The Honda Civic was completely redesigned for the 2022 model year and with it came some interesting new features. Of course, the most obvious changes include the car’s interior and exterior styling, which we would call “grown-up” and “sophisticated.” However, if you take a closer look at the Civic Touring, like our tester, then you’ll notice some other nifty features. Here are five of our favorites.

1. The 12-speaker premium Bose sound system is sublime

If you have test-driven or owned a Honda Civic in the past 20 years, then you’ll know that the sound system in any iteration of the model has never been that great. Apparently, Honda knew this as well, so it finally equipped the 2022 Honda Civic with a premium Bose audio system with 12 speakers.

If you want it, you’ll have to upgrade to the top-trim Civic Touring. But trust me, if you like clear, crisp sound mixed with booming bass, then you’ll find that stepping up in trim levels is well worth the money.

2. The available 9-inch infotainment system is easy-to-use

Another upgrade you’ll get with the 2022 Civic Touring is a larger infotainment system screen. The standard measures 7 inches, however, a larger 9-inch screen can be found in the highest trim level. That extra size fills out the center dash area a lot better and it’s much easier to see. Additionally, we found that the infotainment screen was responsive and easy to navigate.

3. The improved turbo 1.5-liter engine is smooth and efficient

Honda didn’t do much as far as updating the Civic’s engine choices. For 2022, the base Civic LX and Sport trims come with a naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter four-cylinder while the higher trims come with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. The turbocharged engine produces 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, which is an increase of 6 hp and 10 lb-ft over the outgoing model.

Of course, it’s hard to really tell a difference with such a slight increase in power, but we can say that the little turbo engine gets the car up steep hills smoothly and efficiently. Even at 10,000 feet high, the Civic never skipped a beat, and the engine performed flawlessly, thanks to its turbocharged setup. Additionally, we averaged 35 mpg, which is one mpg better than the EPA-estimated average in mixed driving situations.

4. Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto kicks things up a notch

This feature might seem trivial to some car buyers, however, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available on the Civic Touring. Typically, not having to connect your phone with a  USB cable to use CarPlay and Android Auto is reserved for more expensive cars. In fact, we have even tested top-trim Lexus models that don’t have it.

However, it’s now available on the 2022 Civic and if you have never known the feeling of getting into the car and switching to Apple CarPlay without having to take your phone out of your pocket, now you can. And you don’t need to spend $80,000 on a car to experience it.

5. The mesh honeycomb air vents are a nice touch

Lastly, the Civic’s interior has been updated for the new model year and you’ll most likely notice the mesh grill that bisects the car’s dashboard. This design element is part of Honda’s “fine morning” concept, which they coined because the vents “stand out particularly well in the morning sunlight.”

Ultimately, we think it gives the car a retro look that you won’t find in any of its competitors like the Toyota Corolla or Nissan Versa. Also, it gives the new Civic a unique look, no matter what time of day it is.

There’s plenty of more to love in the 2022 Honda Civic

If you’re in the market for a 2022 Honda Civic and would like to experience the features noted above, then we highly suggest checking out the top-trim Touring model. It starts at around $28,695 (including destination), but in our experience so far, it’s well worth the extra money over the lower trims.