Photo: Honda
The Honda Civic is still the go-to compact hatchback in America. However, the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 have gotten uncomfortably close, so for the 2020 model year, we have tweaks to the range meant to make it more appealing.
Grab a cup of tea and buckle up, because the upgrades are painfully small yet take a while to explain. We'll start at the very top, where the $28,850 for range-topping Sport Touring trim level now comes with an available six-speed manual in addition to that CVT. People who wanted a stick were stuck with the normal Sport trim before now.
Cosmetically speaking, all 2020 Civic Hatchbacks get a small exterior makeover, which consists of revisions to the golf light surrounds that now have body-colored horizontal bars. There's a new chin as well, plus a slightly sportier main grille. All trims get new dark gray or black wheel designs while the Sport Touring trim has fresh LED headlights.
Inside, the changes are model-dependent. The Sport has a geometric pattern, the LSX and EX get a painted pattern, while EX-L and Sport Touring feature a brushed black treatment. All models have better sound insulation now, in the floor, trunk and front and rear fenders. And an 8-way powered driver's seat has been installed on the EX, along with new leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
In our favorite two trims, Sport and Sport Touring, the 7-inch Display Audio system has eight speakers instead of four, while the Android and Apple stuff is supposedly better. Standard equipment includes Smart Start push-button ignition and Smart Entry keyless entry, Remote Start, and new seat upholstery.
Prices have also gone up a little. For example, the LX with a CVT is $22,590 including destination while the 2019 model was $22,380. All other hatchbacks have small bumps. While the Civic is undeniably a good car, the industry as a whole is contracting right now, and Honda is slowing production for it and the Accord.
Cosmetically speaking, all 2020 Civic Hatchbacks get a small exterior makeover, which consists of revisions to the golf light surrounds that now have body-colored horizontal bars. There's a new chin as well, plus a slightly sportier main grille. All trims get new dark gray or black wheel designs while the Sport Touring trim has fresh LED headlights.
Inside, the changes are model-dependent. The Sport has a geometric pattern, the LSX and EX get a painted pattern, while EX-L and Sport Touring feature a brushed black treatment. All models have better sound insulation now, in the floor, trunk and front and rear fenders. And an 8-way powered driver's seat has been installed on the EX, along with new leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
In our favorite two trims, Sport and Sport Touring, the 7-inch Display Audio system has eight speakers instead of four, while the Android and Apple stuff is supposedly better. Standard equipment includes Smart Start push-button ignition and Smart Entry keyless entry, Remote Start, and new seat upholstery.
Prices have also gone up a little. For example, the LX with a CVT is $22,590 including destination while the 2019 model was $22,380. All other hatchbacks have small bumps. While the Civic is undeniably a good car, the industry as a whole is contracting right now, and Honda is slowing production for it and the Accord.
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