The 2021 Honda Civic, a popular compact car, stands out for its sleek design, reliable performance, and advanced technology. It offers a range of trim levels to suit different needs and budgets, from the base LX to the sporty Si and the luxurious Sport Touring.
The Civic has always been known for its practicality and affordability, and the 2021 model continues this tradition while offering a modern and engaging driving experience.
This comprehensive review will delve into the key aspects of the 2021 Honda Civic, covering its features, performance, interior, safety, and value proposition. We will also compare it to its main competitors and examine real-world owner reviews to provide a well-rounded perspective on this popular car.
Overview of the 2021 Honda Civic
The 2021 Honda Civic is a compact car that offers a blend of style, performance, and practicality. It’s a popular choice for drivers looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle that’s also fun to drive. The Civic has undergone a major redesign for the 2021 model year, featuring a more aggressive and sophisticated look, a spacious and tech-filled interior, and a range of powertrain options to suit different needs.
Key Features and Design Elements
The 2021 Honda Civic boasts a number of key features and design elements that set it apart from the competition. These include:
- A sleek and modern exterior design with sharp lines and a low-slung profile.
- A spacious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials and a driver-focused cockpit.
- A large touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
- A suite of advanced safety features, including Honda Sensing.
Available Trim Levels and Unique Features
The 2021 Honda Civic is available in a variety of trim levels, each offering its own unique features and price point. These trim levels include:
- LX:The base trim level, the LX comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a suite of safety features.
- Sport:The Sport trim adds a sportier exterior design, a more powerful engine, and a sport-tuned suspension.
- EX:The EX trim level offers a more luxurious interior with leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and a larger 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
- EX-L:The EX-L trim adds even more luxury features, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, and a premium sound system.
- Si:The Si trim is the performance-focused model, featuring a turbocharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and a limited-slip differential.
- Type R:The Type R is the top-of-the-line model, offering the ultimate in performance and handling. It comes with a powerful turbocharged engine, a track-tuned suspension, and a host of performance-enhancing features.
Target Audience
The 2021 Honda Civic is a versatile vehicle that can appeal to a wide range of drivers. Its spacious interior, fuel-efficient engine options, and advanced safety features make it a great choice for families and commuters. Its sporty handling and available performance trims make it an attractive option for enthusiasts.
Overall, the Civic is a well-rounded compact car that can meet the needs of a diverse audience.
Performance and Handling
The 2021 Honda Civic offers a variety of engine options to suit different driving styles and needs. These engines provide a balance of power and fuel efficiency, making the Civic a capable and enjoyable car to drive.
Engine Options
The 2021 Honda Civic is available with two engine options:
- 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine:This engine is standard on the LX, Sport, and EX trim levels. It produces 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides adequate power for everyday driving and offers good fuel economy.
- 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine:This engine is available on the EX-L, Si, and Type R trim levels. It produces 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque in the EX-L, 205 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque in the Si, and 306 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque in the Type R.
The turbocharged engine provides a significant boost in power and performance, making it a fun and engaging driving experience.
Fuel Efficiency and Performance
The 2021 Honda Civic’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine and trim level. The 2.0-liter engine is estimated to achieve 32 mpg city, 42 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is estimated to achieve 30 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.
These figures are competitive with other compact cars in the market.
Handling and Driving Dynamics
The 2021 Honda Civic is known for its agile handling and responsive steering. Its well-balanced suspension provides a comfortable ride while still offering a sporty feel. The Civic’s handling is particularly impressive in the Sport and Si trims, which feature a sport-tuned suspension and a limited-slip differential.
Overall, the Civic’s driving dynamics are engaging and enjoyable, making it a fun car to drive on both winding roads and city streets.
Interior and Technology
The 2021 Honda Civic features a spacious and modern interior with a focus on comfort and technology. It offers a wide range of amenities and features, making it a pleasant place to spend time in.
Interior Design and Materials
The interior of the 2021 Honda Civic is well-designed and comfortable. It features high-quality materials throughout, including soft-touch plastics and comfortable seating. The dashboard is driver-focused, with easy-to-use controls and a large touchscreen infotainment system. The Civic’s interior is spacious and airy, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
Technology Features
The 2021 Honda Civic is packed with technology features, including:
- Infotainment system:The Civic features a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system is responsive and easy to use, with a clear and intuitive interface.
- Safety features:The Civic comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features that includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and more. These features help to enhance driver safety and provide peace of mind.
- Driver assistance systems:The Civic offers a variety of driver assistance systems, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor. These systems can help to prevent accidents and make driving safer.
Seating Configurations and Cargo Space
The 2021 Honda Civic offers seating for five passengers. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, while the rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom. The Civic also offers a generous amount of cargo space, with 14.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats.
Folding down the rear seats increases cargo space to 42.3 cubic feet, making it suitable for hauling larger items.
