhat stubby, the overall design was pleasing and contemporary. The Civic Hatchback's Sport Touring trim level boasted an impressive array of features. Leather upholstery, heated seats, and exterior mirrors alongside dual-zone automatic climate control created a more upscale ambiance. The interior benefited from attention to detail with honeycomb mesh strips on the dashboard, knurled knobs, and high-resolution digital displays enhancing the cabin’s sophistication. However, the rear end might not appeal to everyone, especially compared to the sedan’s more cohesive design.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pumped out 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired exclusively with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, complete with a downshift rev-matching feature, which could be turned off for those who preferred heel-and-toe shifting. Performance enhancements included a single-mass lightweight flywheel, a helical limited-slip differential, larger brakes, and a dual-pinion variable-ratio steering system. Driving the Civic Si was a blend of excitement and practicality. The suspension was firm yet comfortable for daily driving, while the turbocharged engine allowed for sharp and agile handling. Steering was precise, making driving through curvy roads an engaging experience. However, the braking system’s tendency to overheat under strenuous conditions did temper its otherwise stellar performance credentials. Meanwhile, the 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback offered varying performance levels depending on the trim. Base models like the LX and Sport had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, requiring higher revs to access peak performance. A six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) was available, with paddle shifters and a Sport mode in the latter. Higher trims like the EX-L and Sport Touring came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing a more robust 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The Sport Touring, with its CVT and 18-inch wheels, felt light and lively, providing an enjoyable driving experience whether navigating city traffic or attacking winding roads. However, it did suffer from some CVT-related high-rpm groaning during aggressive acceleration.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si seamlessly integrated performance with practicality. Inside, sport-bolstered cloth seats provided ample support during spirited drives, and the manual seat height adjuster ensured a perfect driving position. The single-zone automatic climate control, heated exterior mirrors, and a power sunroof added convenience, though the lack of heated seats and rear-seat air conditioning vents were notable omissions. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a surprisingly spacious bench with adequate legroom, even allowing taller adults to sit comfortably. However, the lack of USB ports and air vents in the rear diminished its appeal for backseat occupants. The Civic Si's cargo space was a commendable 14.4 cubic feet, allowing for the storage of full-size suitcases, with a 60/40-split folding back seat providing flexibility for larger items. The 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback, particularly in higher trims like the EX-L and Sport Touring, offered a wealth of comfort features. Dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather seats, and a power sunroof contributed to a luxurious driving environment. The eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and sliding center armrest improved long-distance comfort. Though the rear seat lacked air conditioning vents, it did offer good support and enough space for two adults or three children. The cargo area was a significant advantage, with 24.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats—nearly 10 cubic feet more than the sedan. The 60/40-split rear seats further enhanced its practicality, making it suitable for larger cargo loads.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which included essentials like Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and HD Radio. Despite lacking a native navigation system, the infotainment setup was user-friendly and responsive. Physical controls for volume and station tuning were intuitive, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system ensured high-quality sound. Comparatively, the 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback, in its base trims, had a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen that felt underwhelming against competitors. However, the Sport Touring trim elevated the technological experience with a 10.2-inch digital display and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. These included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and a navigation system. The Sport Touring also came with a 12-speaker Bose sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and additional vehicle function displays, creating a more technologically advanced environment. Pairing smartphones and navigating the system was seamless, adding to the overall user experience.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. However, the functionality of these systems sometimes detracted from the driving experience, particularly in handling changes in traffic and lane-keeping. In terms of safety ratings, the Civic sedan achieved a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though it received an Acceptable rating in updated side-impact and moderate overlap frontal-impact tests. The 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback also featured Honda Sensing as standard, with similar ADAS features. However, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were limited to higher trims, which was a drawback for cost-conscious buyers. Despite some adaptive cruise control nuances, the system overall was sophisticated. The Civic Hatchback earned Good ratings in nearly all IIHS assessments, except for an Acceptable rating in a new side-impact test. NHTSA awarded it a five-star rating across all metrics, including an impressive five-star rollover resistance rating.