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2020 Honda Civic Hatchback Returns with a Slight Price Increase
2020 Honda Civic Hatchback: Redesigned for Performance & Style
The complete guide t
Honda's sportiest compact car
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback represents a significant evolution in Honda's compact car lineup, blending aggressive styling with practical functionality. As one of the most popular hatchbacks in its class, the Civic continues to set benchmarks for reliability, fuel efficiency, and driving dynamics. This comprehensive review examines every aspect of the redesigned model, from its bold exterior to its tech-enhanced interior.
Exterior Redesign: Bold New Styling
The 2020 Civic Hatchback receives its most dramatic styling update in recent years, adopting a more athletic and aggressive appearance:
- Blackout headlight treatment for a sportier, more premium look
- Revised front fascia with larger air intakes and bolder lines
- Redesigned rear end featuring a more integrated spoiler and diffuser
- New wheel designs ranging from 16-inch to 18-inch alloys depending on trim
- Available LED lighting on higher trims for improved visibility
These exterior changes not only enhance the Civic's visual appeal but also improve aerodynamic efficiency, contributing to better fuel economy and reduced wind noise at highway speeds
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Interior Upgrades & Technology
Honda has significantly upgraded the Civic Hatchback's cabin for 2020, focusing on improved materials and cutting-edge technology:
Display Audio System
The centerpiece of the Civic's tech upgrades is the enhanced Display Audio system, now standard across most trims. This 7-inch touchscreen interface features:
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Improved responsiveness and higher resolution display
- Intuitive menu structure with physical volume knob
- Available HD Radio and SiriusXM on higher trims
Comfort & Convenience
The 2020 model introduces several comfort-focused upgrades:
- Revised seating with improved bolstering for long-drive comfort
- Available 8-way power driver's seat (EX trim and above)
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob on premium trims
- Dual-zone automatic climate control on EX-L and Sport Touring
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Trim Level Breakdown & Pricing
The 2020 Civic Hatchback offers five distinct trim levels, each catering to different buyer priorities. Here's a detailed comparison:
LX ($22,580)
- 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (158 hp)
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- 7-inch Display Audio with CarPlay/Android Auto
- Automatic climate control
- 16-inch alloy wheels
Sport ($23,780 manual / $24,280 CVT)
- 1.5L turbocharged engine (180 hp)
- Choice of 6-speed manual or CVT
- Push-button start and keyless entry
- Upgraded audio with 8 speakers
- 18-inch alloy wheels
EX ($25,480)
- 1.5L turbocharged engine
- 8-way power driver's seat
- Heated front seats
- LaneWatch blind spot display
- Sunroof
EX-L ($26,280)
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- HomeLink remote system
- Available Honda Sensing package
Sport Touring ($28,980 manual / $29,780 CVT)
- Standard navigation system
- Premium audio system with 12 speakers
- LED headlights and fog lights
- Wireless phone charger
- Paddle shifters (CVT models)
All prices include the $930 destination charge. Compared to previous models, the 2020 lineup offers better value with more standard features at each price point.
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Performance & Driving Dynamics
The 2020 Civic Hatchback delivers one of the most engaging driving experiences in its class, with two engine options:
2.0L Naturally Aspirated Engine (LX only)
- 158 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
- 138 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
- EPA-estimated 30 mpg city / 38 mpg highway
- Smooth power delivery ideal for daily commuting
1.5L Turbocharged Engine (All other trims)
- 180 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
- 177 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,500 rpm
- EPA-estimated 32 mpg city / 42 mpg highway (CVT)
- Strong mid-range torque for confident passing
The available 6-speed manual transmission (Sport and Sport Touring trims) features:
- Short, precise throws for sporty shifting
- Rev-matching function for smoother downshifts
- Light clutch effort for comfortable daily driving
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Safety Features & Honda Sensing
The 2020 Civic Hatchback earns top safety scores while offering advanced driver assistance technologies:
Standard Safety Equipment
- Multi-angle rearview camera
- Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control
- Advanced compatibility engineering body structure
- Four-wheel anti-lock braking system
Available Honda Sensing Package
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist System
The Civic Hatchback earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS when equipped with Honda Sensing.
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Competitive Comparison
How the Civic Hatchback stacks up against key rivals in the compact segment:
vs. Volkswagen Golf
- Civic offers more powerful base engine (158 hp vs. Golf's 147 hp)
- Honda's infotainment system more user-friendly
- Golf has slightly more cargo space behind rear seats
vs. Mazda3 Hatchback
- Mazda offers more premium interior materials
- Civic provides better rear seat legroom
- Honda's turbo engine delivers stronger acceleration
vs. Hyundai Elantra GT
- Civic has superior resale value
- Elantra GT offers longer warranty coverage
- Honda's chassis tuning provides sportier handling
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Ownership Costs & Value
The 2020 Civic Hatchback delivers exceptional long-term value through:
- Class-leading resale value: Honda's reputation for reliability helps the Civic retain approximately 55% of its value after 3 years
- Low maintenance costs: Honda's maintenance minder system helps optimize service intervals
- Excellent fuel economy: The turbocharged engine achieves up to 42 mpg highway with CVT
- Strong warranty coverage: 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
Insurance costs for the Civic Hatchback typically fall slightly below segment averages, particularly for the LX and EX trims.
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Who Should Consider the 2020 Civic Hatchback?
The Civic Hatchback appeals to several distinct buyer profiles:
Ideal For:
- Young professionals seeking style and practicality
- Small families needing versatile cargo space
- Driving enthusiasts who want engaging dynamics
- Commuters prioritizing fuel efficiency
May Not Be Ideal For:
- Those requiring all-wheel drive (not available)
- Drivers who prioritize luxury over sportiness
- Buyers needing maximum cargo capacity (consider SUV alternatives)
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Final Verdict
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback successfully builds on the model's reputation for reliability and fun-to-drive character while adding more sophisticated styling and technology. With its combination of practicality, performance, and value, it remains one of the strongest choices in the competitive compact hatchback segment.
For buyers considering the 2020 model, we particularly recommend:
- Best Value: EX trim offers the optimal balance of features and price
- Enthusiast's Choice: Sport Touring with manual transmission delivers maximum driving engagement
- Budget Pick: LX trim provides core Civic qualities at an affordable price
With its thoughtful updates and continued emphasis on driving enjoyment, the 2020 Civic Hatchback maintains Honda's position at the forefront of the compact car market.

motorverorachael
Last Updated On Apr, 16-2025