By Shawn Corcoran

Over the past decade, the compact hatchback segment in North America has seen some ups and downs. The truth is, your options may be limited, but each one is surprisingly unique. For years, the Honda Civic has been a staple of the compact segment around the world, evolving through the years over 11 iterations. But is the current 11^th-generation model still worthy of the spot as one of the best of its class?

The 11^th-generation Honda Civic first debuted for the 2022 model year. The new Civic features cleaner, more restrained styling. It feels like a step up from the previous generation Civic, with its snarling face and bold body trim that aimed to make even the most mundane trim levels seem sportier than they really are.

The new Honda Civic features much cleaner, more sophisticated styling. It has a much more mature feel to it, a nice changeup from the “boy racer” styling of the last generation. The hatchback version also features an interesting bit of styling, with a fastback roofline that makes it a bit more of a lift back. It makes for a rather sleek design with a silhouette reminiscent of the original Saab 9-3.

That continues into the interior, which features a clean and functional design. The air vents are integrated into the trim on the dashboard, hiding them behind nice, detailed trimmings. The screen sticks out of the dash, offering a perfectly competent infotainment system. Below that are actual buttons and dials for the A/C and radio controls, imagine that: actual buttons. Apparently it can still be done.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter inline-four paired with a CVT, a combination that sends 150 horsepower to the front wheels. That may not seem like much by some standards, but with a 2,976 lb curb weight, the Civic is light enough to avoid feeling like a slouch.

One elephant in the room is the transmission, a continuously variable transmission that is in part responsible for the non-hybrid Civic’s respectable fuel economy of 34 mpg combined. The term “CVT” can be a buzz word for some buyers, one that carries a negative connotation. But rest assured, Honda’s CVTs aren’t the problematic ones that contribute to the reputation of the technology.

One downside would be the lack of excitement as the engine note drones on without a proper gear change. There are paddle shifters there to give you the illusion of shifting gears, but like half the job postings on LinkedIn, it’s not the real deal.

The Civic hatchback comes in just under five inches shorter than the sedan variant, but it is still seven inches longer than the Corolla hatchback. That added length shines through in the cargo area, as the Civic boasts the largest cargo capacity among compact hatchbacks. Despite the sleek, sloping roofline, the Civic still manages to have 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Which is more than the Corolla (17.8), Mazda3 (20.1), Impreza (20.4), K4 (22.2) and the Golf (19.9).

The Civic Sport also has great fuel economy, at 30 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined. It is not the top of its class, but it is still respectable in an age where we grow increasingly closer to seeing “kidney” as a payment option at the pump.

As for actual driving dynamics, the Civic is smooth, comfortable and confident. The steering feel is good, and the suspension handles corners plenty well for an entry-level car. The brakes are responsive and effective. Highway driving is smooth and acceleration comes with ease. Of course, if you want a real fast experience, I would recommend the Civic Type R.

But if you are looking for a good daily driver, then the Sport will do more than fine. And I think that is the biggest takeaway from the Civic. As a vehicle to live with, it is genuinely fantastic.

The Civic Sport offers a driving experience that is dynamic enough to keep you engaged. On top of that, the Civic has great styling inside and out. It is a car that looks good in your driveway, not just in the sales brochure.

Then, beneath the styling, comes fantastic usability. The hatchback body style offers plenty of cargo space. There is also an interior that can accommodate five adults, although it would be nice to get rear-seat air vents, but at least there is enough space there to be comfortable. 

Then there is the ergonomic dashboard. The infotainment is easy to use, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard. The only way to connect to those features is through a wired USB connection. However, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto is available on higher trim levels. Beyond the screen, physical controls for the radio, A/C and more fill the center stack and the steering wheel. It makes for an interior that is easy to use, without leaving you asking “What menu adjusts the vents?”

A new 2026 model will start at $27,895. Of course, used 2025 models can be had for a bit less. That new price seems a bit high, but for such an enjoyable car to live with, the value is there.

In the end, the 2025 Honda Civic Sport hatchback is a phenomenally easy car to live with. It isn’t perfect—not sure any car is—but there isn’t anything that I would consider a “deal breaker.” So if what you are looking for is a daily driver, with utility, fun, and ease of use, then the Civic Sport hatchback is a fine choice.