2024 Honda Civic Pros and Cons & Competitor Insights

The 2024 Honda Civic brings contemporary styling and a roomy interior in a compact package ready for wherever the road takes you. It comes loaded with the latest tech, from the touchscreen to smartphone integration and handy driver assists. Whether commuting or road tripping, the Civic aims to deliver a fun driving experience along with excellent efficiency.

In this review, we'll take an objective look at how the tech-focused Civic stacks up against rivals like the Mazda3 and Hyundai Elantra. We'll assess its strengths and weaknesses to help determine if the Civic is a good fit for shoppers wanting an enjoyable compact car with the latest gadgets. Our goal is to provide an unbiased perspective on what this Honda offers for your needs and budget. Read on to see if the 2024 Civic has a place in your driveway!

The Quick Breakdown

• Fuel-sipping efficiency: Civic dominates rivals with top mileage, tech & safety features, but lacks hybrid option and manual gears in all trims.

• Award-winning: rated with 5-star safety, but competitors like Mazda3 and Elantra offer luxury or hybrid choices.

• Enjoyable driving dynamics, limited options: Responsive performance and good size interior, but manual lovers only get hatchback and eco-conscious drivers miss a hybrid.

• Competitive field: Civic shines, but rivals like Forte impress with affordability and Elantra with its hybrid option. Consider all sides before choosing!

What We Like: Ten Pros

The current generation Honda Civic, including the 2024 Honda Civic gets good fuel economy, delivers responsive performance, has a comfortable interior, and comes with lots of standard technology and safety features. This makes it a a good consideration if you're looking for a compact car.

Let's take a closer look at these benefits compared to rival compacts like the Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra. The Civic really stands out in areas that matter most to drivers.

1. Good Fuel Economy

The 2024 Honda Civic gets really good gas mileage with its standard 2.0L four-cylinder engine. The EPA says it gets about 35 mpg combined city and highway driving. Upgrading to the 1.5L turbocharged engine gets you even better fuel efficiency at around 36 mpg combined. (up to 33 mpg city and 42 mpg highway.)

The Civics' gas mileage makes it compete well against other gas powered cars. The following is a comparison of EPA fuel mileage ratings of the Civic's closest competitors:

(City/Highway/Combined MPG)

• Mazda 3: 27 MPG City, 37 MPG Hwy, 31 MPG Combined.

• Hyundai Elantra: 32 MPG City, 41 MPG Hwy, 36 MPG Combined. (Hyundai Elantra hybrid gets 54 mpg combined)

• Kia Forte: 28 MPG City, 39 MPG Hwy, 32 MPG Combined.

• Subaru Impreza: 27 MPG City, 34 MPG Hwy, 30 MPG Combined.

• Volkswagen Jetta: 30 MPG City, 41 MPG Hwy, 34 MPG Combined.

• Toyota Corolla: 32 MPG City, 41 MPG Hwy, 35 MPG Combined. (Corolla Hybrid gets 50 MPG combined)

Compared to the competition, the Civic holds its own for fuel economy. Only the Elantra comes close. (Reference source: EPA)

2. Performance and Handling

Drivers who love being behind the wheel will really enjoy the 2024 Honda Civic's responsive handling and quick moves. Here are some key features of the 2024 Civic's performance:

• The standard 2.0 liter four cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque gives plenty of power for most driving.

• For more power, the available 1.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine adds excitement with 180 HP and 177 lb ft of torque. According to MotorTrend, the 2024 Civic goes from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 7.3 seconds.

• It can corner at speeds up to 0.85 g.

• Braking distance from 60 to 0 mph is just 110 feet.

(Reference source: MOTORTREND)

The 2024 Civic handles smoothly and turns easily, making it fun on curvy roads. Its low center of gravity helps it stay planted in corners. The six-speed manual transmission available in the hatchback model adds engagement for driving fans. J.D. Power rated the Driving Experience as great with an 81/100. (if performance handling is a priority to you, the Civic Type R is worth looking at. It has a 315-hp turbocharged engine. But it will cost you. It is priced at $45,890.)

