The Honda Civic has long been an outstanding performer, with enough flexibility in its attributes to provide for almost any user. Since its introduction in 1972, each new edition has built on what's already a winning formula to bring you updated tech, safety, and improved driver assistance features. Although the same fundamental quality features are available in each trim, it’s important to look closely and compare some key differences to make the best decision. Comparing the features of the LX and Sport Trim, both available at Apple Honda of Hanover, these distinctions become more apparent.
The LX Trim
The LX trim can be seen as the base layer of Honda, but in a car of this quality, it’s anything but basic. Starting with the interior, there’s a 5-inch LCD infotainment system and a 160-watt sound system with four speakers. Audio streaming and hands-free phones are all standard, and there are added perks, such as speed-sensitive volume control. A 2.5-amp USB port in the front allows for smartphone audio if Bluetooth isn’t your thing.
The climate control system, power windows, power door locks, and a telescopic steering column keep the interior environment snug. Rear heater ducts, illuminated controls on the windows, and LED gear position leavers all contribute to comfort and style. The rear seat divides 60/40 for extra room, with seat belt anchors and adjustable headrests. Push-button start and illuminated steering wheel driving controls provide excellent comfort and convenience when driving.
In terms of the engine and power, you get a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with the popular idle-stop feature to improve gas mileage, which gives you 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The gas mileage on this trim reaches 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, giving you good value for your gas and the best out of all the trims. The fuel tank holds 12.4 gallons, giving you an extensive driving range of at least 430 miles.
This trim brings you many core safety features, such as the Honda Sensing collection of driving aids. These include collision mitigation, lane-keep assist, braking system, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. This is complemented by a tire pressure monitoring system and a range of monitoring processes that help keep an eye on any potential dangers on the road.
High beam lights come standard, along with LED daytime running lights that help keep you safe in muggy conditions. This model also offers two-speed wipers, remote entry, a security system, LED brake lights, and side mirrors. The bodywork includes a roofline spoiler and a fin antenna mounted elegantly into the roof. Body-colored handles and 16-inch wheels make up the stylish trim that the Civic famously offers.
The Sport Trim
The Honda Sport trim takes everything the LX has and adds to it. In terms of bodywork, the Sport adds an underbody spoiler, dual exhaust, and fog lights. It also gives you a walk-away auto-lock with smart entry. There’s the same 2.0L engine, but the gas mileage is slightly lower than the LX, at 30 in the city and 37 on the highway. This isn't much lower than the LX's mileage but could make this trim more attractive if efficiency is a priority.
On the exterior, there are slight differences to this trim: gloss black mirrors and a chrome exhaust finisher give you a distinct style, and the stylish black alloy wheels are slightly larger at 18 inches. These give the car a little more style and panache while keeping the same elegant bodywork that marks the Honda Civic out from other cars. Safety features are similar to the LX, with the same bundle of collision warnings and forward emergency braking, ensuring you remain as safe as you would be in any version of the Civic.
Inside, there are similarities with the LX in terms of the package of features you get. You'll find a slightly larger 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system that allows smartphone integration, but there’s an added bonus: automatic climate control and an eight-speaker surround system that gives you a richer, fuller sound when compared with the LX's four speakers. The steering wheel and shift stick come leather-wrapped in this version for a smoother touch and luxury feel, with paddle shifters for greater control.
Both trims come in a hatchback and sedan version, but the main features remain consistent, with only the trunk space, body shape, and back seating varying slightly. There are differences between the sedan and hatchback models of these cars: the hatchback offers 60/40 folding seats, while the sedan offers a completely folding rear seat. So, if you need a little more trunk space, consider the hatchback in either version.
Which Trim?
It's no surprise that the Civic is the North American Car of the Year for 2022, and either version reviewed here is certain to satisfy you. One way to compare the two trims is to think of the LX as holding all the basic elements, with the Sport adding just that little bit extra. You get slightly lower mileage, but the tweaks to the interior and exterior design make the Sport a slightly more comfortable ride. So, if you want style over efficiency, better audio, and a slightly more salubrious interior, consider the Sport rather than the LX.
On the other hand, you'll certainly be happy with the LX, as it doesn't skimp on the basic features of the Civic. This version builds on a long history of outstanding performance and customer satisfaction, and you’re unlikely to be disappointed. Overall, the differences might be slight, but your choice will depend on whether you're won over by the gleaming chrome exhaust and stylish black mirrors of the Sport. The best way to decide is to take a look online or, even better, come down and see these models for yourself at Apple Honda of Hanover.
Image via Honda
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