Honda Civic Sedan vs Hatchback 2023
1. Exterior Design
Hondas have always been known as reliable cars with excellent build quality, and the 2023 Civic Sedan is no exception. It has a solid and substantial feel that conveys safety. It is slightly larger and heavier than earlier Civics. Exterior-wise, the Sedan looks elegant and upscale. Stylistically, it is not too adventurous, the lines are clean, and the paint quality is excellent. This car looks like it is worth more than its purchase price. The low and wide stance of the car is augmented by the long hood and fast windshield. The roofline has a slight arch before it slopes down to the rear window. It is reminiscent of the Nissan Maxima and Altima. The taillights follow the lines of the rear window and wrap into the side of the car. High-end models, especially the Touring, look very much like an Acura from the rear. In fact, the whole car looks like a downsized TL; this is a mixed blessing since the Civic is now overlapping with the ILX. The front end tries to be sporty, but it will take some good aftermarket grilles to prevent it from looking like an Accord. Some may choose to wait for the Si or Type R version for that exact reason. This is not to say the car is unattractive, the overall subdued styling is a good change from the boy racer 8th and 9th gen models. But it will be too conservative for some, and consumers may find the base LX models to be too similar in appearance to the more expensive Acuras. This car is perfect for those who want to avoid unwanted attention from the wrong crowd, of course, it's hard to predict that you will always avoid getting your Civic stolen. (de et al.2023)
1.1. Sedan's sleek and sophisticated look
The sleek lines of the Civic sedan are a certain highlight. A low and wide stance gives the automobile a sporty look, while the swept-again roof line offers a trace of athleticism. Normal LED headlights along with C-form LED taillights make a contribution to an upscale appearance, as do elegant wheel designs. Well-known Civic sedans be available a 16-inch wheel at the same time as sportier-searching trims with 17- and 18-inch wheels available. Maximum extraordinarily, the outdoor is perfectly proportionate presenting a well-mannered, stylish design overall that does not scream reasonably-priced. There may also be cleaner searching silica bronze pearl and cosmic blue metallic selections. Simplicity has been emphasized this time round, with a preference for a clean, uncrowded dashboard and a minimum of tough buttons and dials. Ambient lighting might be used to focus on the design of the dashboard and doors on the top trims. Combine all of that with a extended wheelbase and a much wider frame, assuming it's a consolation daily driving the sedan.
1.2. Hatchback's sporty and versatile design
Looking at the rear side, it has a taillight with an LED light for the RS and above types. The tailgate system has a wider dimension and adjustable height. This will help you to put or take items in the trunk. Honda Civic hatchback has a large 17-inch alloy wheel, and the RS and above have 18-inch wheels that come with a sporty and elegant design. Stepping into the interior sector, we will feel a different atmosphere with the Honda Civic sedan. The all-black interior with textured surfaces on some sides. The front and rear seats have firmer side support to provide better support when driving at high speeds.
Honda Civic hatchbacks have a wide sporty character. The design takes some of the elements found in today's modern sports cars. Notice the net grille with black surrounding, long hood, shorter overhang, and extended wheelbase. Available LED headlights with auto on/off and daytime running lights can give a powerful unique impression. It also has a sportier dual center exhaust that will make you look sporty and aggressive every time you drive this car. With the dual-control for audio equipment and paddle shifter mounted with automatic CVT transmission on the steering wheel, it makes it easy for the driver to adjust the sound settings and switch gears for a more exciting driving experience.
2. Interior Space
The interior of the 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback isn't a whole lot different from the one found in the Civic sedan, but there are a couple key differences that add a dash more utility to the hatchback than the sedan. The sedan and hatchback share a 107.7-inch wheelbase, but the hatchback is 4.9 inches shorter at 177.9 inches. This means both models are very similar in passenger space, which is already quite good for these compact cars. Honda is very proud of the class-leading rear seat legroom and the easy access of rear passengers that the Civic sedan provides. They were wise to maintain the rear legroom in the hatchback, as being that this is still a Civic, we'd expect that families will be purchasing the hatchback over the sedan. Both styles of Civic offer 37.4 inches of rear legroom, which is notably better than the 33-inch average found in this class. The hatchback does not sacrifice any rear headroom in the name of its sportier roofline, as it also has identical rear headroom measurements at 37.4 inches. These figures give Civic owners a great advantage when transporting full loads of passengers in a compact car.
