Honda Civic Sport 2020 Review

The Honda Civic has long been a benchmark in the compact car segment, consistently delivering a blend of reliability, efficiency, and driving enjoyment. For those seeking a bit more flair and engagement without stepping into the high-performance Si or Type R territory, the 2020 Honda Civic Sport emerged as a compelling option. But does it truly hit that sweet spot between everyday practicality and spirited driving?

This comprehensive 2020 Honda Civic Sport Review will delve into every aspect of this popular compact car, helping you decide if it's the right fit for your daily commute and weekend adventures.

Unpacking the 2020 Honda Civic Sport: What Makes It Stand Out?

The 2020 Honda Civic Sport is more than just an appearance package; it offers distinct features and a driving experience tailored for those who appreciate a sportier feel. Available in both sedan and hatchback configurations, it aims to deliver an engaging ride with Honda's renowned dependability.

Performance & Driving Dynamics: Is it Truly "Sporty"?

When you hear "Sport," you expect a certain level of performance, right? The 2020 Honda Civic Sport delivers a nuanced experience depending on the body style.

• Sedan & Coupe: These versions of the 2020 Honda Civic Sport typically come equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. While not a powerhouse, this engine provides adequate pep for city driving and highway merging. It can be paired with either a smooth Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or a more engaging 6-speed manual transmission.
• Hatchback: For those craving a bit more punch, the 2020 Honda Civic Sport hatchback often features a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, bumping horsepower to 180 and torque to 177 lb-ft. This turbocharged option provides a noticeable boost in acceleration, making for a more spirited drive.

Regardless of the engine, the Civic's chassis truly shines. It boasts a well-balanced ride that's neither overly cushy nor harsh, striking a good equilibrium between comfort and athleticism. The steering is quick, well-weighted, and responsive, enhancing the overall driving enjoyment. Sport versions also benefit from quicker steering racks and retuned suspensions, which contribute to less body roll and a more planted feel compared to lower trims.

Fuel Economy: Efficiency Meets Enthusiasm

One of Honda's strong suits is fuel efficiency, and the 2020 Civic Sport is no exception. While "sporty" often implies a sacrifice in MPG, the Civic Sport manages to maintain impressive figures.

• Sport CVT (Sedan/Hatchback): Expect EPA-estimated ratings of around 29 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.
• Sport 6-Speed Manual (Sedan): The manual transmission sees slightly lower figures, with an EPA-estimated 25 MPG city and 36 MPG highway.
• Sport Touring Hatchback (Turbo): This more powerful variant still offers commendable efficiency, with around 29 MPG city and 35 MPG highway.

These figures demonstrate that the 2020 Honda Civic Sport can be a daily driver that won't break the bank at the pump, especially when considering its performance capabilities.

Interior & Technology: A Modern and Practical Cabin

Step inside the 2020 Honda Civic Sport, and you'll find a cabin that blends modern design with practical functionality. Honda's traditional packaging prowess ensures ample room for passengers and cargo.

Key interior and technology highlights include:

• Sport-Specific Accents: The Sport trim adds unique touches such as red gauges, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and textured aluminum sport pedals, enhancing the sporty ambiance.
• Infotainment System: The Sport hatchback comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a significant upgrade for seamless smartphone connectivity.
• Comfort and Space: The seats are comfortable and well-cushioned, even in the rear. The Civic's cabin is notably spacious for its class, offering plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
• Practicality: The center console design is highly practical, offering good storage. The trunk space is generous, especially in the sedan, and the hatchback provides even more versatile cargo volume with fold-down seats, offering up to 25.7 cubic feet behind the second row.

Exterior Design: Bold and Athletic

The 2020 Honda Civic Sport certainly looks the part. Its exterior styling is designed to turn heads with a more aggressive and athletic stance. Distinctive features for the Sport trim include:

• Blacked-Out Accents: A black-painted rear spoiler, black grille, and fog lights with gloss black trim contribute to a sleek, sporty look.
• Chrome Exhaust Finisher: A center-mounted chrome exhaust finisher, styled after the Civic Si, adds a touch of performance aesthetic.
• 18-inch Wheels: Standard 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season performance tires further enhance its sporty appeal and handling.

The overall design is bold and distinctive, differentiating it from other Civic trims and many competitors.

Safety Features: Honda Sensing as Standard

Safety is a paramount concern for any vehicle, and the 2020 Honda Civic Sport excels in this area. It comes standard with the comprehensive Honda Sensing® suite of driver-assistance features, providing an added layer of confidence on the road.

Key safety features include:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™): Helps to automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate a collision.
• Road Departure Mitigation (RDM): Assists in keeping the vehicle from drifting off the road.
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow: Maintains a set following distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Automatic High-Beam Headlights: Automatically switches between high and low beams.
• Multi-Angle Rearview Camera: Provides different viewing angles for easier parking and reversing.

The 2020 Civic also received excellent crash-test scores from leading safety organizations, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize safety.

The Verdict: Is the 2020 Honda Civic Sport Right for You?

The 2020 Honda Civic Sport truly lives up to its name by offering a more engaging driving experience than a standard compact car, without sacrificing the practicality and reliability Honda is known for. It strikes a fantastic balance, delivering responsive handling and a comfortable ride.

Pros:

• Engaging Drive: Responsive steering and athletic dynamics make it fun to drive.
• Excellent Fuel Economy: Impressive MPG figures for both engine options.
• Standard Safety: The comprehensive Honda Sensing suite provides peace of mind.
• Spacious and Practical Interior: Ample passenger room and versatile cargo space.
• Modern Technology: Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on Sport trims.

Considerations:

• Engine Power (2.0L): While adequate, the base 2.0L engine in the sedan/coupe might feel less "sporty" than the turbocharged option in the hatchback.
• Infotainment Interface: While functional, some users found Honda's infotainment system to be less intuitive or cluttered compared to rivals in previous iterations.
• Reported Issues: Some owners have reported minor issues such as electrical glitches, occasional clutch slip in manual models, or premature tire wear.

Overall, the 2020 Honda Civic Sport is a well-rounded compact car that goes above and beyond its stellar reputation. It’s an ideal choice for drivers who want a dependable, efficient, and practical vehicle that still offers a dash of excitement and style.

Are you ready to experience the blend of practicality and sporty flair that the 2020 Honda Civic Sport offers? Consider taking one for a test drive to feel the difference yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What engine comes in the 2020 Honda Civic Sport?

A1: The 2020 Honda Civic Sport sedan and coupe typically feature a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower. The Sport hatchback, however, often comes with a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower.

Q2: Does the 2020 Honda Civic Sport have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

A2: Yes, the 2020 Honda Civic Sport trim (specifically the hatchback, and often the sedan) comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Q3: What safety features are standard on the 2020 Honda Civic Sport?

A3: All 2020 Honda Civic trims, including the Sport, come standard with the Honda Sensing® suite. This includes features like Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and automatic high-beams.

Q4: Is the 2020 Honda Civic Sport a reliable car?

A4: Generally, the Honda Civic is known for its strong reliability. While some owners have reported minor issues such as electrical glitches or specific clutch concerns in manual models, the 2020 Honda Civic Sport is widely considered a reliable and durable vehicle.