Is a 2022 Honda Civic worth buying?

The 2022 Honda Civic remains a solid used-car choice for many buyers thanks to its reliability, efficient engines, and comfortable interior. It’s generally worth considering if you’re seeking a practical compact with strong resale potential; however, if you want the latest tech or the high-performance Si variant, you may want to look at newer model years or rivals.

This article weighs the Civic’s strengths, what to check when shopping used, how it stacks up against key rivals, and what ownership looks like in practice. It aims to help you decide whether a 2022 Civic fits your budget and your daily driving needs.

What makes the 2022 Civic appealing

Several core qualities help the 2022 Civic stand out in a crowded compact-car field. The following list highlights the primary reasons buyers gravitate toward this model year.

• Strong reliability history and solid resale value


• Efficient engines, including a turbocharged option, with good fuel economy


• A well‑built, comfortable interior with ample passenger room


• Refined ride and confident handling for daily driving


• Comprehensive safety features and driver-assistance tech available on most trims


• Competitive cargo space and practical usability for everyday use

In short, these traits collectively help the Civic hold up well over time and remain attractive as a used purchase.

Considerations when buying a used 2022 Civic

If you’re shopping for a pre-owned Civic, use this checklist to guide your inspection and negotiation. These points help you gauge condition, avoid common pitfalls, and land a fair deal.

• Review maintenance records for timely oil changes, brake service, and any recalls


• Test-drive to assess transmission behavior, especially if the 1.5L turbo with CVT is present


• Inspect tires, brakes, and suspension for uneven wear or noises


• Check for unusual dashboard lights, idle stability, or drivability issues


• Verify there are no open recalls and confirm any campaign repairs were completed


• Examine the infotainment system for responsiveness and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility

By completing these checks, you reduce the risk of costly surprises and ensure you’re buying a Civic that will perform reliably in the years ahead.

How the 2022 Civic compares with rivals

In the compact-car segment, the Civic faces strong competition from Toyota’s Corolla, Mazda’s3, Hyundai’s Elantra, and Kia’s Forte, among others. Here’s a snapshot of how the Civic tends to stack up on key points.

• Performance mix: The Civic offers a comfortable, balanced drive with efficient powertrains; some rivals emphasize sportier handling or more engaging engines


• Interior quality: The Civic’s interior is typically praised for space and materials, often matching or exceeding peers


• Technology and features: Honda Sensing and connectivity are solid, though newer rivals may edge ahead with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and larger screens on some trims


• Value retention: Civics historically hold their value well, often matching or exceeding competition


• Cost of ownership: Routine maintenance and parts are generally affordable, contributing to favorable total ownership costs

For many buyers, the Civic’s overall balance—space, efficiency, refinement, and value—keeps it competitive within this crowded field.

Ownership costs and practicalities

Understanding ongoing costs helps you gauge total ownership over several years. Here’s what to expect when you choose a 2022 Civic used vehicle.

• Fuel economy remains a strong selling point, contributing to lower ongoing fuel costs


• Maintenance and repair costs are typically reasonable for a mainstream compact


• Depreciation is relatively predictable, with Civics generally retaining value well compared with some peers


• Availability of parts and service is good due to Honda’s wide dealer and independent-network coverage


• Insurance premiums are usually moderate for the segment, with costs varying by trim, mileage, and location

Overall, the 2022 Civic can be an economical choice in daily use and over the longer term, especially when priced right relative to mileage and condition.

Summary

For most buyers, a 2022 Honda Civic offers a compelling combination of reliability, efficiency, and practicality at used-market prices that can be attractive. It excels as a daily driver with a comfortable interior and solid safety features, while remaining a prudent choice for resale value. If you value a polished, well-rounded compact and find a well-maintained example at a fair price, the 2022 Civic is worth serious consideration. If you crave the latest tech or higher performance variants, you may want to explore newer model years or competitors.

Which year of Honda Civic is most reliable?

The best Honda Civic model years are 2004-2005, 2011, 2013-2015, and then 2020 or newer. These years get high marks for durability and low maintenance costs. Certain Honda Civic years have experienced more mechanical and electrical issues, so it's wise to be cautious with the following: 2016.

Is the 2022 Honda Civic a good car?

