
2022 Honda Civic Sport Review: Price, Specs & Problems
Shopping for a used compact car often means sorting through a lot of noise. The 2022 Honda Civic Sport trim promises sporty looks without sacrificing practicality, and we’ve gathered the key specs, real-world fuel economy, and common owner complaints to help you decide.
Starting MSRP (new): $22,915 (LX) – $25,000 (Sport approx) ·
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder, 158 hp ·
Fuel Economy (combined): 31 mpg ·
NHTSA Safety Rating: 5 stars ·
Cargo Space: 14.8 cu ft
Quick snapshot
- 158 hp 2.0L engine paired with CVT (Edmunds (automotive data provider))
- EPA rating of 29 city / 37 highway / 31 combined mpg (sedan) (Honda Info Center (official manufacturer))
- NHTSA overall safety rating: 5 stars (NHTSA (U.S. safety regulator))
- Long-term reliability beyond 5 years
- Actual resale value trends for the Sport trim
- Frequency of reported oil dilution issues
- 2022 marks the debut of the 11th generation Civic (Car and Driver (automotive magazine))
- Four NHTSA recalls issued as of 2024 (Consumer Reports (nonprofit testing organization))
- Check for open recalls before purchase
- Monitor official service bulletins for powertrain updates
Eight key specs define the 2022 Civic Sport: a 2.0L four-cylinder, CVT, front‑wheel drive, 158 hp, and a combined fuel economy of 31 mpg on the sedan — numbers that position it firmly in the efficient‑but‑not‑quick segment.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 158 hp |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined) | 29/37/31 mpg |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 14.8 cu ft |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars |
How much should I pay for a 2022 Honda Civic Sport?
Factors affecting used price
- Mileage and condition are the biggest variables; a well‑kept example with 30,000 miles typically commands $20,000–$23,000.
- Trim level matters: the Sport sits above the LX but below the EX and Touring. FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. Department of Energy) lists MSRPs across the range from $22,550 to $37,800.
Average market price range
- Car and Driver reported a base price of $25,195 for their 2022 Civic Sport hatchback test vehicle (Car and Driver, automotive magazine).
- Private‑party and dealer listings on sites like Carzone often fall between $20,000 and $25,000 for sedans with average mileage.
Where to find listings
- Main sources: Cars.com, Autotrader, Craigslist, and local dealership inventory. Always run a vehicle history report and check for outstanding recalls.
The implication: pricing aligns with the Sport’s position as a sweet spot between base efficiency and premium features.
Is the 2022 Honda Civic Sport any good?
Performance and handling
- The 158‑hp 2.0L provides adequate acceleration for city driving, with a 0–60 mph time around 8.2 seconds. The CVT is smooth but can drone under hard throttle.
- Car and Driver praised the Civic’s composed ride and refined chassis (Car and Driver (automotive magazine)).
Interior quality and tech
- The cabin is a major upgrade over the previous generation: soft‑touch materials, a 7‑inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a clean layout.
- Edmunds consumer reviews note dashboard rattles and plastic trim noises as recurring complaints (Edmunds (automotive review platform)).
Value for money
- With a starting MSRP around $23,000 (Sport), it undercuts many rivals like the Mazda3 and Hyundai Elantra while offering a strong feature set.
- Consumer Reports gives the 2022 Civic an above‑average predicted reliability rating (Consumer Reports, nonprofit testing organization).
The pattern: strong everyday usability with a trade-off in driving excitement.
What does the 2022 Honda Civic Sport have?
Engine and transmission
- 2.0L DOHC i‑VTEC 4‑cylinder, 158 hp at 6,500 rpm, 138 lb‑ft torque at 4,200 rpm. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
- Fuel economy: 29 city / 37 highway / 31 combined mpg for the sedan (Honda Info Center, official manufacturer).
Interior features
- 7‑inch touchscreen with physical knobs, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, single‑zone automatic climate control.
- Sport‑exclusive trim: body‑colored rear spoiler, 18‑inch alloy wheels, dark chrome exhaust finisher.
Safety and driver‑assistance technology
- Standard Honda Sensing suite: collision mitigation braking, lane‑keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation.
- NHTSA overall safety rating: 5 stars. IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.
The catch: the Sport’s feature set is intentionally capped to encourage upgrades to higher trims.
What are common problems with the 2022 Civic Sport?
Engine and transmission issues
- Some owners report fuel injector issues and oil dilution in cold climates, though Honda has service bulletins addressing the latter.
Electrical problems
- Infotainment glitches — occasional screen freezes or connectivity drops — appear in owner forums. Edmunds reviews mention sensor‑related shop visits (Edmunds, automotive review platform).
Recalls and service bulletins
- Consumer Reports states the 2022 Civic has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. One notable recall involves a front passenger seat weight sensor that may crack and short circuit, potentially causing unintended airbag deployment (Consumer Reports, nonprofit testing organization).
