2022 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2023 Toyota Crown

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to seize a dwindling market segment by bringing style and functionality together. The redesigned model, manufactured in the U.S., was seen as a solid contender with its sophisticated front end and modern interior. The car was likened to the new Civic sedan up to the B-pillar but differentiated itself with unique rear styling that, despite some attempts, still left the vehicle looking front-heavy.

On the inside, the Civic hatch adopted a stylish and cohesive design. The Sport Touring trim, in particular, elevated the look with advanced digital features and high-quality materials, though it wasn’t perfect. The CVT shifter’s slightly rudimentary feel detracted from an otherwise polished interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Crown revived the full-size sedan with a distinct flair. Standing taller than the Avalon it replaced, the Crown offered an intriguing mix of sedan elegance and crossover presence. Its bold grille and high ride height set it apart, though the predominantly blocked-off grille openings were mainly for show. The Platinum trim offered a two-tone color option that highlighted Toyota's bold design choices, albeit polarizing.

Inside, the Crown's modern cabin featured a digital instrument panel and a prominent touchscreen. While the layout was plush with a mix of hard and soft-touch materials, some elements like the LED temperature displays hinted at a retro vibe. Nonetheless, the use of cushioned touchpoints and thoughtfully designed storage solutions added to its appeal.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback catered to various performance preferences with its range of trims. The base LX and Sport trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, which was satisfactory but not exhilarating. The CVT did its job quietly and effectively but lacked the engagement of a manual transmission, which was an option in the Sport trim.

Upgrading to the EX-L or Sport Touring trims unlocked a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a satisfying boost in performance with peak torque readily available from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. Most buyers would appreciate the CVT's smooth operation, but driving enthusiasts favored the Sport Touring's rare six-speed manual, celebrated for its short throws and excellent clutch modulation.

The 2023 Toyota Crown took a different route with its hybrid-centric lineup. The basic powertrain featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with a hybrid motor for a total output of 236 horsepower. All-wheel drive (AWD) was standard, making it versatile for varied driving conditions. However, the CVT mated to this setup often felt underwhelming, with the engine revving high and droning loudly.

For those needing more power, the Platinum trim offered the Hybrid Max powertrain, pairing a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with a stronger electric motor to produce 340 horsepower. This configuration, coupled with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, offered a more dynamic driving experience. Unfortunately, neither the base nor the Hybrid Max offered exhilarating acceleration, though the Hybrid Max got the Crown to 60 mph in a respectable 5.7 seconds.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in practicality, underlined by its 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Honda’s innovative two-piece cargo shade made it easy to maximize storage without hassle. The 60/40-split folding rear seat further enhanced its utility, although the load floor wasn't entirely flat.

Passenger comfort was commendable, though not without minor gripes. Front passengers enjoyed eight-way power seats, albeit without a height adjustment for the passenger side, and the rear lacked dedicated air conditioning vents. The overall spaciousness and thoughtful conveniences like smartphone charging ports added to its appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Crown focused on passenger comfort and tech-savvy amenities. The trunk offered a modest 15.2 cubic feet of space, which, despite being adequate for daily needs, fell short when compared to larger sedans like the Kia Stinger. The rear seats provided ample legroom, and the panoramic sunroof in higher trims significantly enhanced the sense of space.

The incremental storage, including large cupholders, door pockets, and a versatile center console bin, added to its functionality. The Crown’s taller stance also afforded a slightly better view of the road, blending the comforts of a sedan with some of the visibility benefits typically reserved for SUVs.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback presented a robust infotainment suite, especially in the Sport Touring trim. It came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an impressive 12-speaker Bose audio system. Lower trims featured a 7-inch display and wired connections. Key enhancements included physical knobs and a conveniently placed shelf to steady your hand while using the touchscreen.

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota Crown boasted a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen across all trims. The interface was modern and responsive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standards. Additional features like OTA updates, a new voice-recognition system, and a digital key for smartphone integration showcased its tech-forward approach. Higher trims with the JBL premium system further enhanced the auditory experience, making it a worthwhile option for music enthusiasts.

For the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback, safety was a priority, reflected in its Honda Sensing suite. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Traffic Jam Assist and Low-Speed Braking Control added to its city-driving utility. However, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems were only available on higher trims. The hatchback performed excellently in safety tests, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota Crown came equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. Unique additions included Traffic Sign Recognition and a rear-seat reminder system. The Platinum trim's semi-automated parallel parking system added a luxury touch. However, some features like Proactive Driving Assist could be intrusive, and tune-ups were needed to improve user experience.