2022 Honda Civic: profiles…
Last Updated:
Just thought I would compare the new 2022 Honda Civic sedan profile to its competition. As well as the current Civic and Accord.
I think the 3-year-old Accord still looks much better. The new Civic is a bit simpler, but much less expressive IMO.
As for the current Civic, it is a super popular model for Honda. Even though many don’t seem to like its design that much…
As for its competition, I think the new Civic sedan does come out as quite conservative. Even more so than the VW Jetta. Again, this type of design might actually look fine many years down th eline and not age as much as others… But is it appealing to the Civic demographic?
What do you think?
How would you rate these? in what order?
Mazda3 best looking
I think Honda just built a Jetta.
Love it. This comparison only made it better. Look at how well proportioned that DLO is. The way the shoulder line and hood align instead of diving down/crossing. Much more "stately" looking for it, even if it is extremely close to the Accord now (good).
I love the current Civic for it's weirdness, bity it has aged a lot, particularly the sedan. The sloping front and rear don't work as well as this more traditional shape; flat hood and upright grille.
I'm disappointed in how tame the front grille and taillights are, but it's largely fine and will age better than the crab claws and unibrow.
I think their marketing team must have found out that some people went over to VW or Mazda because of the exterior styling. Sometimes conservative style projects a high end image. Also for Honda it might be a process of addition. They have a great base of customers, they just need to get a few from other brands and they feel this is the best way to do it.
Best to worst
Mazda3
Accord
New Civic
Jetta
Elantra
Sentra
Corolla
I think their marketing team must have found out that some people went over to VW or Mazda because of the exterior styling. Sometimes conservative style projects a high end image. Also for Honda it might be a process of addition. They have a great base of customers, they just need to get a few from other brands and they feel this is the best way to do it.
Best to worst
Mazda3
Accord
New Civic
Jetta
Elantra
Sentra
Corolla
I don't mind the exterior as much as it all looks somewhat similar. Not massive differences. Hyundai tried a bit more to change the design but might polarize more as well.
But Honda's interiors lack now even more any distinctive design. I wish they would bring back the 2 tier dashboard with the speedometer offset higher.
Also not liking the trend to stick a screen in the middle without trying to integrate it.
Ok.
Don’t forget the Cadillac CT5! The Sketch Monkey has a video where he compares the 2 in profile, and they are dead-ringers of each other (not a paid promotion – I just wanted to give credit where it’s due – not my observation).
I still say the new Civic would look better with a steeper rake to the windshield. Case in point, the Mazda 3, which has a very raked back windshield, yet aft of that is relatively conservative.
My rankings are as follows:
Accord
Mazda 3
Old Civic
New Civic
Corolla
Sentra
Elantra (saw this in person today, not a fan at all. Interior material quality was really horrible)
I won't even rank the Jetta, because after Dieselgate, I will never buy one.
Jetta profile flows nicest. But it's the front end of the Jetta that is it's weakness. Mazda 3 best looking all the way around
Of I were in the market for a compact sedan today, the Mazda 3 works take my money. The sedan looks way better than the botched hatchback.
I really like the new civic. It looks like a BMW from back in the days when that was a good thing to say. The current civic is just too angular and there is something about the accord that I can't explain. It is like all the accord parts would indicate that it is a good looking car, but when you put them together it just doesn't work. Going in I would have said that the mazda was the best looking (and it is really good), but at least from this angle I would give the nod to the new civic.
Vince, you forgot the Kia Forte, especially the GT.
The Mazda3 sedan is definitely the supermodel of the class! Everything about it exudes quality, class, and sophistication!
The current Civic sedan still looks great! Honda did an excellent job with the wedge profile! Yes, it is a bit flamboyant, but it is well executed. It will be a shame when the absolutely dull and geriatric looking next gen sedan replaces it next year.
The Elantra and Sentra designs are trying much too hard. To me, the Elantra is truly disappointing considering Hyundai already had the truly beautiful Lafesta sedan in China that definitely looks more upscale and sexier than the rather overdone and cheap looking Elantra. As far as the Sentra, I still think Nissan’s rather clumsy execution of floating roof sedan designs remains just as awkward looking on the Sentra as it does on Nissan’s other sedans.
The Jetta is very conservative, but it isn’t unattractive. It comes across as a little cheap looking. It needs to be dressed up a bit.
The Corolla sedan doesn’t look bad from the front or back, but everything in between is hopelessly dull and uninspiring. It simply lacks any personality. I think the previous generation looked more distinctive (for a Corolla).
The Forte (which was overlooked in the post) is in the same league as the Jetta. There’s nothing about the design that gives me that “gotta have it” feeling, but it isn’t unattractive. It’s just a little disappointing considering that the brand’s new K5 midsize sedan has a very appealing and attention grabbing design. Kia needs to share some of that design mojo with the brand’s compact offering.
As far as the next gen Civic sedan is concerned, it is a huge step backwards from the current generation. It looks like an old person’s car. It is hopelessly geriatric and outdated. After producing the great looking current gen Civic sedan, it is very shocking and disappointing that Honda would make the next gen sedan so dull and awkward looking.
My rankings:
1. Mazda3 sedan
2. Current Honda Civic sedan
3. Kia Forte
4. VW Jetta
5. 2021 Hyundai Elantra
6. Nissan Sentra
7. Toyota Corolla sedan
8. Next gen Honda Civic sedan
Love the new civic design. Much better than the old design.