Safety and Reliability
The 2021 Honda Civic is known for its strong safety ratings and reputation for reliability. It has consistently received top marks from safety organizations and is considered one of the most reliable vehicles in its class.
Safety Ratings and Awards
The 2021 Honda Civic has received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.
These ratings demonstrate the Civic’s commitment to safety and its ability to protect occupants in the event of a crash.
Key Safety Features
The 2021 Honda Civic comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Honda Sensing:This suite of advanced safety features includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and road departure mitigation.
- Multi-Angle Rearview Camera:This camera provides a wide-angle view of the area behind the vehicle, making it easier to see obstacles and other vehicles.
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert:These systems help to alert drivers to vehicles in their blind spots and warn them of approaching traffic when backing up.
Reliability and Durability
The Honda Civic has a long-standing reputation for reliability and durability. It consistently ranks high in reliability surveys and is known for its ability to withstand the test of time. This reputation is backed by Honda’s commitment to quality and its comprehensive warranty coverage.
Pricing and Value
The 2021 Honda Civic offers a compelling value proposition, combining a competitive price point with a long list of features and a strong reputation for reliability. It’s a well-rounded compact car that provides a lot of value for the money.
Starting MSRP
The starting MSRP for the 2021 Honda Civic is $21,750 for the LX trim level. Prices vary depending on the trim level, options, and destination charges.
Value Proposition
The 2021 Honda Civic offers a strong value proposition compared to its competitors. It offers a spacious and comfortable interior, a range of engine options, a comprehensive suite of safety features, and a reputation for reliability, all at a competitive price point.
The Civic is a well-rounded compact car that provides a lot of value for the money.
Price and Features Comparison
| Trim Level | Starting MSRP | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| LX | $21,750 | 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Honda Sensing |
| Sport | $23,250 | 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Honda Sensing, sport-tuned suspension |
| EX | $25,250 | 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Honda Sensing, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats |
| EX-L | $27,250 | 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Honda Sensing, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, power driver’s seat, premium sound system |
| Si | $27,250 | 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Honda Sensing, sport-tuned suspension, limited-slip differential |
| Type R | $38,950 | 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Honda Sensing, sport-tuned suspension, limited-slip differential, performance-enhancing features |
Comparison to Competitors: 2021 Honda Civic
The 2021 Honda Civic faces stiff competition from other popular compact cars, including the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, and Hyundai Elantra. These vehicles offer a similar blend of style, performance, and practicality, making it important to compare them to see which one best fits your needs and preferences.
Key Areas of Comparison
When comparing the 2021 Honda Civic to its competitors, it’s important to consider key areas such as:
- Performance:Engine power, acceleration, and handling.
- Interior:Design, materials, comfort, and technology features.
- Safety:Safety ratings, standard safety features, and available driver assistance systems.
- Pricing:Starting MSRP, value proposition, and available options.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Competitors, 2021 honda civic
| Competitor | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla | Reliable, fuel-efficient, comfortable interior, good value for the money | Not as sporty as the Civic, interior can feel a bit dated |
| Mazda3 | Sporty handling, stylish design, premium interior, good fuel economy | Less spacious than the Civic, can be more expensive |
| Hyundai Elantra | Modern design, spacious interior, good value for the money, long warranty | Not as sporty as the Civic, some interior materials can feel cheap |
Owner Reviews and Experiences
Real-world owner reviews provide valuable insights into the everyday experience of owning and driving the 2021 Honda Civic. These reviews can highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of the vehicle, giving potential buyers a better understanding of what to expect.
Common Themes and Opinions
Common themes in owner reviews of the 2021 Honda Civic include:
- Reliability:Owners consistently praise the Civic’s reliability and durability, reporting few issues and long-term satisfaction.
- Fuel Efficiency:The Civic’s fuel economy is a major selling point, with owners reporting impressive mileage figures, especially in the non-turbocharged models.
- Handling:The Civic’s handling is often praised for its responsiveness and agility, making it fun to drive on winding roads.
- Interior Comfort:Owners generally appreciate the Civic’s comfortable interior, spacious cabin, and high-quality materials.
- Technology:The Civic’s infotainment system and safety features are well-received, with owners finding them user-friendly and effective.
Positive and Negative Experiences
Positive experiences with the 2021 Honda Civic often involve its reliability, fuel efficiency, handling, and comfortable interior. Some owners have reported minor issues with the infotainment system or the quality of some interior materials. However, these issues are generally isolated and do not detract from the overall positive experience of owning a Civic.
Final Wrap-Up
The 2021 Honda Civic is a compelling choice in the compact car segment, offering a blend of style, performance, technology, and value. Its well-rounded nature, combined with its reputation for reliability and safety, makes it a strong contender for buyers seeking a practical and enjoyable driving experience.
Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, sporty handling, or advanced features, the Civic has a trim level to meet your needs.