2.1. Sedan's spacious cabin for comfortable seating
Adding the Touring trim, the two front seats have power adjustment for fore/aft movement, recline, and height, and the driver's seat adds two-position memory. Front headrests are of the active type to help prevent whiplash in a rear collision. In EX and higher trim levels, the Sedan has a 60/40 split folding rear seat with a center armrest. This is an advantage over the Hatchback Sport and Sport Touring, which have a single-piece folding rear seat. All models have a tilting and telescoping steering wheel. A high beltline, rear headrests, and a relatively narrow greenhouse due to the wide instrument panel impart a somewhat more confined feel in the rear quarters. The trunk lid's inside liftover height is reduced by 2.6 inches, and the deck is 3.1 inches longer than the ninth-generation's. The trunk hinges are the side-mounted type and the rear package shelf has a thrust plate for extra luggage in the event of a vacation. LATCH child seat fastening systems are provided for the outboard rear seats, and EX and higher trims have rear seat lower anchors. Honda divides at roll in testing safety scores between the Sedan and Hatchback, which was surprisingly rated lower in side barrier and pole crash scenarios. This ranks the Hatchback at 4 stars from the frontal and combined ratings while giving it the top 5-star mark in the Rollover test. (Manek, 2021)
The Civic compares in a big way to other compact sedans in terms of interior room. Honda has moved the front roof pillars rearward to give a more open outward view, benefiting the perception of space. Inside there's class-competitive headroom, plus excellent legroom left by a lower instrument panel and a somewhat higher seating position. The global-civic platform also permitted engineers to maximize interior width inside. The Sedan's total interior volume is 20 cubic feet more than the Hatchback's; both figures are best-in-class. Step-in and sit-down ease is good in the back, and there's plenty of legroom for adults, though the low cushions might feel a bit flat to some and the lower roofline requires taller passengers to bow a bit in order to get in.
2.2. Hatchback's flexible cargo capacity for added convenience
In addition to helping consumers save money at the gas pumps, increase efficiency, and create less pollution, Honda has created another competitive compact alternative. This is the re-introduction of the hatchback model, in selected markets, as the 5th generation Civic. The hatchback is larger but lighter than past models and its closest rival is perhaps the Civic sedan itself. This is a rare scenario where the same make and model of a vehicle are truly competing against one another for a consumer's dollar. In a recent study, hatchbacks have gained popularity in certain regions such as Europe, while sedans are still the top choice for those in Asia. One of the biggest differences that differentiate a hatchback from its corresponding sedan is the cargo capacity and cargo utility. Hatchbacks are accessed from the back, where the rear door opens upwards to provide a large opening for the cargo space. This is particularly advantageous when loading and unloading heavy or bulky items, which may be more difficult to maneuver in and out of a typical sedan's trunk. (Nuha and Joedawinata, 2021)
2.3. Comparing legroom and headroom in both models
The sedan is equipped with an additional 3 inches of legroom in the rear, making it a spacious environment for all travelers. Larger passengers have also been taken into consideration; the hip room in the rear has been increased by almost 2 inches. The hatchback offers 20mm more legroom in the front and 45mm more headroom compared to the sedan. The main advantage of the hatchback is the versatility of the cargo space. The rear seats utilize Honda's clever "Magic Seat" feature, allowing the bottom seat cushions to be flipped up, enabling a very tall item to be placed behind the front seats. With the seats folded down, the cargo capacity totals 46.2 cubic feet, compared to the sedan at 14.8 cubic feet. The 11th generation has seen a significant increase in interior quality within both models. The previous generation hatchback had copious hard plastics throughout the cabin; this has been significantly reduced with the new model featuring high-quality materials and soft touch points. The sedan has seen a more drastic change in design and build quality compared to the 10th generation. The dash no longer incorporates a 2-tier screen and has been designed with more sweeping lines to give an open and stylish appearance. Both models include clean and sleek gauge clusters with large infotainment screens. A digital cluster is now standard across all trim levels.
