2022 Honda Civic Trim Levels – Your Ultimate Guide To Choosing

Shopping for a new-to-you car can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you’re trying to figure out which model truly fits your lifestyle and budget. You want something reliable, efficient, and maybe even a little fun to drive, right? Well, the 2022 Honda Civic trim levels offer a fantastic range of options, but sifting through them to find your ideal match can be daunting.

Here at FatBoysOffroad, we understand that whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend DIYer, or just someone who appreciates a well-engineered machine, you need clear, actionable insights. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. We promise to break down every single 2022 Honda Civic trim level, from the practical LX to the spirited Si, helping you understand the key differences, benefits, and considerations for each. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision, ensuring you pick a Civic that’s not just a car, but the right partner for your adventures.

Let’s dive in and demystify the 2022 Civic lineup together, so you can confidently choose the trim that’s perfect for you!

Understanding the 2022 Honda Civic Trim Levels: A Comprehensive Overview

The 2022 model year marked the introduction of the 11th generation Honda Civic, bringing a more mature design, refined interior, and updated technology to the beloved compact car. Honda aimed to elevate the Civic’s appeal, focusing on a cleaner aesthetic, improved driving dynamics, and enhanced safety features across the board. This iteration truly set a new standard, offering a blend of comfort, efficiency, and Honda’s renowned reliability.

When considering the 2022 Honda Civic trim levels guide, it’s crucial to first understand the two primary body styles available: the Sedan and the Hatchback. Each offers a distinct personality and practicality, influencing the available trims and their unique characteristics.

Sedan vs. Hatchback: What’s Your Flavor?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of individual trims, let’s briefly touch on the fundamental difference that shapes the 2022 Civic lineup.

Sedan: This is the classic four-door compact car. It typically offers a slightly quieter ride and a more traditional trunk, providing secure, separated storage. The sedan often appeals to those looking for a sophisticated, everyday commuter.
Hatchback: For those needing more versatility, the hatchback shines. Its rear liftgate opens to a much larger cargo area, easily expandable by folding down the rear seats. This makes it a favorite among DIYers, small families, or anyone who frequently hauls gear. Think of it as a compact SUV’s smaller, more agile cousin.

Both body styles share many core components and features, but their unique designs lead to slightly different trim availability and emphasis. Knowing which body style best suits your needs is the first step in navigating the 2022 Honda Civic trim levels effectively.

Diving Deep into the 2022 Honda Civic Sedan Trims

The 2022 Civic Sedan offers a well-rounded experience, from essential practicality to premium comfort. Let’s break down each trim, giving you the insights you need to make an informed choice.

The Foundation: LX Trim

The LX is the entry point into the 2022 Civic Sedan lineup, but don’t let “base model” fool you. It’s packed with Honda’s core values: reliability, efficiency, and safety. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup is tuned for excellent fuel economy, making it an eco-friendly 2022 Honda Civic trim level for daily commutes.

Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, and the full Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assist technologies. This means features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking are standard, offering incredible value.

Who it’s for: Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, or anyone prioritizing fuel efficiency and essential modern features without the frills.
DIY Insight: The LX is a solid platform for personalizing. Simple upgrades like a premium head unit (if you want a bigger screen) or aftermarket wheels are straightforward. Routine maintenance like oil changes (using a 17mm wrench for the drain plug and a standard oil filter wrench) and air filter replacements are very accessible for the DIY mechanic.

Stepping Up: Sport Trim

The Sport trim builds on the LX, adding a dose of visual flair and a few key upgrades. It retains the same efficient 2.0-liter engine but enhances the exterior with 18-inch black alloy wheels, chrome exhaust finishers, and a unique gloss black exterior trim. Inside, you get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, along with paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience, even with the CVT.

Functionally, the Sport trim also adds an 8-speaker audio system (up from 4), remote engine start, and proximity key entry with push-button start. These additions make daily life a bit more convenient and enjoyable.

