2021 Honda Civic Sport Features and Review

The Honda Civic has long been a benchmark in the compact car segment, renowned for its unwavering reliability, impressive fuel efficiency, and a driving experience that consistently punches above its weight. But for those who crave a little more zest in their daily commute, the 2021 Honda Civic Sport trim emerged as a compelling option. Are you wondering if this specific model strikes the perfect balance between everyday practicality and engaging athleticism?

You're in the right place. This comprehensive pillar article will dive deep into the 2021 Honda Civic Sport features and review, exploring its distinctive design, dynamic performance, advanced interior technology, and robust safety systems. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of what made the 2021 Civic Sport a standout choice for drivers seeking a spirited yet sensible ride.

2021 Honda Civic Sport: Design That Commands Attention

The 2021 Honda Civic Sport immediately distinguishes itself from its more subdued siblings with a bolder, more assertive exterior. Honda's intention with the Sport trim was clear: infuse a sense of athleticism without venturing into the extreme performance territory of the Civic Type R.

Visually, the 2021 Civic Sport boasts a range of enhancements that contribute to its aggressive stance:

Distinctive Wheels: It rides on eye-catching 18-inch alloy wheels that fill the wheel wells nicely, giving it a more planted and dynamic look.
Black Accents: You'll notice sleek black accents on the grille and window trim, adding a touch of sporty sophistication.
Sporty Exhaust & Spoiler: Sedan models feature a sleek rear decklid spoiler, while the hatchback variant boasts a prominent center-mounted dual-outlet exhaust finisher, further amplifying its athletic appeal.
Lighting: LED daytime running lights are standard, providing a modern signature, and fog lights are also included, enhancing both visibility and style.

This combination of design elements gives the 2021 Civic Sport an aggressive yet refined appearance, ensuring it turns heads whether parked or cruising down the highway.

Step Inside: Comfort and Cutting-Edge Technology

The sporty theme continues subtly within the cabin of the 2021 Honda Civic Sport, blending an engaging driver-focused environment with practical comfort and modern technology.

Key interior features that elevate the Sport trim include:

Premium Touchpoints: Drivers will appreciate the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, which provide a more tactile and premium feel.
Convenience at Your Fingertips: Features like push-button start and automatic climate control system add a touch of modernity and ease to your daily drives.
Infotainment Hub: At the heart of the technology suite is a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system. This is a significant upgrade from the base model and includes crucial features like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, allowing seamless smartphone connectivity for navigation, music, and messaging.
Audio Experience: The Sport trim typically comes with an 8-speaker audio system, providing a richer sound experience.
Sport Pedals: Adding to the athletic ambiance, the Civic Sport features sport pedals.
Versatile Seating: The 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback enhances cargo versatility, allowing you to easily expand the storage area when needed.

When it comes to space, the 2021 Civic Sport offers ample room for up to five passengers. The sedan provides a cargo volume of 15.1 cubic feet, while the hatchback excels with 25.7 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to an impressive 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Thrilling Yet Practical Ride

Underneath its sporty exterior, the 2021 Honda Civic Sport offers a driving experience that balances everyday efficiency with surprising agility. But what powers this popular compact car?

Engine Options:
- Sedan Sport: Typically equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, it delivers 158 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 138 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm.
- Hatchback Sport: Often receives a more spirited 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, generating 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque (when using premium unleaded fuel). This offers a noticeable bump in performance, making the hatchback feel livelier.
Transmission Choices:
- Most 2021 Civic Sport models come with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), often paired with paddle shifters for a more engaging, manual-like experience.
- Crucially for enthusiasts, the 2021 Civic Sport Hatchback was also available with a 6-speed manual transmission, providing a direct connection to the road.
Handling & Ride Quality: Regardless of the engine, the 2021 Civic Sport benefits from Honda's renowned chassis tuning. It features a sport-tuned suspension that strikes a commendable balance between comfortable ride quality and agile handling. The steering is precise and responsive, making the Civic Sport feel nimble and confident through corners. This combination ensures the 2021 Civic Sport is genuinely fun to drive, whether navigating urban streets or enjoying a winding back road, without compromising on the comfort needed for longer journeys.
Fuel Economy: The 2021 Civic Sport sedan with the CVT achieves an EPA-estimated 29 MPG in the city, 37 MPG on the highway, and 32 MPG combined. The hatchback Sport with the CVT gets an estimated 29 MPG city and 35 MPG highway.

Advanced Safety Features: Peace of Mind on Every Journey

Honda has always prioritized safety, and the 2021 Civic Sport is no exception. Every 2021 Honda Civic, including the Sport trim, comes standard with the comprehensive Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies.

This impressive suite includes:

Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™): Designed to help bring the vehicle to a stop by automatically applying brake pressure when a frontal collision is unavoidable.
Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM): Helps keep the vehicle from leaving the road.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow: Maintains a set following interval behind detected vehicles, even in stop-and-go traffic.
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Helps keep the vehicle centered in a detected lane.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver to a potential frontal collision.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Notifies the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without a turn signal.

Beyond Honda Sensing, the 2021 Civic Sport also includes a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines for easier parking and reversing. The vehicle's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure and a comprehensive airbag system further enhance occupant protection in the event of a collision. The 2021 Honda Civic also received "Good" ratings in various crashworthiness tests from the IIHS.

Why the 2021 Honda Civic Sport Might Be Your Perfect Match

The 2021 Honda Civic Sport trim successfully carves out a niche for itself by offering a fantastic blend of style, performance, and practicality. It's an ideal choice for drivers who appreciate the Civic's renowned reliability and efficiency but desire a more engaging and visually appealing package.

Whether you're drawn to its assertive exterior, the driver-focused interior with modern tech, or its agile handling, the 2021 Civic Sport delivers a well-rounded and enjoyable driving experience. It proves that you don't have to sacrifice sensibility for a touch of sportiness.

Considering a pre-owned 2021 Honda Civic Sport? Its enduring appeal and strong resale value make it a smart choice in the used car market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the main engine difference between the 2021 Honda Civic Sport Sedan and Hatchback?

A1: The 2021 Honda Civic Sport Sedan typically features a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower. In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic Sport Hatchback often comes with a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower.

Q2: Does the 2021 Honda Civic Sport come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

A2: Yes, the 2021 Honda Civic Sport trim includes a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration.

Q3: Is a manual transmission available on the 2021 Honda Civic Sport?

A3: Yes, for enthusiasts, a 6-speed manual transmission was available specifically for the 2021 Honda Civic Sport Hatchback. Sedan Sport models typically came with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Q4: What safety features are standard on the 2021 Honda Civic Sport?

A4: All 2021 Honda Civic trims, including the Sport, come standard with the Honda Sensing® suite. This includes features like Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning. It also includes a multi-angle rearview camera.