Everyone knows if you want to save on gas, you drive a Civic. While the basics of the 2020 model have largely stayed the same as the 2016 model that finally found a good groove in economy sedans, the 2020 Honda Civic (sedan) does have some surprises in store for buyers. Five models for the sedan are available, each one building on the base model LX, which starts at an MSRP of $20,650. Even at this economical pricing, Honda offers tech you might not find in competitive models from other brands, and it’s an award-winning vehicle for holding value. Getting 30 miles to the gallon in the city and 38 on the highway is certainly nothing to sneeze at when it comes to filling the tank. All that aside, the 2020 Civic has a lot of features drivers will be pleased to discover.
Starting With the Base Model
Looking at the LX, all other models build from this basic trim level, which has 158 horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Some of the features will change with the more expensive models, but they all come with Honda Sensing, which is the suite of driver-assist safety features. These features include lane-keeping, collision warning and automatic braking, as well as adaptive cruise control. A continuously variable transmission, a multi-angle rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, 5-inch LCD screen, capless fuel filler, and Bluetooth hands-free link with streaming audio come standard with all models.
The Honda Civic Sport
Bumping up to the Sport, this model prices at an MSRP of $21,550. Of course, with a sport-ish vehicle, you expect certain features like the 18-inch alloy tires, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a decklid spoiler. Lately, manufacturers are opting more and more to add paddle shifters to their sportier models. What is paddle shifting? It’s a little like having a manual transmission with the option to keep it automatic if you want. You also get the benefit of certain protective features built into the transmission to prevent the driver from throwing the car into a gear that will damage it, like downshifting into first from fifth. Ouch. To make more sense of paddle shifting, here’s a video to demonstrate how it works:
The Sport also comes standard with extra tech upgrades like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch touchscreen display screen, smart entry with a walk-away door lock, push-button start, and HondaLink, which is connectivity for smartphones. Other features like sport pedals, fog lights, and a center outlet exhaust will add to the appeal of this model.
The EX and EX-L Trims Are Packed Full of Features
One might assume the turbo-charged engine would be assigned to the “sport” model, but it’s been reserved for the EX, which is the mid-range model priced at an MSRP of $23,800. The 174 horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged engine does not come with paddle shifters but does still have the standard CVT, or continuously variable transmission. This model builds again from the LX, adding to that model some of the same features as the Sport, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote engine start, seven-inch touch screen, smart entry with walk-away lock, push-button start, and the smartphone connectivity. Added features like Sirius XM, heated side mirrors, powered driver seat, and lane-watch are nice conveniences. Perhaps for some, the icing on the cake for the EX is the moon-roof to appeal to the star-gazers.
Another rung up is the EX-L, which adds to all the features of the EX at an MSRP of $25,000. For that small bump in price, buyers will get leather-trimmed seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and a feature called “home link remote system.” What does that do? For those who love the idea of all things smart, this system links your car electronically to open the garage door, de-activate your alarm system, and access lights and appliances in your house. The Homelink system works via radio frequency, much like your smartphone, and can be activated to work with an app on your phone. In case this much tech is not your friend, you can ask the dealership to train you on how to program and use this feature.
The Outstanding Touring Trim
Rounding out the final sedan trim for the 2020 Honda line-up is the Touring, which is priced at an MSRP of $27,700. This model is meant to be the crème de la crème, and builds up from the EX-L, though it actually seems to merge with the Sport as well. Paddle shifting is back with the Touring, along with the 18-inch alloy wheels and sport pedals. For drivers who feel the LED headlights give a car a little more class, this is the model that adds them. A few comforts that feel like luxury are powered seats for the passenger and rear heated seats, along with a nice bonus of rain-sensing windshield wipers. Audiophiles will be thrilled to have a stereo with a subwoofer if booming through the neighborhood is your style. Finally, the outstanding tech feature is meant to wow with satellite nav, voice recognition, and HD digital traffic, though we all know Google already has that in the bag. You do get chrome door handles to distract you if you like shiny objects.
The 2020 Honda Civic
As with any sedan these days, you get seating for five, and the interior comfort has been reviewed by experts as roomy for its class. You can expect a decent amount of storage space in the trunk, and enough space for back-seat passengers to have leg room if they aren’t too tall. There are two USB ports in the front, along with one 12-volt outlet, but none in the back seat. The interior does have an attractive, classy appearance which Honda has embraced fully, so you won’t feel like you’re driving an economy car. The dash has an appealing layout that also has a more upgraded look.
The exterior of the 2020 Civic hasn’t changed this year, so it retains the same sporty styling as 2019. Its rounded stance gives it an appearance of being ready to pounce, with the body seeming to lean forward like it’s ready to leap into action. Standard colors run along a scale of reds, whites, grays, and blues, fairly typical for a sedan. Reviews suggest the 2020 Civics handle well and accelerate with a decent amount of power, which seems to be part of Honda’s appeal in what they term an “aggressive stance” so the vehicle hugs the pavement while driving.
Shopping for a 2020 Honda Civic Sedan
If you’re looking for an affordable new sedan, the 2020 Honda Civic really does offer up a sizable amount of technology, luxurious extras, and performance for the price. Buying a vehicle you know will retain its value the way the Civic does is a smart decision, especially when you know the gas tank will sip fuel instead of guzzling. With so many trim levels to personalize your options, buyers can walk away with a fairly sleek vehicle when going for the top of the line, but even at the base level, the LX is a great deal with a lot of extras in comparison with other base models in its class. Safety features will put you at ease, and the infotainment system will keep the kids quiet in the back seat, especially if you get the heated option to put them to sleep.