Practical Considerations: The larger 18-inch wheels on the Sport trim might mean slightly more expensive tire replacements down the line compared to the LX’s 16-inch wheels. Always check tire pressure regularly (using a reliable tire pressure gauge) to maximize longevity.
Benefits of 2022 Honda Civic trim levels like the Sport include a noticeable aesthetic upgrade for a relatively small price bump, appealing to those who want a sportier look without a significant performance increase.

The Smart Choice: EX Trim

For many, the EX trim hits the sweet spot, offering a significant upgrade in performance and comfort. The biggest change here is the engine: a more powerful and fuel-efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, delivering 180 horsepower. This engine provides a noticeable boost in acceleration and makes highway passing much easier, all while maintaining excellent fuel economy, making it a truly sustainable 2022 Honda Civic trim level.

Beyond the engine, the EX adds a one-touch power moonroof, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert. These features dramatically enhance the daily driving experience, especially in varying climates.

Pro Tip: The turbocharged engine requires specific attention to oil quality and change intervals. Stick to synthetic oil (usually 0W-20, check your owner’s manual!) and don’t stretch those intervals. Turbochargers run hot, and good lubrication is key to their longevity.
Why Choose EX: If you value both performance and creature comforts, the EX offers the best bang for your buck. The added power and convenience features are highly desirable for everyday use.

Top Tier Comfort: Touring Trim

The Touring trim is the pinnacle of the 2022 Civic Sedan lineup, offering a near-luxury experience. It takes everything from the EX and piles on premium features. You get a larger 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, a wireless phone charger, and a 10.2-inch digital driver information display.

Comfort is elevated with leather-trimmed seats, a 4-way power passenger seat (driver’s seat is 8-way power), and integrated navigation. Exterior upgrades include LED fog lights and body-colored door handles.

Care Guide: The leather seats in the Touring trim will benefit from regular cleaning and conditioning (using a dedicated leather cleaner and conditioner) to prevent cracking and maintain their supple feel. The advanced infotainment system, while robust, can benefit from periodic software updates – often available through your dealer or Honda’s owner portal. Be gentle with touchscreen cleaning, using a microfiber cloth and specialized screen cleaner.
Common Problems (Considerations): While not “problems” with the trim itself, the advanced sensors for features like blind-spot monitoring or parking sensors need to be kept clean to function optimally. A simple wipe-down during washes is often enough.

Exploring the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Trims

The 2022 Civic Hatchback offers a sportier, more versatile take on the Civic formula. It’s designed for those who need extra utility without sacrificing driving enjoyment. The Hatchback trims generally mirror the Sedan’s offerings but with a few distinct differences and a slightly sportier emphasis.

Hatchback LX: Practicality with Purpose

Just like its sedan counterpart, the Hatchback LX serves as the accessible entry point. It features the same reliable 2.0-liter engine and comprehensive Honda Sensing suite. The key difference, of course, is the hatchback design itself, providing a generous 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, significantly more than the sedan’s trunk.

This trim is perfect for those who need maximum utility on a budget, offering the core Civic experience with added cargo flexibility. It’s an ideal choice for hauling tools, camping gear, or even just a week’s worth of groceries.

Hatchback Sport: Sporty Utility

The Hatchback Sport trim parallels the sedan’s Sport trim in terms of aesthetic upgrades and feature set, including the 18-inch black alloy wheels and leather-wrapped steering wheel. However, a significant differentiator for the Hatchback Sport is the availability of a 6-speed manual transmission, alongside the CVT, when paired with the 2.0-liter engine. This is a huge draw for enthusiasts who prefer to row their own gears.

DIY Considerations for Manual Owners: If you opt for the manual transmission, understanding clutch operation and fluid checks (clutch fluid reservoir) becomes part of your routine. Learning to check for clutch wear symptoms (slipping, high engagement point) can save you from bigger repair bills down the road.
2022 Honda Civic trim levels tips for the Sport Hatchback: If you love driving, seriously consider the manual. It transforms the car’s character and engagement.

