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2021 Honda Civic review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Honda Civic highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Upscale materials and a spacious cabin
  • Agile handling
  • Abundant cargo space

Cons

  • No Coupe or Si available
  • Infotainment system difficult to use
  • Some driver-assistance systems are overly sensitive

Mileage (EPA estimate)

22 city, 28 highway, 25 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

6 photos
Price
Year

A practical and fun-to-drive compact car.

Whether you're looking for a practical city commuter or a performance powerhouse on the track, the Honda Civic lineup has you covered. The 2021 Civic is available in both sedan and hatchback designs, as well as the sporty Type R and the eye-catching Limited Edition model. With four powertrain options and eight well-equipped trims loaded with high-tech features, you'll love starting and ending your day in this car. While we currently do not have many 2021 Honda Civics on our lots, we look forward to selling more in the future. If you love the 2021 model, you should also consider prior model years of the Honda Civic with similar features.

All Honda Civic years

What is new for the 2021 Honda Civic?

  • The Civic is available in a new trim called the Type-R Limited.
  • The SI trim has been discontinued for 2021.
  • The Sport trim now comes with Rear Spoiler as standard equipment.
  • The EX trim now comes with Rear Spoiler as standard equipment.
  • The EX-L trim now comes with Rear Spoiler as standard equipment.
  • The Touring trim now comes with Rear Spoiler as standard equipment.
  • The Type-R Touring trim now comes with Cloth Seats as standard equipment.

2021 Honda Civic trims

Curious how Honda Civic trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

LX:

  • 158-hp, 138-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • 174-hp, 162-lb-ft of torque 1.5L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera

Sport:

  • Includes all features available on the LX
  • 180-hp, 177-lb-ft of torque 1.5L
  • 180-hp, 162-lb-ft of torque 1.5L
  • Smart Key
  • Remote Start
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Manual Transmission
  • View our Honda Civic Sport inventory

Sport Touring:

EX:

EX-L:

Touring:

Type-R Touring:

Type-R Limited:

  • Includes all features available on the Type-R Touring
  • No significant upgrades found on the Type-R Limited

Honda Civic photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Honda Civic

1. Type R performance trim

2021 Honda Civic Review: Exterior | CarMax

If you're looking to push the limits on the track, the Honda Civic Type R has the performance and aerodynamics that you need. Anchored by a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, the 2021 Civic Type R embodies the spirit of a Honda racing legend. Vortex generators above the rear window channel air towards the wing spoiler for extra stability, while a rear diffuser reduces drag for enhanced performance at high speeds. New for 2021, the Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition also pays homage to past Type R models with an exclusive Phoenix Yellow exterior color and special suspension and steering tuning for maximum dominance on the road or track.

2. Comfortable commuter car

2021 Honda Civic Review: Hatchback | CarMax

The Honda Civic has been a long-time staple for drivers who commute and the 2021 model is no exception. With the turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission, the 2021 Civic sedan delivers an EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 42 mpg highway.

 This thrifty performance is matched with a roomy cabin that has plenty of space to carpool coworkers or friends, including 37.4 inches of rear-seat legroom in sedan models. With 15.1 cu-ft of cargo volume (sedan LX, Sport, EX, EX-L trims), the Civic has ample space to carry groceries or personal belongings in the trunk.

3. Engaging dynamics

2021 Honda Civic Review: Front seats | CarMax

The 2021 Civic is known for its smooth handling and controlled ride, but this model is anything but bland. Responsive steering and quick cornering make the 2021 Civic fun to drive, while the car's firmer brake feel is easy to modulate. Striking a balance between comfort and driver engagement, the Civic is a well-rounded choice for city escapades or taking road trips with friends.

4. Connectivity features

2021 Honda Civic Review: Cell | CarMax

If you're looking for a sedan or hatchback to keep you connected to the home or office, the 2021 Honda Civic is loaded with cool technologies. All models (except the base LX) include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, so you can get directions, make calls, and send and receive messages without taking your eyes off the road.

 A seven-inch touchscreen display also comes standard on all trims (except the LX) with customizable feature settings, as well as Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity. The standard USB port is very convenient for keeping devices charged on the go.

5. Many driver assists

2021 Honda Civic Review: Dashboard | CarMax

The 2021 Civic comes standard with many driver aids for your peace of mind. The collision-avoidance system provides visual, audible, and/or tactile alerts if you get too close to vehicles up ahead, while the lane-keeping system signals if you veer off course. All 2021 models also include a radar-based emergency braking system, which automatically applies brake pressure when it's most needed. Getting in and out of tight parking spots is made easier in the 2021 Civic with the inclusion of a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines on all trim levels.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2021 Honda Civic, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Nissan Sentra

Nissan Sentra

Aimed at young professionals, the 2019 Nissan Sentra exudes class. The 2019 Sentra sports the latest design language, evidenced by the attractive black and chrome V-Motion grille, boomerang-shaped head and taillights, and chrome door handles and window accents. A long, 106.3-inch wheelbase affords the sedan one of the largest interiors in its class at 110 cubic feet of total volume. Trunk capacity is equally practical at 15.1 cubic feet. Every 2019 Sentra comes with air conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, push-button start, and a back-up camera.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Honda Civic an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Honda Civic 3rd out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Honda Civic

Honda Civic features and specs

Type-R Touring 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Manual Transmission
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

306

Torque (ft-lbs)

295

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

12.4

Wheelbase

106.3"

Overall length

179.4"

Width

73.9"

Height

56.5"

Leg room

F 42.3"/R 35.9"

Head room

F 39.3"/R 37.4"

Front tires

P245/30YR20

Rear tires

P245/30YR20

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Manual 6

2021 Honda Civic FAQ

More about the 2021 Honda Civic

Color options

Exterior colors:

  • Aegean Blue Metallic (all sedan trims; only on Sport, EX hatchback trims)

  • Boost Blue Pearl (premium color; only on Type R trim)

  • Cosmic Blue Metallic (premium color; only on LX, EX, EX-L, Touring sedan trims)

  • Championship White (premium color; only on Type R trim)

  • Crystal Black Pearl (all sedan and hatchback trims; only on Type R trim)

  • Lunar Silver Metallic (all sedan trims; only on Sport, EX, Sport Touring hatchback trims)

  • Modern Steel Metallic (all sedan trims)

  • Molten Lava Pearl (premium color; only on LX, EX, EX-L, Touring sedan trims)

  • Phoenix Yellow (only on Type R Limited Edition trim)

  • Platinum White Pearl (premium color; all sedan and hatchback trims)

  • Polished Metal Metallic (all sedan and hatchback trims)

  • Rallye Red (all sedan trims; only on Sport, EX, Sport Touring hatchback trims and Type R trim)

  • Sonic Gray Pearl (premium color; only on Sport, EX, Sport Touring hatchback trims and Type R trim)

Interior details

  • Seating for five passengers

  • Rear seat heater ducts

  • 46.2 cu-ft of maximum cargo volume (hatchback models)

  • Heated front seat (sedan and hatchback EX and higher trims)

  • Leather-trimmed seats (sedan EX-L and higher and hatchback Sport Touring trims)

NHTSA Safety Ratings

The 2021 Honda Civic received an overall 5/5 rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.

Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.

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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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