Showdown Of The Streets: Honda Civic Vs. Civic Sport – Which One Reigns Supreme?
What To Know
- It features a unique front fascia with a honeycomb grille, a black rear spoiler, and 18-inch alloy wheels with a black finish.
- In contrast, the standard Civic has a more subdued and understated appearance, with a chrome grille, smaller wheels, and a less aggressive front bumper.
- Both the Honda Civic and Civic Sport come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
The Honda Civic and Civic Sport are two popular compact cars known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and sporty handling. While both models share many similarities, there are several key differences that set them apart. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the details of the Honda Civic vs Civic Sport, examining their features, performance, safety, and overall value to help you make an informed decision when choosing your next vehicle.
Performance: Civic Sport Delivers Exhilarating Driving Experience
The Civic Sport stands out in the performance department. It features a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, providing a spirited and engaging driving experience. This engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offering a smooth and responsive ride. In contrast, the standard Civic LX, EX, and Touring trims come with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. While it offers adequate power for everyday driving, the Civic Sport’s turbocharged engine delivers a noticeable boost in acceleration and overall driving excitement.
Handling and Driving Dynamics: Civic Sport Offers Sharper Handling
The Civic Sport also excels in handling and driving dynamics. It features a sport-tuned suspension, which provides a more agile and responsive ride compared to the standard Civic. The steering is precise and communicative, offering excellent feedback to the driver. Additionally, the Civic Sport comes with larger wheels and tires, which enhance grip and stability, especially during spirited driving. The standard Civic, on the other hand, offers a more comfortable ride, with a softer suspension that absorbs bumps and road imperfections better. However, it may feel less engaging to enthusiasts who prioritize sporty handling.
Exterior Styling: Civic Sport Boasts Sporty and Aggressive Design
The Honda Civic Sport distinguishes itself from the standard Civic with its sporty and aggressive exterior styling. It features a unique front fascia with a honeycomb grille, a black rear spoiler, and 18-inch alloy wheels with a black finish. The side skirts and rear diffuser add to the Civic Sport’s athletic stance. In contrast, the standard Civic has a more subdued and understated appearance, with a chrome grille, smaller wheels, and a less aggressive front bumper. The Civic Sport’s sportier design is sure to turn heads and appeal to buyers who value a more dynamic and visually striking vehicle.
Interior Design and Features: Civic Sport Offers Enhanced Comfort and Convenience
Inside, the Civic Sport offers a more upscale and feature-rich cabin compared to the standard Civic. It comes with sport seats that provide excellent support and bolstering, along with red stitching and accents throughout the interior. The Civic Sport also features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Additionally, the Civic Sport includes a premium audio system with nine speakers, providing a more immersive sound experience. In comparison, the standard Civic has cloth seats, a smaller touchscreen display, and a less comprehensive audio system.
Safety Features: Both Civic and Civic Sport Offer Comprehensive Safety Suites
Both the Honda Civic and Civic Sport come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the Civic Sport adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, providing drivers with enhanced visibility and peace of mind on the road. These advanced safety features make the Civic and Civic Sport some of the safest compact cars on the market.
Fuel Efficiency: Standard Civic Leads in Fuel Economy
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the standard Honda Civic holds the advantage over the Civic Sport. The Civic LX, EX, and Touring trims with the 2.0-liter engine achieve an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway with the CVT. The Civic Sport, with its turbocharged engine, returns an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway with the CVT. While the difference in fuel economy is not significant, it may be a deciding factor for buyers who prioritize maximum fuel efficiency.
Value for Money: Civic Offers More Affordable Options, Civic Sport Delivers Enhanced Performance and Features
The Honda Civic offers a wider range of trim levels and pricing options compared to the Civic Sport. The Civic LX serves as the base model, providing a good balance of features and affordability. Moving up the trim levels, buyers can opt for the EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, which offer progressively more features and amenities. The Civic Sport, on the other hand, is positioned as a sportier and more premium variant, with a higher starting price than the standard Civic. While it offers enhanced performance and features, buyers should consider whether the additional cost is justified for their needs and preferences.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Honda Civic and Civic Sport ultimately depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If fuel efficiency is your top concern, the standard Civic LX, EX, and Touring trims provide excellent mileage without sacrificing comfort and features. However, if you prioritize sporty handling, a more powerful engine, and a more aggressive design, the Civic Sport is the clear choice. It offers an exhilarating driving experience, sharper handling, and a more upscale interior, making it a great option for enthusiasts who value performance and style.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which model has better fuel economy, the Civic or the Civic Sport?
A: The standard Honda Civic LX, EX, and Touring trims with the 2.0-liter engine offer better fuel economy than the Civic Sport, achieving up to 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway compared to the Civic Sport’s 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.
Q: Does the Civic Sport have more horsepower than the standard Civic?
A: Yes, the Civic Sport features a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, compared to the standard Civic’s naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which model has a more aggressive exterior design, the Civic or the Civic Sport?
A: The Civic Sport boasts a more aggressive and sporty exterior design compared to the standard Civic. It features a unique front fascia with a honeycomb grille, a black rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels with a black finish, side skirts, and a rear diffuser.