Hatchback EX-L: Elevated Experience

The EX-L trim for the Hatchback is essentially equivalent to the Sedan’s EX trim, but with the added utility of the hatchback body. It features the powerful and efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (180 horsepower), heated front seats, a power moonroof, and dual-zone climate control. The “L” in EX-L signifies leather-trimmed seats, a step up from the cloth in the sedan EX.

This trim offers a fantastic balance of performance, comfort, and cargo versatility. The turbocharged engine ensures spirited driving, while the premium interior makes every journey enjoyable. Its efficient engine also makes it a strong contender for an eco-friendly 2022 Honda Civic trim level.

Hatchback Sport Touring: The Ultimate Package

The Sport Touring is the top-tier offering for the Hatchback, combining all the luxury and technology of the Sedan Touring with the added practicality and sportiness of the hatchback body. It comes standard with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, available with either the CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission – a rare treat in modern cars.

You get the 9-inch touchscreen, Bose premium audio, wireless charging, leather seats, and the full suite of advanced driver-assist features. The Sport Touring Hatchback is truly the no-compromise option for those who want it all.

Tips for Maintaining Complex Tech: With so much advanced tech, occasional checks of sensor cleanliness (especially those in the bumpers and behind the windshield) are a good practice. Also, ensure your smartphone is always running the latest OS for seamless wireless CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.
Benefits: This trim provides the ultimate driving and ownership experience, blending performance, luxury, and unmatched utility for the Civic line.

Performance & Passion: The 2022 Civic Si

For enthusiasts who crave a more engaging driving experience, the 2022 Honda Civic Si stands apart. Available only as a sedan and exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, the Si is engineered for performance from the ground up.

It features a potent version of the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, tuned to produce 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. But it’s not just about raw power; the Si boasts a sport-tuned suspension, a limited-slip differential for improved traction, larger brakes, and a short-throw shifter for precise gear changes. Unique exterior styling cues, including a subtle rear spoiler and specific 18-inch matte black wheels, set it apart.

Inside, you’ll find sport seats with red stitching, a digital gauge cluster with a G-meter, and a premium Bose audio system. The focus here is on driver engagement and connection to the road.

Benefits for Enthusiasts: The Si is truly designed for driving enjoyment. The manual transmission, stiffer suspension, and limited-slip differential work together to provide a thrilling and controlled ride. It’s one of the most fun-to-drive compact cars on the market.
Care Guide for Performance Components: Regular checks of brake pad wear (visually inspect through the wheel spokes) and brake fluid levels are crucial for performance driving. If you track the car, consider upgrading to high-performance brake fluid. Pay attention to tire condition, as aggressive driving can accelerate wear.
How to 2022 Honda Civic trim levels for performance: The Si is the answer. It comes ready to tackle spirited roads right off the lot, but also offers a great platform for further performance mods like intake and exhaust upgrades if you’re a serious DIY tuner.

Making the Right Choice: 2022 Honda Civic Trim Levels Tips & Best Practices

Now that we’ve explored each of the 2022 Honda Civic trim levels, how do you decide which one is right for you? It comes down to a careful assessment of your needs, priorities, and budget.

Matching Your Needs to a Trim

Consider these questions to narrow down your options:

What’s your daily commute like? If it’s mostly city driving and fuel economy is paramount, an LX or Sport could be perfect. For highway warriors, the EX/EX-L or Touring/Sport Touring with the turbo engine offers better passing power.
How much cargo space do you need? If you frequently haul gear, groceries, or even just bulky items, the Hatchback’s versatility is unmatched. For most daily needs, the Sedan’s trunk is perfectly adequate.
Are you a tech junkie or a minimalist? If you crave the latest infotainment, premium audio, and advanced digital displays, the Touring or Sport Touring trims are your best bet. If you prefer simplicity, the LX and Sport trims still offer essential connectivity.
Do you prioritize performance or comfort? For pure driving engagement, the Civic Si is the clear winner. For a blend of comfort, power, and features, the EX/EX-L and Touring/Sport Touring trims are excellent.
What’s your budget? Honda offers excellent value across all trims, but stepping up to higher trims naturally increases the price. Factor in not just the purchase price, but also potential insurance costs and maintenance for specific features.

