Hey guys! Let's dive into a detailed comparison of the 2022 Honda Civic EXL and the 2022 Honda Civic Touring. If you're in the market for a new Civic, you're probably wondering which trim offers the best bang for your buck. We'll break down the key differences, similarities, and overall value to help you make an informed decision. Buckle up, because we're about to get into the nitty-gritty of these fantastic cars!

Overview of the 2022 Honda Civic

The 2022 Honda Civic represents a significant step forward in the model's evolution, bringing with it a sleek new design, updated technology, and enhanced performance. Whether you're zipping around city streets or cruising on the highway, the Civic offers a comfortable and engaging driving experience. Before we get into the specific trims, let’s establish a baseline understanding of what makes the 2022 Civic so appealing. The redesign focused on creating a more mature and sophisticated look, moving away from some of the more polarizing design elements of previous generations. This includes a cleaner front fascia, a more streamlined profile, and a refined interior. Honda also prioritized improving the Civic’s driving dynamics, with tweaks to the suspension and steering that result in a more responsive and enjoyable ride. In terms of technology, the 2022 Civic comes standard with a host of modern features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. These features not only enhance convenience but also contribute to a safer driving environment. Under the hood, the 2022 Civic offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder and a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Both engines provide adequate power for daily driving, but the turbocharged engine delivers more robust acceleration and better fuel economy. The Civic's fuel efficiency is one of its strong suits, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious drivers. Overall, the 2022 Honda Civic is a well-rounded and highly competitive compact car that offers a compelling blend of style, performance, technology, and value. It's no wonder it consistently ranks among the best-selling cars in its class.

Key Differences Between EXL and Touring

The EXL and Touring trims are both fantastic choices, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. The Touring trim typically sits at the top of the Civic lineup, offering the most luxurious and feature-rich experience. Think of it as the fully loaded option with all the bells and whistles. The EXL, on the other hand, strikes a balance between premium features and affordability. It offers many of the desirable upgrades found in the Touring trim but at a slightly lower price point. Let’s break down the specific differences in terms of features and amenities. One of the most noticeable differences is often the interior appointments. The Touring trim typically features leather upholstery, while the EXL might have leather-trimmed seats or a combination of leather and other materials. The Touring trim also often includes additional features like a premium sound system, a larger touchscreen display, and advanced navigation capabilities. From a technology standpoint, the Touring usually comes standard with features that are optional or not available at all on the EXL. This might include things like wireless smartphone charging, a head-up display, and more advanced driver-assistance systems. On the exterior, the Touring trim often boasts unique design elements such as special alloy wheels, chrome accents, and upgraded headlights or taillights. These subtle differences can give the Touring a more upscale and refined appearance. In terms of performance, both trims usually share the same engine options, but the Touring might offer additional features like adaptive dampers or a sport-tuned suspension for improved handling. However, the performance differences are often minimal and may not be noticeable in everyday driving. Ultimately, the choice between the EXL and Touring trims comes down to your individual needs and budget. If you want the absolute best that the 2022 Civic has to offer and are willing to pay a premium for it, the Touring is the way to go. But if you're looking for a great value with plenty of premium features, the EXL is an excellent choice.

Interior and Comfort

When it comes to interior and comfort, both the 2022 Honda Civic EXL and Touring trims offer a significant upgrade over the base models. However, the Touring trim takes things up a notch with even more luxurious features and amenities. Let's start with the seating. Both trims typically feature upgraded seating materials compared to the lower trims. The EXL often comes with leather-trimmed seats, which provide a more premium feel and added comfort. The Touring, on the other hand, usually boasts full leather upholstery, which elevates the interior to a more upscale level. The quality of the leather and the attention to detail in the stitching and design are often higher in the Touring trim. In terms of seat adjustability, both trims usually offer power-adjustable driver's seats with lumbar support, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The Touring trim may also include additional features like power-adjustable passenger seats and memory settings for the driver's seat, which can be especially convenient if multiple people drive the car. Beyond the seats, the Touring trim often includes additional comfort features such as heated rear seats, which can be a welcome addition in colder climates. The EXL typically only offers heated front seats. The Touring trim may also feature a premium sound system with more speakers and a more powerful amplifier, providing a richer and more immersive audio experience. Both trims generally offer a quiet and refined cabin, thanks to improved sound insulation and noise reduction measures. However, the Touring trim might go a step further with additional sound-deadening materials to create an even more serene environment. From a design perspective, the Touring trim often features unique interior accents and trim pieces that set it apart from the EXL. This might include things like wood or metal trim, ambient lighting, and special stitching patterns. Overall, both the EXL and Touring trims offer a comfortable and well-appointed interior, but the Touring trim provides a more luxurious and feature-rich experience. If you prioritize comfort and want the best that the 2022 Civic has to offer, the Touring is the way to go. But if you're looking for a great value with plenty of premium features, the EXL is still an excellent choice.

