2022 BMW i4 vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the tradition of segment-defining models that Honda released every decade or so. With its 10th-generation design, the Civic sedan offered a mix of love-it-or-hate-it styling that had become familiar on American roads. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, presented a striking appearance, though opinions varied depending on the angle and lighting. Inside, the Civic's cabin, while not as dramatic as when first introduced, still featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing. However, the infotainment screen size of 7 inches showed its age, even as the interior space and trunk capacity rivaled midsize cars from a decade prior.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW i4's styling closely resembled the gasoline-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe, with its oversized grille and fastback roofline. The i4's design was polarizing, but it boasted improved aerodynamics over its sibling. The interior struck a balance between minimalism and traditional BMW elements, with a freestanding screen and familiar controls. Material quality met BMW's high standards, though the seats felt flat and lacked bolstering. The i4 offered a spacious feel despite limited side glass, and the center console was efficiently designed. However, cargo space was limited compared to competitors, and the absence of a front trunk was notable.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options. The base LX and Sport trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While adequate, the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims delivered 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering made it enjoyable to drive, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the CVT was a drawback, with its droning nature and ineffective paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic achieved impressive fuel economy, averaging 34.8 mpg on a test loop.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered two powertrain options. The base i4 eDrive40 produced 335 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The M50 model, with its two-motor setup, delivered 536 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The i4's handling was enhanced by its low center of gravity, rear air suspension, and adaptive M suspension in the M50. The Dynamic Handling Package further improved the driving experience, providing a smooth ride and precise steering. The i4's regenerative braking system offered a natural pedal feel, though the adaptive recuperation system was less convincing.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan sat low to the ground, making entry and exit a bit of a workout. Once inside, the Civic offered comfortable seating, though rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents. The driver's seat provided eight-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's interior was spacious, with excellent rear seat support and a well-designed center console offering ample storage. The trunk was generous, with 15.1 cubic feet of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2022 BMW i4's seating position was low, despite the battery pack beneath the floor. The fastback roof limited headroom, but the interior felt open and airy. The center console was efficiently designed, though the seats were flat and lacked bolstering. The i4 offered folding rear seats, but cargo space was limited to 10 cubic feet. The hatchback design provided a wider opening for loading, but the absence of a front trunk was a drawback.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was dated, with the base LX trim offering a 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker sound system. The EX trim added HD Radio and SiriusXM, while the Touring trim included navigation and a premium audio system. The voice recognition system was unsophisticated, and the premium sound system was a nice addition, though the eight-speaker setup sufficed.

The 2022 BMW i4 featured the latest iDrive8 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, navigation, and OTA updates. The i4 also offered a head-up display, Harman Kardon audio, wireless charging, and 5G connectivity. The user experience was familiar to BMW drivers, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition system making the touchscreen largely unnecessary.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. LaneWatch, available from EX trim, provided a right-side camera view, though it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for the Touring trim and five-star ratings from the NHTSA in all assessments.

The 2022 BMW i4's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant. The Parking Assistant Package offered a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and Back-Up Assistant. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.