Whether you live in a snowy area or just want a sportier model, an all-wheel-drive compact car is quite appealing. The only problem is that so few of these vehicles exist. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to add the redesigned 2022 Honda Civic to the list, despite earlier rumors indicating otherwise.

Honda debuted its 2022 Civic prototype, and the industry went beserk with questions and speculation about the compact car. Although, some information about the all-new Civic was miscommunicated within the shuffle.

Car and Driver initially speculated that an AWD Honda Civic might be on the horizon. Naturally, AWD was on many car enthusiasts’ wish list for the all-new Civic, so they were left disappointed when the smoke cleared.

However, the publication later got official word from Honda that there are no current plans for an AWD variant. Car and Driver quickly updated its article to help clear up any confusion.

Why are so many gearheads clamoring for an AWD Honda Civic, and could we get one in the near future? Some recent developments may provide clues to these questions.

What are the benefits of all-wheel drive?

Most vehicles are outfitted with a front-wheel-drive system or a rear-wheel-drive system. The 2022 Honda Civic uses the former. These drivetrains send power to either the front or rear wheels, and each has its advantages. 

Meanwhile, AWD delivers power to all four wheels at once. However, you’ll typically only find AWD systems on crossovers, SUVs, and larger sedans, typically at an added cost. Notably, Subaru offers AWD on most of its lineup, giving it a distinct advantage over its competition.

Why does is the drivetrain so important? Well, a lot of it has to do with traction. AWD-equipped models benefit from added traction on slippery surfaces, such as snowy or rain-soaked roads. Of course, that usually comes with the side-effect of lower gas mileage and added weight to the vehicle.

AWD can also benefit sports cars, which is why people were excited about the prospect of an AWD Honda Civic. While its base model won’t get your adrenaline pumping, the Honda Civic Type R will. The race-inspired model performs exceptionally well with its FWD setup, but Honda could possibly push it even further by equipping it with AWD.

What lies ahead for the 2022 Honda Civic?

Honda’s reveal of its redesigned compact car showed off its newest design. However, it left a lot of questions unanswered. We still don’t have any official details on the 2022 Honda Civic’s powertrain options and many of its features, as the manufacturer only displayed a prototype. More information should emerge as we approach the car’s release date in 2021.

However, shoppers shouldn’t expect an announcement of an AWD Honda Civic any time soon. The automaker’s representative stated there are “no plans” for an AWD variant right now. That does leave the door open for one in the future, but that would only likely happen if there were extreme demand. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case, as most Civic drivers aren’t apt to spend extra for the performance models.

The final verdict

It’s too early to tell what to expect out of the 2022 Honda Civic, but it has traditionally been a reliable model. The newest redesign should offer plenty of improvements, including more power, upgraded features, and new technologies.

Meanwhile, those who live in snowy areas and would prefer an AWD-equipped compact car have other options. The 2021 Subaru Impreza comes standard with this drivetrain, and the 2021 Mazda3 offers AWD at an added cost.