3. Performance and Efficiency
Honda Civic 2023 Hatchback offers two powertrains: a base inline four-cylinder and a more powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engine featured on the Si and Type R hot hatches. The first engine is a 2.0 L port injection inline 4-cylinder of the R family and is the same engine that is featured in the 8th and 9th generation base models. It produces 158 hp at 6500 rpm and 138 lb-ft at 4200 rpm, delivering a combination of fuel economy and acceleration/cruising performance. The Si hatchback features a K tuned version of the R18A1 for the 8th gen. As of right now, there is very limited information of the Si engine and published speculative information is not conclusive. The Type R has a 2.0 L K series engine cited as K20C, an engine which produces upwards of 306 hp. Shifting will be performed exclusively by a six-speed manual transmission on the Si and Type R models, base models are available with either a six-speed manual (coupe only) or a five-speed automatic. The Si is essentially a North American adaptation of the HFP A-Spec JDM Civic, and the Type R hatchback is the US version of the JDM FD2. Both Si and Type R are being produced in Swindon, England. Honda claims that the hatch will be fun to drive with a return to sporty performance, with the Si being a high torque model and the Type R focusing on high RPM power. The 11th gen Civic will stick with a FWD approach for the hatch without an AWD model. The sedan meanwhile will only have a single engine choice; a 2.0 L inline 4-cylinder producing 158 hp at 6500 rpm and 138 lb-ft at 4200 rpm. This engine is identical to that of the base model hatchback. The LX and Sport sedan models utilise a CVT transmission, the higher spec EX and Touring models have an upgraded CVT with a mechanical gearset (Honda claims this will simulate a traditional automatic transmission and improve acceleration), and finally there is a Sport trim which uses a 6-speed manual. Honda have indicated a possible Si and Type R sedans at some point in the future.
3.1. Engine options and powertrain choices
With sporty Civic Si-inspired details and a lively 174-hp, 1.5-liter engine on Sport and Sport Touring trims, to available paddle shifters and a multi-link suspension on the Civic Touring, the 2023 Civic Sedan is not simply a practical sedan, it's an exciting driving experience. The 2023 Civic Sedan will feature two engine choices. The LX, Sport, and EX trims will be powered by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder VTEC engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb.-ft of torque (SAE Net). These trims will have the choice between a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and a 6-speed manual for more spirited driving. Available on the Sport and standard on the EX and higher trims, the 1.5-liter, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is paired with a CVT and produces 174 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft of torque (SAE Net). This engine has proven to deliver spirited driving performance in the Civic lineup.
3.2. Fuel efficiency and eco-friendly features
Eco-friendly Hatchback models are the fuel economy leaders of the Civic lineup. The base EX gets the most efficient model's equipment level and the standard Turbo CVT powertrain as well as lightweight alloy wheels and special all-season low rolling resistance tires. All of these features grant the EX an EPA estimate of 33/42/36 mpg. The top-level EX-L Navi is the first ever application for leather seating in a Civic Hatchback and includes more features and options. It still easily achieves an EPA estimate of 31/40/34 mpg, serving as a top pick for an efficient and practical compact car.
The Civic Sedan and Hatchback both feature the same powertrains as the previous generations. LX and Sport trims are powered by the carryover 158-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. It's paired with improved 10-hp versus last year and greater fuel efficiency. The Sedan LX and Sport both have EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30/38/33 mpg city/highway/combined. Sport models are also available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Previously, the manual was only available with the base LX. All other Sedan and Hatchback models now come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This engine gets improvements beyond the power increase, adding VTEC variable valve timing and increasing highway fuel efficiency by 1-2 mpg versus the previous version. All turbocharged models get a CVT automatic, as the previously available 6-speed manual is no longer offered.
3.3. Handling and driving dynamics
Yes! The Sedan has no rear strut or coil-over suspension. It has independent ability and instead of the rear struts, the Sedan has two control arms that have the left and right wheels. This does give the Sedan fantastic road holding and cornering ability, but the downside is that with no rear struts, the interior room inside the rear of the car is compromised. With this new design, the rear of the car cannot be too high, which will affect handling. But with the torsion beam rear suspension, the Hatchback gains better stability and balance. The previous model hatchback had double wishbone suspension with the same wheel and tire size, and the Hatchback was specifically made to leverage this characteristic and make it better. With rare setup in mind, it might be interesting to see how far the capability of the Hatchback can lead to in motorsport competitions.
