2021 Honda Civic

The 2021 Honda Civic is a compact vehicle that comes in sedan and hatchback body styles. The sedan is available in a choice of five trim levels: LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring, while the hatchback comes in LX, Sport, EX, and Sport Touring. From the outside, the base LX trim showcases LED light bars placed in the taillights, projector-beam automatic headlights, 16-inch steel wheels, and power-adjustable side mirrors. The Sport trim tacks on fog lights, a center outlet exhaust, 18-inch alloy wheels with gloss-black insert, smart entry with walk-away auto-locking, and a glossy-black decklid spoiler.

Both the EX and EX-L trims include 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, heated side mirrors, and a roof-mounted fin-style antenna. At the top of the list, the Touring trim boasts automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, and chrome accents.

The standard engine in the lower two trim levels is a 2.0-liter inline-four that produces 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. It works with a continuously variable transmission that sends power to the front wheels. The upper three trims boast a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which makes 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This unit pairs with the same CVT as the other trim levels have, although the Sport trim comes with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Both available engines deliver quick acceleration and impressive efficiency, making the 2021 Civic an appealing option in the segment. The model's responsive brake pedal makes it easy to slow down quickly without feeling too jumpy. Drivers also appreciate the precise steering and handling, which make this vehicle ideal for city driving and navigating around tight curves.

Within the base trim of the Civic, features include manual climate control with rear air vents, a four-speaker audio system with a 5-inch LCD screen, a front USB audio interface, Bluetooth connectivity, and manual front seats. The Sport trim adds keyless ignition, an upgraded eight-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, sporty pedals, and a 7-inch touch screen.

Upgrades on the EX trim include dual-zone automatic climate control, front and rear cupholders, satellite and HD radio, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and LED interior lighting. The EX-L further enhances the cabin with leather upholstery, a universal garage door opener, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Choose the luxurious Touring trim to get power front seats, a premium 10-speaker sound system, navigation, and heated rear outboard seats.

Every 2021 Honda Civic includes Honda Sensing, which bundles road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, a rearview camera, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and forward collision mitigation. Honda LaneWatch is an option on the higher trims, offering a camera view of the blind spot.