Thinking Long-Term: Maintenance & Longevity

Regardless of the trim, all 2022 Honda Civics benefit from Honda’s reputation for reliability. However, here are some 2022 Honda Civic trim levels care guide and best practices:

Follow the Maintenance Minder: Your Civic’s onboard system will tell you exactly when it needs service (oil changes, tire rotations, etc.) based on your driving habits. This is a smart way to ensure optimal longevity.
Tire Care: Higher trims with larger wheels (18-inch on Sport, Touring, Si) might have performance tires that wear faster or cost more to replace. Regularly check tire pressure and rotation to extend their life.
Advanced Tech Cleaning: Trims with Honda Sensing and other advanced driver aids rely on sensors and cameras. Keep the windshield clean (especially around the camera housing), and regularly wipe down bumper-mounted sensors to ensure they function correctly.
Fluid Checks: Even with a new car, regularly checking your oil level (with the dipstick), coolant level, and brake fluid is a fundamental DIY practice that can prevent major issues.
Sustainable Ownership: Regardless of trim, practicing good driving habits (smooth acceleration, anticipating stops) and performing regular maintenance contributes to an eco-friendly 2022 Honda Civic trim level ownership experience by maximizing fuel efficiency and extending the vehicle’s lifespan.

Test Drive Like a Pro

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, a test drive is essential. Don’t just drive around the block! Simulate your typical driving conditions:

Drive on the highway to test acceleration and cruising comfort.
Navigate some city streets to assess maneuverability and visibility.
Test out the infotainment system, connect your phone, and try out Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
If considering a trim with a moonroof, open and close it.
Pay attention to seat comfort, especially if you have a long commute.
For the Si, really feel out the clutch and shifter.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2022 Honda Civic Trim Levels

What’s the most fuel-efficient 2022 Civic trim?

The 2022 Honda Civic EX and Touring Sedan trims, along with the EX-L and Sport Touring Hatchback trims (when equipped with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and CVT), generally offer the best fuel economy ratings. They achieve an EPA-estimated 33 MPG combined (31 city/38 highway), making them excellent choices for an eco-friendly 2022 Honda Civic trim level.

Which 2022 Civic trim is best for performance?

For sheer performance and driver engagement, the 2022 Honda Civic Si is unequivocally the best choice. It features a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, limited-slip differential, and is exclusively available with a 6-speed manual transmission, making it ideal for enthusiasts.

Do all 2022 Civic trims have Honda Sensing?

Yes, one of the great benefits of 2022 Honda Civic trim levels is that the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assist technologies comes standard on every single trim level, from the base LX all the way up to the Touring and Si. This includes features like Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist System.

What are the key differences between the Sport and EX trims?

The main differences are the engine and comfort features. The Sport trim uses the base 2.0-liter engine, while the EX upgrades to the more powerful and efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. The EX also adds a power moonroof, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and blind-spot monitoring, which are not available on the Sport.

Is the 2022 Civic a good choice for DIY maintenance?

Absolutely! Honda Civics have a long-standing reputation for being reliable and relatively easy to work on, making them a fantastic choice for DIY mechanics. Routine maintenance like oil changes, filter replacements, and basic brake jobs are quite straightforward, especially on the LX and Sport trims. Even the turbocharged models are accessible for common maintenance tasks, making a 2022 Honda Civic trim levels care guide mostly about consistent, quality upkeep.

Choosing the right 2022 Honda Civic trim level doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By understanding the unique offerings of each model, from the practical LX to the exhilarating Si, you can confidently select the Civic that perfectly aligns with your driving needs, budget, and personal style.

Whether you’re looking for an efficient commuter, a versatile hauler, or a spirited weekend warrior, there’s a 2022 Civic waiting for you. Take your time, weigh your options, and remember that consistent care and attention will ensure your chosen Civic provides years of reliable service. Now go out there and find your perfect ride!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.