Technology and Features

In the realm of technology and features, the 2022 Honda Civic EXL and Touring trims showcase Honda's commitment to providing a modern and connected driving experience. However, the Touring trim typically includes a few extra bells and whistles that enhance convenience, entertainment, and safety. Let's start with the infotainment system. Both trims come standard with a touchscreen display, but the Touring trim often features a larger screen with higher resolution. This makes it easier to navigate menus, view maps, and control various vehicle functions. The Touring trim also typically includes a built-in navigation system, while the EXL might require you to use smartphone integration for navigation. Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on both trims, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and contacts. However, the Touring trim may offer wireless smartphone integration, while the EXL might require a wired connection. One of the standout features of the Touring trim is often a premium sound system. This typically includes more speakers, a more powerful amplifier, and advanced audio processing technologies that deliver a richer and more immersive listening experience. The EXL trim still offers a decent sound system, but it might not be as impressive as the one in the Touring. In terms of driver-assistance technologies, both trims come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Touring trim may include additional features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which can help you stay aware of your surroundings and avoid accidents. The Touring trim also often includes a wireless smartphone charging pad, which allows you to conveniently charge your phone without having to plug it in. The EXL trim may not offer this feature. Overall, both the EXL and Touring trims offer a wide range of technology and features, but the Touring trim provides a more comprehensive and advanced package. If you're a tech enthusiast and want the latest and greatest features, the Touring is the way to go. But if you're looking for a great value with plenty of essential technologies, the EXL is still a solid choice.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

When it comes to performance and fuel efficiency, the 2022 Honda Civic EXL and Touring trims offer similar driving experiences, as they typically share the same engine options and drivetrain configurations. However, there might be subtle differences in terms of suspension tuning and available features that can affect the overall driving dynamics. Both trims are usually powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which delivers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. This engine provides ample acceleration for everyday driving and can handle highway merging and passing with ease. The Civic also offers a responsive and engaging driving experience, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and precise steering. The EXL and Touring trims both come standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to maximize fuel efficiency. The CVT provides smooth and seamless acceleration, but some drivers may prefer a traditional automatic transmission for a more engaging driving experience. In terms of fuel efficiency, both trims achieve excellent ratings, making the 2022 Civic one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class. The actual fuel economy you achieve will depend on your driving habits and conditions, but you can expect to get around 30-40 mpg in mixed driving. While both trims offer similar performance and fuel efficiency, the Touring trim might include additional features that enhance the driving experience. For example, it may offer adaptive dampers, which can adjust the suspension stiffness in real-time to provide a smoother ride or more responsive handling. The Touring trim might also feature a sport-tuned suspension, which can improve handling and cornering performance. However, the differences in performance between the two trims are often subtle and may not be noticeable in everyday driving. Ultimately, the choice between the EXL and Touring trims comes down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize performance and want the most engaging driving experience, the Touring trim might be worth the extra cost. But if you're primarily concerned with fuel efficiency and comfortable driving, the EXL trim will likely suffice. Both trims offer a great balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making the 2022 Honda Civic a compelling choice for a wide range of drivers.

Price and Value

Price and value are always critical considerations when choosing a new car, and the 2022 Honda Civic EXL and Touring trims offer different levels of features and amenities at varying price points. The EXL trim typically represents a step up from the base models, offering a good balance of premium features and affordability. It includes many of the desirable upgrades that most buyers are looking for, such as leather-trimmed seats, a sunroof, and advanced safety technologies, without breaking the bank. The Touring trim, on the other hand, sits at the top of the Civic lineup and comes with a higher price tag. It includes all of the features found on the EXL trim, plus additional luxury and technology features such as a premium sound system, a larger touchscreen display, and wireless smartphone charging. When evaluating the value of each trim, it's essential to consider your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for the most affordable option that still offers a good level of features, the EXL trim is a great choice. It provides a significant upgrade over the base models without adding too much to the overall price. However, if you're willing to spend more to get the best that the 2022 Civic has to offer, the Touring trim might be worth the investment. It includes a range of premium features that can enhance your driving experience and make your car feel more luxurious. It's also important to consider the long-term value of each trim. The Touring trim might hold its value better over time due to its higher level of features and amenities. Additionally, the Touring trim might offer a better resale value if you decide to sell or trade in your car in the future. Ultimately, the best way to determine which trim offers the best value for you is to compare the prices, features, and long-term costs of ownership. Consider your budget, your driving needs, and your personal preferences when making your decision. Both the EXL and Touring trims offer excellent value for the money, but the right choice will depend on your individual circumstances. Do your research, test drive both trims, and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.

Which Trim is Right for You?

So, which trim should you choose? Deciding between the 2022 Honda Civic EXL and Touring really boils down to your personal priorities and budget. If you're looking for a sweet spot between luxury and affordability, the EXL is a fantastic choice. You get a lot of premium features without the top-tier price tag. Think of it as getting the most bang for your buck! On the other hand, if you want all the bells and whistles and are willing to pay a bit extra, the Touring is the way to go. It's the ultimate Civic experience with all the fancy tech and comfort features you could ask for. Consider what features are most important to you. Do you prioritize a premium sound system, a larger touchscreen, or advanced safety features? If those are high on your list, the Touring might be worth the extra cost. But if you're happy with the standard features and just want a comfortable and reliable car, the EXL will serve you well. Also, think about your daily driving habits. If you spend a lot of time in your car, the extra comfort and convenience features of the Touring might make a big difference. But if you only use your car for short commutes and errands, the EXL might be all you need. Don't forget to factor in long-term costs like insurance and maintenance. The Touring trim might have slightly higher insurance rates due to its higher value and more advanced features. Finally, the best way to make a decision is to test drive both trims and see which one you prefer. Get a feel for the features, the comfort, and the overall driving experience. Trust your gut and choose the trim that makes you the happiest. Whether you go with the EXL or the Touring, you're getting a fantastic car that's sure to provide years of reliable and enjoyable driving. Happy car shopping!