Yes, the 2022 Honda Civic is widely considered a good car due to its blend of performance, comfort, and practicality, although some drawbacks include road noise and a potentially underpowered base engine. It offers a comfortable ride, responsive handling, and a well-regarded interior with ample space. Enthusiasts praise the optional turbocharged engines and manual transmission options, which provide an engaging driving experience.
 
Pros

• Driving Dynamics: The Civic is praised for its sharp handling and confidence-inspiring steering, with a comfortable and composed ride. 
• Performance: While the base engine is adequate, the 180-horsepower turbocharged engine is a sweet spot, and the even more powerful engine in the Si model is an upgrade. 
• Interior: The cabin is comfortable, with supportive front seats and a well-designed, modern interior. It also offers spacious rear seating and a roomy trunk. 
• Fuel Efficiency: The Civic achieves high fuel economy, especially with the CVT and turbocharged engine. 
• Features: Many owners are impressed with the technology and features available on the vehicle. 

Cons

• Road Noise: Some reviews note that the cabin can be noisy, with road and wind noise making their way in, particularly at highway speeds. 
• Base Engine: The base model's engine may feel underpowered for some drivers, especially when carrying passengers or driving on inclines. 
• Comfort: While the front seats are good, the ride quality is occasionally described as less refined than some rivals. 
• Features (Base Models): Some base trims may be missing features that are standard on competing models, such as heated seats or a blind-spot warning system. 

Who is it for?

• The 2022 Civic is a great choice for those: who want a practical and reliable daily driver with sporty handling and good fuel economy. 
• It's also a good option for buyers: who prioritize a comfortable ride and a well-appointed interior. 
• However, drivers who are sensitive to road noise: or who prioritize a premium ride experience might want to consider other options. 

What year of Civic to stay away from?

Years to avoid for the Honda Civic include 2001–2005, mainly for automatic transmission failures; 2006–2009, due to cracked engine blocks in some models; 2012, due to poor interior quality and a decrease in ride comfort; and 2016, which had problems with its air conditioning system and Bluetooth connectivity. Some 2014-2015 and 2016-2018 CVT-equipped models have also had specific issues, such as broken drive pulley shafts and oil dilution, respectively. 
Model years to avoid

• 2001–2005 (Seventh Generation): This is the least reliable generation, with the 2001 model year being the worst due to a high number of complaints, primarily for automatic transmission failure. 
• 2006–2009 (Eighth Generation): These years are known for cracked engine blocks in some 1.8L R18 engines, which can lead to coolant leaks and engine failure. 
• 2012 (Ninth Generation): This model was criticized for a downgrade in interior materials and build quality compared to previous years. 
• 2016 (Tenth Generation): This year is known for issues with its air conditioning system and faulty Bluetooth connectivity. 

Other potential problem years to research further

• 2003–2005: Some hybrid models had issues with their batteries. 
• 2014–2015: Some models with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) had a recall for a broken drive pulley shaft. 
• 2016–2018: Certain 1.5L turbo engines may experience oil dilution, especially in colder climates. 

How much should I pay for a 2022 Honda Civic?

The 2022 Honda Civic price range is approximately $22,550 to over $30,000 for new models, varying by trim level and body style (sedan or hatchback). For used models, the price can range from around $16,000 to $25,000 or higher, depending on condition, mileage, and specific trim, according to sources like CarMax and Edmunds. 
2022 Honda Civic new model price range

• Sedan: The original Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts at about $22,550 for the LX trim and goes up to around $29,515 for the top-tier Touring model. 
• Hatchback: The MSRPs for the hatchback start at approximately $24,645 for the LX trim and can reach about $30,050 for the Sport Touring trim. 

2022 Honda Civic used model price range

• Average: The average price for a used 2022 Honda Civic is around $23,250, based on recent trends from CarGurus.com. 
• Specific models:
  • Sport Sedan: Around $15,999 - $18,999. 
  • Sport Hatchback: Around $20,500. 
  • Touring Sedan: Around $21,259. 
  • Si Sedan: Around $25,994. 

Factors affecting the price

• Trim level: Higher trims like the Touring and Si come with more features and a higher price tag. 
• Body style: Sedans and hatchbacks have different base prices. 
• Mileage: Lower mileage generally results in a higher price for used models. 
• Condition and maintenance: A car's overall condition and history report (such as accident history) significantly impact its value. 
• Location: Prices can vary by geographic location due to market demand and other factors.