2022 Honda Civic Reviews: What Do The Critics Think?

Roughly every half-decade, Honda rolls out an all-new Civic. And usually within a few months or a year, Honda rolls out an all-new Civic Si, the performance version of a car that's already a class leader in terms of performance, ride, and handling. 

The arrival of a new Civic is a big deal, especially in Canada. 2021 is due to be the 24th consecutive year in which the Civic is Canada's best-selling car. The Civic is built in Canada by Canadians for Canadians, which has allowed Honda to progressively build ever more value into the car.

Did you know that, adjusted for inflation according to the Bank of Canada, the 2022 Honda Civic actually costs less than the 1998 Honda Civic? That's before you account for the increase in space, power, fuel efficiency, safety, technology, and equipment. Rest assured, the 1998 Honda Civic didn't offer Apple CarPlay, remote start, proximity access, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control – all of which is now standard equipment on every 2022 Honda Civic.

But the arrival of a new Civic Si is an especially big deal. Among Honda fans and followers, the red Si badge is iconic. Sport injection was the tagline back in the day. Fast forward a few decades and that injection of sport is more substantial than ever before. (Check out this list of all Civic Si's upgrades for 2022.)

Yet after all is said and done, the effectiveness of a car can't be measured on paper. What's it like to actually drive the 2022 Honda Civic Si? We've compiled an exhaustive list of Civic Si reviews, including headline quotes from every publication. 

Car And Driver: "The best thing about the Civic Si remains its commitment to being a driver's car, and that alone is worth celebrating."

Road & Track: "A 30-percent lighter flywheel means the 1.5 turbo engine has less mass to move on initial acceleration and slightly less mass that acts in engine braking. Subjectively, the engine feels, and this word is embarrassing, zippier. With relatively light clutch action and a precise shifter, the engine is an utter joy to thrash."

Motor Trend: "The new Si feels more stable at high speeds and even more confident in corners. The new fixed-rate dampers and resized anti-roll bars provide fantastic body control. The Si leans confidently into corners and transitions side-to-side more precisely and judiciously than many expensive sports sedans."

Motor1: "Better yet, said manual's throws are now 10 percent shorter, which adds positively to the driving experience. Honda's unique, some might say magical, shifter feel is intact and augmented by quicker, more precise gear changes. Additionally, Honda spaced the Si's three pedals in such a way that pulling off the occasional heel and toe maneuver is simple."

Forbes: "How does Honda up the fun factor on the 2022 Civic Si? First, it continues to offer this version with only a six-speed manual transmission. This not only guarantees full driver engagement, it also instantly imbues Si owners with rather elite status. Let’s be honest, in today’s world operating a manual transmission is a rare skill set that’s getting rarer every day. If you see a 2022 Honda Civic Si on the road you’ve just spotted a uniquely capable driver."

CNET Road Show: "Honda really dialed in the Civic Si's steering for this new generation, too, with great weight and feedback for sporty driving without being too fatiguing around town."

The Drive: "The chassis, paired with the encouraging steering and all the suspension goodies, is—in a word—stellar. Athletic and supple, it works beautifully with you and shines brightest on serpentine pavement. In cambered turns and down rapidly changing elevation hairpins, the car sweeps its weight into its outermost corners, but there's very little lean. You feel the centrifugal forces more so in your own body."

TFLCar: "The 2022 Honda Civic gave me a long lost feeling deep inside. I had that blissful feeling of being truly connected to a car. It’s uncanny. The car isn’t perfect, but the 2022 Honda Civic Si gave me moments of sheer driving joy. This is one of the most connected vehicles I’ve driven in years. In its natural elements, the Honda has loads of grip, tenacious breaks and excellent acceleration. The overall athleticism of this car is astounding."

Jalopnik: "With proper braking, the Civic dives into corners with an immediacy that no four-door family car should be able to pull off."

Autoblog: "This is an even more fun and playful version of the turbo four-cylinder. It still has good down-low torque thanks to the quick-spooling turbo, but now it has a bit more of the free-revving spirit and snappy reactions of past Honda engines."