Once you’ve decided to buy a new 2023 Honda Civic, the next question is whether you’ll go with a sedan or a hatchback. You’ll also need to decide on a trim, which can be difficult because Honda has gone above and beyond to make sure that each one has some attractive features. There is one particular trim that consumers are going for on both the sedan and hatchback models that may interest you, even though critics recommend something slightly more expensive.

What does the 2023 Honda Civic offer?

To start with, you can go with either the sedan or hatchback model. The sedan offers four trim levels that include the LX, Sport, EX, and Touring. Honda reports the Civic has a price range of $23,750 to $30,350.

The hatchback also has four trims, according to Honda, but the names are different. These include the LX, Sport, EX-L, and Sport Touring. The price range is also slightly higher, with a starting MSRP of $24,750. It tops out at $31,250.

Both have a base 158-hp, 2.0-liter engine, as well as standard Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher trims offer a 180-hp turbocharged engine.

Everyone is going for the 2023 Honda Civic Sport trim

It appears that the Sport trim has won the popularity contest for both the sedan and hatchback, according to Edmunds‘ “Select a trim” dropdown menu. 

The hatchback model actually offers more, which makes sense considering the price is $800 higher. For example, the sedan model only offers a continuously variable transmission, while the hatchback has an available manual transmission.

There are a few other notable differences. The sedan gets 30 MPG city, 37 MPG highway, and 33 MPG combined. The hatchback’s fuel mileage is slightly better, with a range of 30 MPG, 38 MPG highway, and 33 MPG combined. This isn’t really enough to justify choosing the hatchback over the sedan.

The sedan may be five inches longer, but the hatchback actually has 9.7 cu. ft of more interior volume. There’s also significantly more cargo space with all seats in place, as the sedan only has 14.8 cu. ft, while the hatchback has 24.5 cu. ft. 

Both models are equipped with lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and driver attention alert. Many drivers who enjoy modern features will be delighted to find there is a rearview camera, which can make backing up in a busy parking lot less stressful.

There is also a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a USB connection, and a USB with external media control.

What do the experts recommend?

Edmunds is not on the same page as consumers when it comes to which trim to purchase. The review site recommends Honda Civic buyers purchase either the EX for the Sedan model or the EX-L for the hatchback.

The reasons are straightforward enough. There are more standard features, as well as a more fuel-efficient engine. Even better is the fact that the price isn’t that significantly higher, so it’s not like Edmunds is recommending buyers spend money they don’t have.

Car and Driver agrees with Edmunds and thinks buyers should invest a little more into the EX sedan and EX-L hatchback. The hatchback model adds leather seats. The sedan model adds blind-spot monitoring, a power sunroof, heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate, and heated front seats. 

While there’s nothing really wrong with the Sport trim, we also recommend the EX and EX-L. If you have an extra $1,000 to $2,000, you’re getting a lot for the money. If you ever decide to sell your Honda Civic, this will also help with the resale value.