Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A red 2021 Honda Civic touring is shown from the side after leaving a dealer that handles online Honda Civic sales.

Which 2021 Honda Civic Trim Is Right for You?

The Honda Civic is a reliable used car powerhouse with an impressive selection of hatchback and sedan styles that boast varying engine power levels. This sporty vehicle maintains its value well over time, making it the ideal used car for those drivers who demand both style and long-term performance. With its sleek design and impressive features, it’s no surprise that this model has been one of Honda’s top sellers. If you’re looking for a reliable, compact car that won’t break the bank, look no further than a used Honda Civic. It boasts unbeatable resale value and comes in various models to suit any lifestyle, from city cruising to budget-friendly driving thrills.

Online Honda Civic sales are going strong, especially with the multiple trims and model years available for this model. With so many options, how do you know which one is right for you? Well, the first step is to narrow down which model year you want. We would suggest going with a 2021 Honda Civic, as this model is new enough to have all of the exciting features you want but old enough to have a great price tag. Then, you need to narrow down your trim option. Let’s take a closer look at the different 2021 Civic trim levels––LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Sport Touring––to help you make an informed decision.

A Quick Look at the 2021 Model

The 2021 Honda Civic is a top choice of used small cars, offering drivers two body styles––a sedan or hatchback. Whichever you choose to drive will be an engaging experience as the balancing act between comfort and handling results in one smooth ride. Three different powertrains can outfit your 2021 Civic, from a 2.0L I-4 to a 1.5L turbo I-4 to a version of the 1.5L I-4 that gives out more horsepower for the Sport trim. The interior space of each model is roomy, with plenty of cargo capacity provided in the hatchback models. Whether it’s a leisurely cruise or pedal-to-the-metal thrills you seek, the Honda Civic has something for everyone.

A 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback is shown from the rear.

The LX

The LX is a smart entry-level car that gives you much more than meets the eye. From sleek sedans to versatile hatchbacks, this model always delivers its impressive lineup of standard features. The top amenities available in the LX trim are multi-angle rearview cameras for parking, power windows and doors, and standard Honda Sensing technology to make every journey safer. Drivers can tailor their driving experience thanks to a height-adjustable seat just right for them.

The LX sedan has an energetic 158-horsepower 2.0L I-4 engine and a smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT). At the same time, the hatchback boasts an even more powerful 174 hp 1.5L turbocharged I-4 engine combined with the dependable CVT system. The LX hatchback comes fully loaded with a body-colored roof spoiler, 16-inch alloy wheels, and the modern convenience of a rear wiper/washer.

The EX and EX-L

The EX sedan comes outfitted with a powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, facilitating an exhilarating driving experience for those behind the wheel. Standard features include heated seating, a one-touch power moonroof, and exterior mirrors; all meant to provide comfort no matter the season. The 17-inch rims give your ride style without sacrificing performance on the road. This Civic trim includes all the must-haves, like the Blind Spot Information System, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a rear seat center console. Illuminated driver, front passenger vanity mirrors, and a fin-type roof antenna round out the impressive options available on the EX sedan.

The EX-L trim is available only in a sedan model. Upgrading to the EX-L sedan will give you all the advantages of an EX model, plus a little extra luxury with leather seating and convenience features, like an auto-dimming rearview mirror and HomeLink remote system. The EX-L provides ultimate relaxation for your next road trip.

The Sport

The Civic Sport is your go-to choice if you’re looking for a car packed with style and technology on a budget. It comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels that make an impression wherever it goes and includes a Smart Entry proximity key to get going fast without fuss. The Sport trim provides seamless navigation of your favorite apps via a seven-inch touchscreen equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. These perks are paired with a 180-watt audio upgrade delivering crisp sound through eight speakers, perfect for that commute jam session. Plus, the leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a classy touch along with side fog lights, so every journey stays safe regardless of conditions outside. Just fold down the 60/40 split rear seat when you need extra space.

While the Sport sedan has the base 2.0L I-4, the Civic Sport hatchback boasts an impressive 180-hp upgrade to the base 1.5L turbo I-4 with a manual transmission as standard. If you aren’t a fan of manual driving, you can opt for the CVT, complete with shift paddles, for a more effortless drive. The 18-inch alloy wheels and extra-cost paint colors offer boundless customization possibilities. Additionally, Honda Sensing is included, ensuring maximum safety on your adventures.

The Touring

Get the most out of your purchase with the Civic Touring, the top of the sedan line, packed with state-of-the-art features that won’t break the bank. Enjoy a luxurious ride in its leather seating and navigate effortlessly with the included navigation system. Experience incredible sound through the available twelve-speaker Bose Premium Sound System, featuring a powered subwoofer. Many other valuable amenities are available, like heated rear seats, a four-way power passenger seat, and rain-sensing wipers.

Jump behind the wheel of a Civic Touring, and you’ll be ready to take on the open road in style. Enjoy all the creature comforts, including heated outside mirrors with LED turn indicators for enhanced visibility, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for added control, and chrome door handles for an extra touch of shine and luxury. The icing on the cake is the 18-inch wheels with Gloss Shark Gray inserts.

Let the Touring’s cutting-edge navigation system eliminate the headache of finding your way on the road. Forget about tedious and dangerous typing; use simple voice commands to find key guidance points or speak an address and get turn-by-turn guidance from satellite technology to help you quickly get where you’re going.

A grey 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring is shown from the side.

The Sport Touring

Get the best of both worlds with the Sport Touring trim, the top trim for the Civic hatchback. Enjoy enhanced performance options, including a six-speed manual transmission or paddle shift CVT, an upgraded 540-watt audio system featuring twelve speakers, plus an underbody spoiler kit to customize your ride. Enjoy the comfort of leather-wrapped seating surfaces on each drive.

The Honda Civic Sport Touring is a marvel of engineering and economics. It pairs the powerhouse 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with legendary fuel economy, making it an ideal option for those looking to get more bang without sacrificing efficiency. With 180 horsepower and up to 177 lb-ft of torque, you’ll be ready for whatever the roads ahead may bring while saving you money at the pump.

Which Civic Trim Is Best for You?

As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to checking out a used Honda Civic model. No matter which 2021 Honda Civic trim level you choose, you’ll find something that fits your lifestyle perfectly. From stylish design elements like chrome accents to modern technology amenities like heated leather seats or driver assistance systems, the 2021 Honda Civic has something for everyone. Whether your priority is performance or comfort, with these trims available, you won’t have trouble finding what you need in your next Civic, especially now that you know what to search for.