The 2022 Honda Civic Si: What Critics Like and Hate

Car enthusiasts expected notable updates to the Honda Civic Si when Honda announced a reboot after a year-long manufacturing hiatus—but does the ride measure up?
Written by Clare Behe
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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Honda Civic driving on a forest road
The
2022 Honda Civic Si
was much anticipated by drivers and critics alike, especially since Honda did not produce a
2021 model
. But now that it’s dropped
,
the reviews are in and opinions are mixed. From the price to the tech specs, here’s what critics love and hate about the new Si.

What critics say about the Civic Si’s interior

They love the value. Despite increasing in price by almost $2,000, it’s still the most affordable sports sedan on the market. Up from $25,500 MSRP in 2020, the 2022 Si starts at $27,300—a sticker price that aligns with recent economic inflation and is justifiable based on the
resale value
of a Honda alone.
Fuel efficiency is similar to previous models at 27 MPG city driving, 37 MPG on the highway, and 31 MPG combined, according to
Car and Driver
. That’s a good mark for an everyday car, especially a sporty one.
Critics also love the stylish updates. Across the board, they have raved about the broad, supportive front seats with their generous legroom and ‘90’s-esque burgundy backing. Red accents punctuate the dash, highlighting a sleek and intuitive HVAC system. Critics also appreciated the crisp Bose sound system, a new feature that furthers the Si’s reputation as a practical car with a more upmarket experience.  
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What critics say about the Civic Si's performance

MORE: Honda Made a Car, and They’re Only Selling It in California
As for driving, the reports on the powertrain are a mixed bag. Horsepower dropped from 205hp in the 2020 model to 200hp in the 2022 model. But the engine has a higher performance capacity, with an rpm upgrade from 5700 to 6000. 
While some critics noted that a downgrade in horses isn’t generally considered an improvement, others were quick to point out that it doesn’t negatively impact the driving experience, which is overall notably smoother.
Another complaint regarding the powertrain metrics is the obvious lag. There are reports that post-third gear, the turbo struggles to catch up and simply doesn’t match the stats of the 2020 model. The reverse is also an issue, with 100mph to stop taking over a hundred yards. 
That being said, the flywheel has shed thirty percent of its previous weight, allowing for a responsive driving experience and offsetting the would-be extra weight of a superior noise reduction system.

What critics say about driving experience

More: The Honda CR-V Packs a Surprising Amount of Room Into a Compact SUV
The pros of the Si’s performance are near-unanimously attributed to the streamlined driving experience. It’s still a six-speed manual transmission, but with the addition of rev-match—you can opt-in or out using the 9” HD color touchscreen where you also have driving mode selections of Normal, Sport, or the customizable “Individual Mode”— you can enjoy the thrill and skill of driving stick with the smooth ride of a veteran racer. 
The wheel is more stable, offering the sensation of tighter control. That, and combined with the stiffer suspension, the Si has the capability to whip around corners, hugging tight angles as if you’re not driving a mid-price sedan. 

Safety and insurance

The
safety features
are on par with other 2022 vehicles, with traffic sign recognition, a blind spot information system, and driver attention alert all coming standard.
It never hurts to equip as many safety features as possible on your vehicle, but even the highest quality technology won’t prevent 100% against accidents—which is why it’s crucial to have an insurance plan that will protect you, your loved ones, and your car! 
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