This is what everyone wants to know about the new generation of cars. The 2023 Honda Civic Sedan and hatchback share many similarities under the skin. The Honda Civic comes with a new open-wheeled transmission. The gearbox may be a bit large and heavy, but since it's reasonably near the middle of the car, it keeps the weight distribution balanced. The steering gear is still mounted close to the wheel hubs, a design which virtually eliminates bump steer and allows the car to track straight and true through the corners. Even though all these things are true for both the Sedan and the Hatchback, the Hatchback has something that the Sedan doesn't have, which is a torsion beam rear suspension.
3.4. Acceleration and top speed capabilities
A similar story is told here for the sedan. Any sedan with an "S" in the trim level (Sport) will have a 2.0L motor making 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft torque, making the sedan marginally slower here. The Sport trim sedans or any sedan with a "T" after the model number will have the same setup as the hatchback with the 1.5L turbo motor. This time, however, the CVT Sport sedans will actually be slightly quicker than the turbo hatch. The 0-60 time for the sedan is around 7.2 seconds. The reason for this is that the Sport sedan weighs about 50 to 100 pounds less than the equivalent hatchback. The difference in weight and better aerodynamics of the sedan give it a slight edge in speed over the hatch with the same motor.
The acceleration capabilities of the hatchback vary slightly across the range due to the differences in weight between the trims. The EX and up trims for the hatchback come equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged motor. This power plant provides 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. When paired with the CVT transmission, this motor will propel the hatch from 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is just under a second faster than the average time for the compact car class. The LX model hatchback uses the same motor but also has a 6-speed manual option. Because of the lighter weight of the manual transmission, the LX will be the quickest of the range, doing the 0-60 sprint in about 7.4 seconds.
4. Features and Technology
Advanced safety and protection are highlighted in the 2023 Civic with the implementation of Honda Sensing technology. This encompasses adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, traffic jam assist, and traffic sign recognition. Previous iterations of Honda's adaptive cruise control have taken some criticism in the past for being too slow to react, resulting in a 'jerky' feel, but Honda claims to have rectified this with the new system. The all-new traffic jam assist feature is designed for stop/go traffic and is intended to reduce driver stress in such conditions. It is clear that Honda is looking to put a strong emphasis on taking the stress out of regular driving situations. In terms of passive safety systems, the new Civic should see improved crash performance and pedestrian protection with the implementation of Honda's next-generation ACE body structure and the latest version of its pedestrian injury mitigation body design. Advanced infotainment and connectivity options are also a standout feature of the new Civic. A new single camera, single-screen version of Honda's LaneWatch camera comes with better resolution and is said to be quicker in identifying potential hazards. This new system is likely a cost-cutting measure from the previous generation dual-camera and screen system, but claimed to be just as effective. An all-new instrument display is also introduced to the 2023 Civic. This 7-inch digital display will be standard across all trim levels and is a significant improvement from the previous generation analogue speedometer/digital tachometer combination seen in base models. Finally, the implementation of an all-new Bose sound system, available only in the Touring trim, is the cherry on top for in-car audio.
4.1. Advanced safety and driver-assistance systems
Safe to say that some advanced features will set in-cabin safety standards between sedan and hatchback. For both the Civic Sedan and Hatchback, a rear seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder enhance child safety. With a rear passenger airbag system and updated safety systems on the IIHS and NHTSA, it is safe to say safety marks a home run for the 2023 Civic. Now, where it is important to identify safety features between the hatchback and sedan is the entire vehicle structure. IIHS safety ratings test various collision scenarios. With both vehicles sharing the same platform, it is safe to assume that they will yield identical safety ratings. An addendum would be hatchbacks traditionally performing well in rear collision scenarios due to a more compact rear end, although this may not differ much from the sedan.