3. Well-Designed Comfortable Interior with Room to Spare

Well-Designed Comfortable Interior

The inside of the 2024 Honda Civic has:

• A simple, functional design

• An uncluttered dashboard

• A cool honeycomb mesh pattern that hides the air vents

• Nice quality materials all over the cabin

• Comfy cloth or leather seats depending on the trim level

There is plenty of room inside the 2024 Civic. The front and rear seats offer space to stretch out and adjust. The big trunk provides 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space. This makes the Civic practical for daily driving or road trips.

The modern design, comfort, and cargo space make the 2024 Civic a compelling compact cars. It shows why Honda's Civic lineup is so popular.

4. Rated #1 Compact Car for the 2024 Model Year

J.D. Power rates the Honda Civic as number one in its segment and rates it great in three of there categories.  They gave it a score of 83/100. They made it there top pick in it class. There ratings are as follows:

• Quality & Reliability: 82/100

• Driving Experience: 81/100

• Resale Value: 88/100

Compared the the Competition:

• #1 Honda Civic: 83

• #1 Kia Forte: 83

• #2 Subaru Impreza: 80

• #3 Volkswagen Jetta: 79

• #3 Mazda Mazda3: 79

• #3 Hyundai Elantra: 79

• #4 Toyota Corolla: 77

(Reference source: J.D. Power)

It was chosen as the number one top pick in its class by Car and Driver, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, Motor Trend and JD Power. It is rare to see any vehicle get chosen as a top pick by all of these sources. Consumer Reports has the Civic on its CR Recommended list.

5. Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Features

The 2024 Civic comes packed with advanced safety tech to help keep you protected on the road. Let's look at some of the key features:

• Collision Mitigation Braking can automatically brake to prevent frontal collisions - super helpful!

• Lane Departure Warning alerts you if you start drifting out of your lane unintentionally.

• Adaptive Cruise Control makes highway driving easier by maintaining a set distance from the car in front.

• Automatic Emergency Braking detects an impending collision and can brake automatically to avoid or reduce impact.

• The Lane Keeping Assist system provides gentle steering input to keep you centered in your lane.

• The multi-angle rearview camera gives you expanded visibility when backing up.

These Honda Sensing aids use automated braking and steering cues to help avoid accidents. Pretty handy tech!

Higher Civic trim levels add even more protection like Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. These look out for vehicles around you when changing lanes or backing up.

With its array of standard and available driver assists, the Civic aims to provide convenience while helping keep you safe out on the road. The extra features on higher trims give you even more peace of mind.

(Reference Source: Honda USA)

6. Five Star-Safety Ratings

The safety features on both sedan and hatchback forms, contribute to the 2024 Honda Civics' 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In case you roll it over, they also gave it 5 stars for their rollover test. The2023 Honda Civic also received a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

(Reference sources: NHTSA, IIHS)

7. Cutting-Edge Tech and Infotainment Features

The 2024 Honda Civic has a bunch of technology and entertainment features. These include:

• 7 Inch Color Touchscreen displays (9 inch on the Touring trim)

• Smartphone connection

• Bluetooth

• Works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Voice controls

• Navigation system

• Wi-Fi hotspot

• USB ports

These features make sure drivers can stay connected and entertained while driving. The Civic has the tech options you'd want in a modern ride.

8. Sizable Touchscreen Displays and Digital Gauge Cluster

Equipped with sizable touchscreen displays

The 2024 Civic has two touchscreen options - a basic 7.0-inch screen on all models, and a bigger 9.0-inch screen on the Touring model. Both screens are easy to use and work with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, voice controls, and a 6-speaker audio system. The 9.0-inch screen also offers wireless CarPlay and Android Auto.

In addition to the touchscreens, the 2024 Civic has a 10.2-inch digital dashboard display on the EX-L and Touring models. This customizable screen shows important stuff like speed, gas level, and navigation directions. It also displays safety features like blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning.

9. Connectivity and Smartphone Integration Features

The 2024 Civic has lots of features to keep you connected while driving. Here are some of them:

• It has standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can easily use apps from your phone on the car's screens.

• It has Bluetooth to make and take calls hands-free.

• The HondaLink system lets you lock/unlock the car, start the engine, and track the location using your phone.

If you get the Touring model, you also get wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. These high-tech options make the new Civic great for tech-focused drivers.

