2023 Honda Civic Hatchback

Completely redesigned last year and now riding on the same HA platform as the latest CR-V, the 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback is back with very few changes. The Civic is still a brand-new car and fresh from winning a raft of awards, including the 2022 North American Car of the Year, so it's just hitting its stride and promises to continue being a top seller - just like the previous ten generations were. Honda USA knows exactly what buyers want, and the latest Civic is arguably the most compelling car in the compact hatchback segment. That's saying a lot, considering it's up against fierce competition in the form of the Toyota Corolla Hatchback and Mazda 3 Hatchback. Unlike the Corolla and similar to the Mazda, the Civic Hatchback is still one of the few cars offered with a manual transmission, but you don't get the Mazda's AWD option. The starting price of the Honda Civic Hatchback has also increased to nearly $26,000 now that the base trim has been dropped, making it more expensive than said rivals. We're not sure if that would hurt sales too much, though, but is this still a value package?

Last year, you could still get a base LX for under $24k, but that trim has been dropped and the MSRP of the Honda Civic Hatchback now starts at $25,850 for the new entry-level trim, the Sport. The EX-L will cost you $28,150 and the Sport Touring costs $30,950. There is no difference between the price of the CVT and the manual on the Sport and Sport Touring. Keep in mind that these prices exclude any options, packages, or the $1,095 destination fee.

The previous Civic Hatchback stood out in its class for its fun-to-drive nature and the availability of a stick shift - and on those scores, nothing has changed. The new model comes with an optional six-speed manual on both the base and top trims, and it's as slick-shifting and positive in action as we remember. But the whole package has been refined and the ride quality is always absorbent, even on the Sport's 18-inch wheels, while losing nothing of the Civic's handling sharpness. The steering offers good feel and body control, and grip remains resolute, even when pressing on and really flying through the twisties. Combined with the manual transmission, this car is still the sportiest in its segment, but the excellent Mazda 3 runs it close. The CVT sucks a bit of the fun out of the package, but it's better than most and returns better gas mileage. If there's a criticism, it's that tire noise can intrude at speed, especially on the 18-inch wheels.

The latest Civic Hatchback doesn't cover all bases, and some notable omissions are the unavailability of any type of hybrid powertrain or an AWD system. The gas powertrains are commendably fuel-efficient though, which helps. What sets the Civic apart is its modern new design, upmarket interior, long list of standard and safety features, and - most importantly - its driving manners, which sets the standard for this class. It's fun to drive in a manner most hatchbacks aren't, and you even get a stick shift if you want to really engage with the car. These features do enough to elevate the Civic above its rivals and make it our choice in this segment, but the excellent Mazda 3 is a close second and will be the choice for people who need AWD.

Gearheads will bemoan the fact that the stick shift is only offered on the base engine and the most expensive trim, but most people are going to opt for the automatic and then the EX-L is the best buy in the lineup, thanks to its punchy 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, slightly quieter and more absorbent ride on sensible 17-inch wheels, and luxuries such as a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. It's unfortunate that you can't get the big infotainment screen, the digital gauge cluster, the premium audio system, and the wireless phone integration of the flagship on the EX-L, but going for the top trim comes with a $3k price penalty and pushes it beyond $30k, so the EX-L makes the most sense.