Exhibit A: More crucial than ever, safety sells. In addition to Honda's commitment to "Safety for Everyone", it seems that the message is getting across. Last year, Honda Sensing was offered standard on all trims of the Civic, although it was lacking some features. It is safe to assume that in 2023, should a hatchback version materialize, it will offer the same Sensing package on all trims of the hatchback. Sedan offerings remain to be more concrete. Honda Sensing features include (bold for standard equipment, for lacking on some trims): - Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) - Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)* - Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)* - Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS)* - Forward Collision Warning (FCW) - Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
4.2. Infotainment and connectivity options
They both sedans and hatchbacks come with the same 7.0-inch instrument cluster and 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trim levels get an upgraded 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Smartphone connectivity is made easy in both trims with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto being available. Aside from the previously mentioned features, both the sedan and hatchback come with a 12-speaker Bose sound system, wireless charging, USB ports for the rear, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. In terms of audio quality, the sedan and hatchback both come with the same amount of speakers and the same audio system. With both vehicles also getting the same smartphone connectivity, sound system, and various connectivity options, it is clear that both of these vehicles have equal infotainment and connectivity options. Both vehicles share the same exact instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. On the EX sedans, Touring sedans, and Sport hatchbacks and higher trims, an optional navigation is available, and both the sedan and hatchback can take advantage of this feature. With the sedan having slightly more passenger space than the hatchback, it can be more practical to have a navigation system in the sedan. Should you choose to connect your iPhone or any other iOS device, the sedan's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is available via a wireless connection, compared to only wireless Apple CarPlay on the hatchback. Wireless phone charging is also available in these trims, but the hatchback only has one USB port next to the driver's seat at these levels. Lower trims will have the base connectivity features; in terms of sedans, this is the LX and Sport, with the hatchback having these features at the LX and Sport Touring levels. Due to lower trims lacking a touchpad, volume and tuning knobs are present; in higher trims, these knobs are replaced with touch-sensitive bars.
4.3. Comfort and convenience features
Standard comfort and convenience features in both the Civic sedan and hatchback include single-zone automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, push-button start and remote engine start (on CVT models). Both also offer heated front seats and side mirrors, and a one-touch power moonroof. In all but the base sedan trim, an 8-way power driver's seat provides added adjustability. The Hatchback Sport has the same seat but with a leather covering and the top Touring trim adds power adjustability for the front passenger. The most significant differences are in the power front-seat options. The Sedan Touring has a 4-way power front passenger's seat while the Hatchback Sport and above trims have a 60/40 split folding rear seat with a cargo area pass through in place of the fixed seat with center armrest in the sedan. This allows rear seat passengers a choice of seating near the front passenger's seat or expanding the cargo capacity. This difference in rear seat design reflects the difference between a sedan that emphasizes passenger comfort and a hatchback that places higher priority on carrying cargo and recreation equipment. The only hatchback-exclusive convenience feature is a cargo cover that comes with the Sport model.
4.4. Upgrades and available packages
In addition to the updated styling, the Civic Hatchback now offers a manual transmission on the top-of-the-line Sport Touring grade, in line with the rest of the Civic lineup. The 6-speed manual is mated to the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. The Sport Touring model also adds a new LogR Datalogger system that is exclusive to the manual transmission, which is aimed at helping drivers improve their skills with data-logging and providing feedback designed to improve driving proficiency.
All trims feature new alloy wheel designs, with upper-level trims featuring a new 18-inch wheel finished in Obsidian Blue Pearl. For added visual pop, the Sport Touring receives a new 18-inch alloy wheel with an exclusive all-black treatment.
Civic Hatchback The 2020 Civic Hatchback with updated styling features substantial changes to its exterior and interior that result in a bold, sporty new look. The updated exterior is underscored by new body-colored crossbars on the lower rear bumper, a concept-inspired look to the rear bumper, and a high-gloss black window surround.
The Civic Sedan and Hatchback will be available with a range of upgrades and available packages. These include the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, an all-new, more powerful and fuel-efficient 1.5-liter turbo engine, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a wide variety of accessory items including a Honda Factory Performance (HFP) package and Type R-like visuals. In addition, the 2020 Civic Sedan and Civic Si models introduce new colors and features.
References:
de Araújo, Fernando Wesley Cavalcanti, Guilherme Medeiros Soares de Andrade, Maurício Pereira Magalhães de Novaes Santos, and Fábio Santana Magnani. "Evolution of the brazilian passenger car from 2003 to 2018: technology, price, emissions, market, and policy." OBSERVATÓRIO DE LA ECONOMÍA LATINOAMERICANA 21, no. 7 (2023): 7629-7659. observatoriolatinoamericano.com
Manek, H. "Estimating the Physics of an Automobile Collision from Images." (2021). bac-lac.gc.ca
Nuha, W. U. and Joedawinata, A. "Sporty Design on the Body of the Honda Civic Gen 10." ARTic (2021). unikom.ac.id