10. Offers a Range of Trim Levels to Suit Various Needs

The Civic offers value. Even base Civics are reasonably well-equipped. Higher trims add lots of upscale features for the money. The Civic is available as a both a Civic sedan or hatchback. Here is a brief overview of what trims are available:

• LX - The base Civic starts at $25,045 and comes equipped with Honda Sensing safety features.

• Sport - Adds styling upgrades like 18" wheels for $26,645.

• EX - Includes a moonroof, aluminum alloy wheels, and heated seats for $28,045.

• Touring - Top-of-the-line sedan with leather upholstery trimmed seats, navigation and premium audio for $31,645.

• LX Hatchback - Starts at $26,045 with similar features to sedan LX.

• Sport Hatchback - The hatchback Sport adds styling upgrades for $27,445.

• EX-L Hatchback - Equipped with a moonroof, leather seats, and more for $29,745.

• Sport Touring Hatchback - Loaded with navigation, premium audio at $32,545.

Where We Think it Could Could Improve (Five Cons)

Even though it has a lot going for it, the 2024 Honda Civic does have some downsides. Limited options for manual transmission and just okay warranty/maintenance coverage could turn some people away. Let's take a closer look at these areas that could be better.

1. Higher Starting Price and Lacking Advanced Features than Rivals (Starts at $25,045)

Buying a 2024 Honda Civic means you'll spend more. The base model, the LX sedan, starts at $25,045. The LX hatchback starts at $26,045. Other compact cars in the same class cost less and come with more features.

Compared to its rivals, the Civic is lacking in a mixed bag of features that many consumers may want:

1. It only has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on the top trim. You have to connect with a wire. The Kia Forte does offer wireless on the base LX trim. It also has only one USB port so only one device can charge at a time. The Elantra, Mazda 3, and Forte have two.

2. The Civic does not come with SOS or automatic collision notification. Rivals like the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 and Kia Forte all offer it. Although it is subscription based.

3. Convenient features like remote locking/unlocking and remote engine-start are not available at all. Again, all listed competitors above have this as standard features.

The Base LX and Sport trims lack advanced safety features like Blind Spot Information System, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and Parking Sensors (front and rear). For the same price as a base Civic, you can buy the competitors higher trims with those features. And get heated front seats and a larger touchscreen.

For example, The Hyundai Elantra Sel starts at $24,725. It has a blind spot information system and the rear cross traffic monitor. Plus it comes with a 10.25 inch touchscreen.

The kia soul GT trim starts at $25,845 ($800 more than the Civic base.). It has all the missing safety feature on the civic, plus a 10.25 touchscreen.

Comparing the Civic base LX features to the higher trims of its competitors may help you find the missing features you really want. And for a similar price. At the end of the day, you will have to weigh all the pros and cons to find what is right for you.

The competitors starting prices are as follows:

• Hyundai Elantra ($22,775 )

• Kia Forte ($20,915)

• Subaru Impreza ($24,115)

• Toyota Corolla ($23,145)

2. Lacking a Civic Hybrid Model

The 2024 Honda Civic has many good points. But, there is still no hybrid powertrain option. It is coming in the 2025 model year. This is a big let down for some buyers who seek eco-friendly cars. It means that the car might use more gas than a hybrid would.

Others in this class like the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra provide a hybrid system. The Corolla Hybrid get up to 50 mpg combine, while the Civic gets up to 36 mpg. Its a significant savings at the pump but hybrids will cost about 3k more. So, the lack of hybrid technology in the new Civic makes it less appealing to those wanting fuel-saving benefits that come with hybrids.

3. Limited Manual Transmission Options

For drivers who love shifting gears themselves, the 2024 Civic may be con. It only offers a six-speed manual transmission on the hatchback model. So the options are limited if you want to shift your own gears.

But it's worth mentioning the continuously variable transmission (CVT) on other Civic models shifts smoothly and efficiently. It may not be as fun as a manual, but the CVT gets praise for quickly responding to the engine and getting good gas mileage and decent acceleration.

4. Average Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The 2024 Honda Civic has pretty standard warranty and maintenance coverage. It doesn't quite stack up to competitors like the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte that offer more complete coverage.

The Civic has a limited bumper-to-bumper warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles. Its powertrain warranty is limited to 5 years or 60,000 miles.

While these terms aren't bad, some rival compact cars do have better warranties. Although similar to the Mazda 3 and Subaru Impreza, the Hyundai Elantra has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic and 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain warranty. Another competitor, the Kia Forte also has the 5 year basic and 10 year powertrain.

