10 Reasons to Love the 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback: A Deep Dive into the Pros and Cons
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback is one of the most popular and versatile compact cars on the market. It's not just a hatchback—it's a statement on wheels. Whether you're a college student looking for a budget-friendly ride or a city dweller in need of a compact, stylish car that can still haul groceries, the Civic Hatchback has something for you. So buckle up as we dive into everything you need to know about the 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback. And yes—we’ll be throwing in a little humor too because what’s life without a laugh?
Why You Should Consider the 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback
The Civic Hatchback is no ordinary compact car. Honda’s legendary reliability backs it, and it comes packed with features that make it stand out in a crowded market. But let’s be real: No car is perfect. We’ll be looking at both the highs and lows of this model, with a few chuckles along the way.
Performance
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback comes with two engine options:
- A 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 that churns out 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.
- For those looking to save a few bucks at the gas pump there’s the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque.
Let’s get something straight: For a compact car, the Civic Hatchback has some serious pep. You won’t be breaking any speed records at the track but merging onto the highway is a breeze. You’ll feel like you’re driving something far sportier than a grocery-getter. The turbocharged engine in particular feels lively and responsive.
Fuel Economy
You’ll appreciate the fuel economy too. With up to 36 mpg on the highway you might forget where your nearest gas station even is.
But hey let's be honest about the fuel economy—it's good but not “I’ll-never-need-gas-again” good. If you drive like Mario Andretti you might be wondering where those promised 36 mpg went. But for the average driver—especially in the city—the efficiency will save you some cash.
Exterior Design
The Civic Hatchback's exterior design is where it really shines—or depending on your taste—blinds.
Love it or hate it but this car makes a statement with its aggressive front grille, sporty rear spoiler, and sharply angled taillights. It has that “I’m practical but also edgy” vibe.
Pros of the Exterior
- Sharp looks
- Aerodynamic design
- Multiple color options including a rather bold Rallye Red
Cons of the Exterior
- Some may find the design a little too aggressive (Hey Honda, my car doesn't need to look like a spaceship).
- The rear visibility can be limited due to those stylishly chunky C-pillars. Hope you enjoy that backup camera!
"Honestly I love the exterior look" says Alex Collantes a Civic Hatchback owner from Boston. "It’s got that aggressive stance but without trying too hard."
Dimensions
For those wondering about the specifics the Civic Hatchback measures in at:
- Overall Length: 177.9 inches
- Width: 70.8 inches
- Height: 56.5 inches
So it’s compact but not tiny. Perfect for tight city parking spots but still roomy enough inside.
Interior Comfort & Features
Here’s where the Civic Hatchback shows off its practicality. Open the doors and you’ll find ample space—especially for a compact car. The rear seats? Not bad at all.
Storage Capacity
Let’s talk cargo space because if you’re buying a hatchback chances are you’ve got stuff to haul. The Civic Hatchback offers 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Fold those bad boys down and you’ve got 46.2 cubic feet—more than enough room for your IKEA run or road trip gear.
Pros of the Interior
- Roomy rear seats even for adults
- Excellent cargo capacity for the class
- High-quality materials (though you won’t be mistaking it for a luxury vehicle)
Cons of the Interior
- Not the most exciting interior design—it’s practical but not eye-popping
- The infotainment system could use an upgrade—it’s a bit dated and slow
"The interior feels spacious enough but I wish Honda spiced it up a bit more" says Alex. "It’s functional but a little bland for my taste."
Tech & Infotainment
Ah the infotainment system. It’s a bit of a mixed bag on the 2021 Civic Hatchback. You’ll get a 7-inch touchscreen which is... fine. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard so that’s a plus but the system’s overall responsiveness can feel a bit sluggish. You know those days when you click something and nothing happens? Yeah it’s kind of like that sometimes.
Pros of the Infotainment System:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard
- 7-inch display is a decent size
Cons of the Infotainment System:
- Laggy performance at times
- Screen resolution isn’t as sharp as some rivals
Driving Experience
Now for the fun part. How does it actually drive? In short it’s smooth and fun. The Civic Hatchback handles corners better than you might expect from a compact car. The suspension strikes a good balance between sporty and comfortable.
But let’s not kid ourselves: It’s not a full-on sports car. You won’t be drifting through curves like Vin Diesel but it does offer an engaging driving experience for the price.
Handling
One thing Civic Hatchback drivers will appreciate is the precise steering. It’s not overly heavy nor too light—it feels just right for zipping around city streets or taking a long highway drive.
- Good for city driving
- Responsive steering
- Handles well at higher speeds
However if you’re hitting potholes left and right your passengers might need to hang on a bit tight. The suspension does a decent job but it’s not going to magically turn rough roads into smooth seas.
Safety Features
Honda knows how to do safety. The 2021 Civic Hatchback comes equipped with Honda Sensing as standard across all trims. This package includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Forward Collision Warning
- Road Departure Mitigation
The Verdict on Safety
If safety is a priority and it should be you’re in good hands with the Civic Hatchback. It’s earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA which should give you peace of mind when hauling the family around.
But—and there’s always a but—be warned that some of the Honda Sensing features can feel a little overeager. The lane-keeping assist can sometimes jerk the wheel in a way that feels... overbearing.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback comes in five trim levels:
- LX
- Sport
- EX
- EX-L
- Sport Touring
The base LX model starts at around $23,000 while the fully-loaded Sport Touring will set you back about $29,000. For most buyers the EX or Sport trim will hit the sweet spot between features and price.
Key Features by Trim:
- LX: Basic but still includes Honda Sensing
- Sport: Adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and paddle shifters
- EX: Gets heated front seats and a moonroof
- EX-L: Leather seating surfaces
- Sport Touring: Fully loaded with premium audio and dual-zone climate control
Potential Drawbacks
Okay let’s not sugarcoat it: the 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback is not perfect. Here’s a rundown of some common complaints—delivered with a humorous twist of course.
- Infotainment system: "Is this thing on?" might become a familiar refrain after a while.
- Styling: Looks are subjective and while some love the aggressive look others might feel like they’re driving a car designed by the guy who made the Batmobile.
- Rear visibility: Hope you like relying on your backup camera because those chunky rear pillars make looking back a challenge.
- Road noise: Ever feel like you’re sharing the road with every car around you? Yeah the Civic Hatchback doesn’t do the best job insulating you from outside noise.
Conclusion
So there you have it—the 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback in all its glory. It’s a versatile fun-to-drive compact that offers excellent cargo space solid performance and advanced safety features. Sure it has a few quirks—like the laggy infotainment system and sometimes polarizing design—but overall it’s a solid choice for anyone in the market for a compact hatchback.
As Alex Collantes sums up "The Civic Hatchback is just a great all-around car. It’s fun it’s practical and it gets the job done without any fuss."
If you're looking for a compact car that balances style, performance, and practicality the 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback should definitely be on your shortlist. But hey don't just take my word for it—take one for a spin and see for yourself.
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