- NHTSA also issued a recall for certain 2022‑2024 vehicles that received a replacement power steering rack (NHTSA (U.S. safety regulator)).
- Kelley Blue Book maintains an active recall tracking page for the 2022 Civic (Kelley Blue Book (automotive valuation firm)).
- Edmunds consumer reviews also mention dashboard rattles, stiff unsupportive seats, and road noise as comfort complaints (Edmunds, automotive review platform).
The implication: the Civic’s reputation for reliability holds, but diligence on recalls is non-negotiable for this model year.
Was 2022 a good year for a Honda Civic?
Comparison with previous generation
- The 2022 model is the first year of the 11th generation — a clean‑sheet redesign with a more upscale interior, revised chassis, and updated safety tech.
- The outgoing 10th‑gen Civic had turbo engine options; the 2022 base engine is a naturally aspirated 2.0L, which some enthusiasts found less exciting.
Reliability ratings
- Consumer Reports gives the 2022 Civic an above‑average predicted reliability score, and notes it is more reliable than other cars from the same model year (Consumer Reports, nonprofit testing organization).
Expert reviews summary
- Car and Driver awarded it a 10Best award, calling it a “grown‑up compact car with a refined interior and composed ride” (Car and Driver, automotive magazine).
- Consumer Reports’ testing rated the Civic highly for road‑test performance and owner satisfaction (Consumer Reports, nonprofit testing organization).
The pattern: a redesign year that landed well, with only minor teething issues relative to Honda’s typical standards.
Specifications at a glance
Six dimensions, one pattern: the 2022 Civic Sport trades outright power for efficiency and a polished daily‑driver experience.
| Specification | 2022 Honda Civic Sport |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4‑cylinder |
| Horsepower | 158 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 138 lb‑ft @ 4,200 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Drivetrain | Front‑wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy (combined) | 31 mpg (sedan), 32 mpg (hatchback CVT) |
| Cargo Volume | 14.8 cu ft (sedan) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 stars |
| IIHS Rating | Top Safety Pick+ |
| Standard Safety Suite | Honda Sensing |
| Infotainment | 7‑inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
What this means: the spec sheet confirms the Civic Sport prioritizes efficiency, safety, and daily livability over raw performance.
Pros and cons
Upsides
- Excellent fuel economy (31 mpg combined sedan)
- Refined, quiet cabin for the class
- Standard Honda Sensing safety suite
- Strong resale value vs. competitors
- Sports‑focused styling without the price premium of Si/Type R
Downsides
- 158‑hp engine feels underwhelming for highway passing
- Some owners report infotainment glitches
- Dashboard rattles and plastic trim noise (Edmunds reviews)
- Stiff, unsupportive front seats on long trips
- Road noise noticeable at highway speeds
- Four open recalls as of 2024
Buyers seeking a quiet, efficient commuter will love the Civic Sport — but those expecting sports‑car handling or a plush ride may be disappointed. The trade‑off is between daily refinement and occasional thrills.
The implication: the Civic Sport’s strengths and weaknesses map directly to its mission as a value-oriented daily driver, not a performance machine.
Two expert voices sum up the 2022 Civic’s character.
“The 2022 Honda Civic is a grown‑up compact car with a refined interior and composed ride.”
Car and Driver (automotive magazine)
“The 2022 Civic has above‑average predicted reliability.”
Consumer Reports (nonprofit product testing organization)
The 2022 Honda Civic Sport walks a fine line between practicality and a touch of flair. For the U.S. buyer looking for a fuel‑efficient, safe, and stylish compact sedan that holds value, the choice is clear: buy one with a clean history and no open recalls, or step up to the EX if heated seats and a sunroof matter more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Civic Sport and Civic EX?
The Sport adds 18‑inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and dark chrome exhaust; the EX adds a sunroof, heated front seats, dual‑zone automatic climate control, and a larger 9‑inch touchscreen. The EX starts about $2,000 higher.
Does the 2022 Civic Sport come in a hatchback?
Yes — the 2022 Civic Sport is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. The hatchback Sport CVT is EPA‑rated at 32 mpg combined.
What is the warranty for the 2022 Honda Civic?
Honda’s standard warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper‑to‑bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain, and 5 years/unlimited miles corrosion perforation.
How many miles per gallon does the 2022 Civic Sport get?
The sedan returns 29 city/37 highway/31 combined mpg. The hatchback with CVT gets 29/37/32 combined. The manual hatchback is rated 26/36/29 combined.
Is the 2022 Civic Sport good for long trips?
Generally yes — good fuel economy and a composed ride make it comfortable for highway driving. However, some owners find the front seats lack lumbar support for extended trips.
What color options are available for the 2022 Civic Sport?
Colors include Rallye Red, Platinum White Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Sonic Gray Pearl (hatchback only).
Does the 2022 Civic Sport have a moonroof?
No — a moonroof is not available on the Sport trim. It is offered on the EX and Touring trims.
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