PERFORMANCE

The 2021 Civic sedan and coupe come standard with a 2.0-liter I-4—on the 2018 model, the engine makes 158 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque, and is paired to a standard six-speed manual or an optional CVT. A 1.5-liter turbo-four is optional on the sedan and coupe, and standard on the hatchback and Si models. Power output for the 2018 model is 174 hp and 162 lb-ft (167 lb-ft with the manual) on the sedan, coupe and hatchback—we’ll update this space with official 2021 Civic specs as soon as they’re available. The 2018-model-year Sport hatchback models are a little more potent at 180 hp and 177 lb-ft with the manual; opting for the CVT keeps torque at 162 lb-ft.

Si models for the 2018 model year are rated at 205 hp and 192 lb-ft. The most powerful Civic is the Type R, which features a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 306 hp and 295 lb-ft.  Si and Type R models come exclusively with a manual transmission.

SAFETY

Although the 2021 Civic hasn’t been crash tested by the NHTSA and IIHS,  the 2018 model received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars). In IIHS testing, the 2018 Civic received a Good rating in crashworthiness tests and a Superior rating in the front crash prevention test after it avoided collisions in 12- and 25-mph tests (Superior is the highest score in the front crash prevention test).

All 2021 Civics now come standard with the Honda Sensing suite, which adds forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and road departure mitigation. Honda’s LaneWatch system is available only on higher trims. It’s fair to say that the Civic officially found its way out of the woods back when Honda introduced this latest generation in 2016. For nearly a decade prior, we were underwhelmed with the Civic’s design and quality. But Honda got this latest 10th-generation Civic right and, for now, is content to polish at the margins.