7 Reasons the 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback Is the Best Choice for Your Next Car (But It’s Not Perfect)

The 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback is not just a car—it's a well-balanced blend of sportiness, practicality, and everyday comfort. The Civic Hatchback has long been a fan favorite, especially among those who want the functionality of a compact car without sacrificing the fun-to-drive factor. The 2023 model takes everything Honda fans love and adds a touch of refinement with its sleek design, high-quality materials, and advanced tech features.

But let's not pretend it's flawless. No car is. In fact, we’ll even poke a bit of fun at the Civic Hatchback’s quirks. So buckle up as we dive into the key features of the 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback that make it worth considering—and a few drawbacks that might leave you scratching your head.

Performance and Engine Options

Turbocharged Engine: Fun Meets Efficiency

The 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback offers two engine options to choose from. The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine provides 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. But if you’re looking for a little more pep in your drive the available 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is where things get interesting. This engine delivers 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque giving you just enough power to make highway merging a breeze and back-road driving fun.

Pros:

• Smooth acceleration with the turbocharged engine
• Excellent fuel efficiency (Up to 38 MPG on the highway)
• Optional manual transmission for a more engaging driving experience

Cons:

• The 2.0-liter engine can feel a bit underpowered if you're used to more horsepower
• “You can rev it hard but it’ll still feel like it’s saying ‘give me a break I’m trying here!’” jokes Alex Collantes a long-time Civic enthusiast.
• The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) isn’t everyone's cup of tea and can feel unresponsive at times.

Interior Comfort and Space

Spacious Hatchback Design

One of the standout features of the Civic Hatchback has always been its spacious interior. With the rear seats up you get 25 cubic feet of cargo space which is plenty for groceries or a weekend getaway. Fold those seats down and you’re looking at over 46 cubic feet of space. That’s a lot for a compact car! The Civic Hatchback has always been praised for making good use of its space without feeling cramped.

Pros:

• Excellent cargo space for a compact car
• Comfortable seats with good support even for long drives
• High-quality materials used throughout the cabin

Cons:

• Rear legroom could be better especially for taller passengers
• The low roofline can make getting in and out of the back seats feel like you're auditioning for Cirque du Soleil.
• “I love the Civic but I swear I’ve banged my head on that rear door at least three times this month” says Alex Collantes with a laugh.

Tech Features and Infotainment System

Honda's Infotainment: Hits and Misses

Tech lovers will appreciate the 2023 Civic Hatchback’s 7-inch touchscreen (or optional 9-inch display) which is responsive and easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard and the upper trims offer wireless versions of these features. Honda also includes a number of USB ports so everyone can charge their devices—a small but important touch in today’s gadget-driven world.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use touchscreen interface
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trims
• Great sound system especially with the available Bose audio upgrade

Cons:

• The standard 7-inch screen feels a bit small especially compared to rivals offering larger screens
• The infotainment system can lag occasionally leaving you to wonder if it's "thinking really hard" or just ignoring you.
• “I’ve had the screen freeze up once and it felt like it was giving me the cold shoulder” jokes Alex Collantes.

Safety Features

Honda Sensing: Peace of Mind Standard

Every 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback comes equipped with Honda Sensing a suite of driver assistance features designed to make your ride safer. This includes lane-keeping assist adaptive cruise control forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. It’s nice to see these features come standard—especially in an era where many competitors offer them only as part of a pricey package.

Pros:

• Comprehensive safety features included in all trims
• The adaptive cruise control is a blessing on long highway drives
• Lane-keeping assist helps reduce driver fatigue

Cons:

• Lane-keeping assist can be a bit overzealous trying to correct you even when you’re just inching a little to the side.
• The system’s sensitivity can sometimes make it feel like you’re being monitored by a very overprotective robot.
• “The lane-keeping assist always feels like a paranoid driving instructor telling me to stay in my lane even when I’m already there” Alex notes with a chuckle.

Exterior Design

Sleek and Sporty

The 2023 Civic Hatchback takes a more refined approach to its exterior design than previous generations. The angular lines and aggressive front end give it a sporty look while the smooth curves toward the back provide an air of sophistication. The hatchback design itself is sleek not boxy like some of its competitors making it stand out in the compact car segment.

Pros:

• Eye-catching design that feels modern and sporty
• Available in a variety of colors including some vibrant choices like Boost Blue
• LED headlights come standard

Cons:

• Rear visibility isn’t the best thanks to the sloping roofline and smaller rear window
• “Backing up feels like you're peeking through a mail slot" jokes Alex.

Driving Experience

Nimble Handling and Smooth Ride

One of the reasons the Civic Hatchback has earned such a loyal following is because of its fun-to-drive nature. The 2023 model continues this tradition offering nimble handling and a smooth ride. The Civic Hatchback is great for city driving with its tight turning radius and easy maneuverability. But it also holds its own on the highway where it feels stable and composed.

Pros:

• Excellent handling especially for a compact car
• Smooth comfortable ride even on rough roads
• Available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

Cons:

• Steering can feel a bit light for those used to sportier cars
• “It’s fun to drive but sometimes I wish it had a bit more heft in the steering—it feels like I’m guiding a feather” says Alex.
• Not the most powerful in its class but it’s more than enough for everyday driving

Fuel Economy

Great Gas Mileage

If fuel efficiency is important to you the 2023 Civic Hatchback won’t disappoint. The standard 2.0-liter engine offers up to 31 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway while the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine improves that slightly with 33 MPG in the city and 42 MPG on the highway (depending on trim level and transmission). That’s excellent for a car in this class!

Pros:

• Great fuel efficiency across all trims
• Ideal for both city commuters and highway travelers
• Eco mode helps squeeze out even more miles per gallon

Cons:

• Performance enthusiasts may find the fuel-saving features limit the car’s responsiveness
• “It’s great on gas but sometimes when I hit the gas pedal it’s like the car says ‘Let’s take it easy—we’ve got miles to save!’” jokes Alex.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Trims for Every Taste

The 2023 Civic Hatchback is available in four trims: LX Sport EX-L and Sport Touring. Prices start at around $25,000 for the base LX trim and go up to around $30,000 for the fully-loaded Sport Touring. Each trim offers a mix of features making it easy to find one that fits your needs and budget.

Pros:

• A range of trims to suit different preferences and budgets
• Even the base trim comes with a solid set of standard features
• The top trim offers luxury-level features at a reasonable price

Cons:

• The higher trims can start to feel a bit pricey especially when you compare them to similarly priced vehicles with more power or more standard tech
• “By the time you add all the bells and whistles you might be wondering ‘Did I just buy a Civic or a down payment on a spaceship?’” says Alex with a smile.

Conclusion: Why the 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback Is Worth It

When it comes to compact cars the 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback offers one of the best all-around packages available. It’s stylish fun to drive practical and packed with tech and safety features that make it a solid choice for a wide range of drivers. Whether you’re a city commuter a road tripper or someone who just appreciates a reliable car that gets the job done the Civic Hatchback has something for you.

But of course no car is perfect. The quirks—like the somewhat limited rear visibility and the occasional lag in the infotainment system—add a bit of character to the Civic Hatchback. After all what fun is a car if it doesn’t have a few quirks to laugh about?

Final Pros Summary:

• Great fuel efficiency
• Spacious interior with excellent cargo capacity
• Fun to drive especially with the turbocharged engine

Final Cons Summary:

• The base engine is a bit underwhelming
• Rear visibility could be better
• Infotainment system can lag sometimes

In the words of Alex Collantes “It’s not a perfect car—but it’s close enough that you’ll probably love it anyway.”