For buyers who really prioritize long warranty coverage, the 2024 Civic may not be the most suitable pick. But it's important to look at the full package, including the Civic's reputation for reliability and resale value.

5. Available with Front-Wheel Drive Only

The civic offers two-wheel drive only. For those of you that make all wheel drive a priority, you will be better off looking at the Subaru Impreza or the Mazda 3.

Competitors to Consider

In the dynamic world of compact cars, the 2024 Honda Civic faces tough competition from capable rivals such as the Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla. All of these vehicles have there own strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, it depends on your specific preferences, priorities and budget when choosing between them. We can however, base on our decades of experience at the dealership level, break through the confusion and provide logical recommendations based on comparing there respective strengths.

Vs Mazda 3 ($25,335 to $36,615)

Civic Strengths vs Mazda3:

• More passenger space (99.7 cu ft vs 93.5 cu ft)

• Higher fuel economy - 30/38 mpg vs 25/35 mpg (city/highway)

• More standard driver assistance features

Civic Weaknesses vs Mazda3:

• Less cargo space - 14.8 cu ft vs 20.1 cu ft behind rear seats

• Base engine less powerful - 158 hp vs 186 hp

• Interior materials not as premium

The Mazda3 is well-suited for:

The Mazda3 shines for drivers seeking a sportier driving experience and upscale interior quality. The more powerful engine provides nimble handling, while the premium cabin materials create an elevated aesthetic. The expanded cargo room also adds practicality. For those wanting driving enjoyment and style, the Mazda3 is an appealing compact car choice.

Vs Hyundai Elantra ($22,775 to $29,615)

Civic Strengths vs Elantra:

• More front legroom (42.3 in vs 42.1 in) and rear legroom (37.4 in vs 35.7 in)

• Higher city (30 mpg vs 28 mpg) and highway (38 mpg vs 38 mpg) fuel economy

• More standard driver assists like Collision Mitigation Braking and Lane Keep Assist

Civic Weaknesses vs Elantra:

• Less cargo capacity (14.8 cu ft vs 14.2 cu ft) behind rear seats

• Base infotainment screen smaller at 7 in vs 8 in on Elantra

• Shorter powertrain warranty coverage at 60k miles vs 100k miles

The Elantra is best suited for:

With its eye-catching styling, user-friendly tech and lengthy warranty, the Elantra caters to buyers wanting more than just basic transportation. If you appreciate modern aesthetics and the latest gadgets, the Elantra provides that in an affordable package. And the longer powertrain coverage provides peace of mind. The Elantra meets the needs of shoppers wanting comfort, innovation and protection in their next compact car.

Vs Subaru Impreza ($24,115 to $28,975)

Civic Strengths vs Impreza:

• Better fuel economy - 30/38 mpg vs 28/36 mpg (city/highway)

• More front legroom - 42.3 in vs 43.1 in

• Higher reliability rating - 4/5 vs 3/5

Civic Weaknesses vs Impreza:

• Less all-wheel drive options - FWD only vs AWD standard

• Worse ground clearance - 5.9 in vs 8.7 in

• Smaller infotainment screen - 7 in vs 8 in

The Impreza is well-suited for:

With standard all-wheel drive and ample ground clearance, the Impreza stands out for buyers needing traction and capability. Its Symmetrical AWD system provides grip in inclement weather, while the higher ride height allows better snow/off-road handling. For those wanting an affordable compact with real versatility, the Impreza is a smart choice.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to a roomy, fuel-sipping compact car packed with features, the 2024 Honda Civic is a solid pick, especially for families and daily commuters. Sure, it misses the mark if you're dead set on getting a hybrid or manual transmission. But with its good MPG, cushy cabin, and loads of safety tech, this Civic has a lot going for it. Now if you need to pinch pennies or a hybrid's a must, the Elantra or Forte may fit the bill better. At the end of the day, choosing the right compact comes down to your needs and what's most important in your next car. The Civic does nicely match up, but make sure to weigh your priorities before deciding.

Note: This article is based on our research and expert reviews. We are not affiliated with Honda or any other automaker and do not receive any compensation for our reviews. This information is based on our opinions and the opinions of the expert reviewers we have referenced.