Home Comparisons Trim Comparisons 2020 Honda Civic: Choosing the Right Trim

2020 Honda Civic: Choosing the Right Trim

As used cars go, a 2020 Honda Civic is as close as you’ll get to a sure thing. From a reliability standpoint, the Civic earns an A+, and even with used car prices elevated, it is still an affordable family car that should last for years.

Unlike many of its rivals, the Civic comes in several body styles, including a sporty coupe, handsome sedan, and versatile hatchback. Honda offers two 4-cylinder engine choices, one a normally aspirated 2.0-liter making 158 horsepower, and the other a turbocharged 1.5-liter making either 174 or 180 hp, depending on trim.

In typical Honda fashion, the Civic doesn’t offer optional equipment packages on its various trims. For used car shoppers, this is a plus as, as it leaves little doubt as to the features your future car does and doesn’t have.

Honda also makes two high-performance Civics. The Civic Si has a 201-hp 1.5-liter engine, while the Type R gets a ferocious 306-hp 2.0-liter turbo that guarantees a good time.

2020 Honda Civic LX (sedan, coupe, and hatchback)

The first trim in the Civic lineup is the LX. Affordable and yet far from sparse, the LX is the perfect choice for those who need a roomy, efficient small car but don’t need lots of fancy bells and whistles.

The LX has most of what people need in a car today, starting with the Honda Sensing suite of driver assists. The package contains collision mitigation braking, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning.

The LX derives power from a 158-hp 2.0-liter engine and includes the choice of a standard 6-speed manual or available continuously variable automatic (also known as a CVT) transmission.  A CVT is a gearless transmission that maximizes power and fuel efficiency but doesn’t “shift” gears like a traditional automatic.

On the features front, you’ll find auto up/down power front windows, power door locks, power side mirrors, automatic climate control, and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with controls for adaptive cruise, Bluetooth, and audio. Two-speed variable wipers and a rear defroster are also included, as are sliding sun visors, an electronic trunk release, 16-inch wheels with full covers, and a center console with a sliding armrest.

Durable cloth covers the LX’s manual height- adjustable driver’s seat and folding rear seat. The Civic LX’s audio system is basic but sufficient. It includes a 160-watt sound system with four speakers, Bluetooth streaming, and a 5-inch color display. The system also plays host to a rearview monitor with guidelines.

The LX coupe and hatchback come standard with the CVT automatic, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The LX hatchback adds a rear wiper/washer and a more powerful 174-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter engine.

Typically, an acceptable price range for a low-mileage 2020 Civic LX in good condition ranges from around $18,000 to $21,000, depending on if buying from a private party or a dealer.

However, in the current post-pandemic market, don’t be surprised to see prices ranging from $20,000 to as high as $23,000. We expect these prices to remain unusually high until more new car inventory begins to rebalance the market. To find your best deal, try using the Autotrader classified section. It’s a great way to see a range of prices both near and outside your area.

If you go the dealer route, we’d recommend buying a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Civic. The price will be on the higher side, but the car will include additional warranty coverage plus have undergone a thorough inspection. Find 2020 Honda LX for sale

2020 Honda Civic LX includes:

  • Collision mitigation braking – Can sense if a forward collision is unavoidable and alert the driver. If the driver takes no action, the system can slow or stop the vehicle before an accident can occur.
  • Automatic high-beam headlights – Detect oncoming headlights and automatically dim the high beams. Once the traffic passes, the high beams return to the “on” position. It also operates in low-light situations.
  • Adaptive cruise control – Maintains a set distance between the Civic and the traffic ahead, with CVT-equipped car having the ability to low-speed follow, stop and resume again once traffic begins to move.
  • Tilt/telescopic steering wheel – Allows a more comfortable driving position, especially nice for drivers who must have a seat all the way forward or back due to their leg length.

2020 Honda Civic Sport (sedan, coupe, and hatchback)

The Sport sedan builds off the LX’s standard equipment, adding Smart Entry proximity key unlocking and push-button start, a center exhaust outlet, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

Inside, the Sport touts sport pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a 7-inch touch-screen display hooked to a 180-watt six-speaker audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard, as does a 1.5-amp USB port. The Sport’s rearview monitor gains dynamic guidelines that bend in the direction of the steering wheel.

Regardless of body style, all Sport trims come standard with the 6-speed manual, but the available CVT transmission includes steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Like the LX, the Sport hatchback has a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, but with six additional hp for a total output of 180.

Currently, used car prices are experiencing a rapid increase, sometimes selling above the original MSRP. In the 2020 Honda Civic Sport’s case, a typical price range for a low-mileage model in good condition would be between $21,000 and $24,000, depending on a private party or a dealer sale.

However, due to the post-pandemic shortage of new cars, we are currently seeing prices for a used 2020 Civic Sport ranging from a low of $19,500 to mid-high $20,000 range. Price fluctuation vary by region, so you might be better off traveling to another state to save money. Buyers can expect used car prices to remain high until the new car market rebalances.

To find your best deal, try shopping the Autotrader classifieds for cars in and outside your area. If the price is right, it may be worth traveling a few hundred miles to get the Civic of your dreams. Find 2020 Honda Civic Sport for sale

2020 Honda Civic Sport includes:

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Allows integration of an Apple or Android smartphone into the Civic’s infotainment system, permitting access to apps, music, maps, and message all through the Sport’s 7-inch touchscreen.
  • 6-speed manual transmission – The perfect match to the Sport’s turbocharged engine.
  • Smart Entry – Allows unlocking of the doors and engagement of the push-button start simply by having the key fob in your possession.
  • Fog lights – Help better illuminate the road when it’s raining or foggy outside.

2020 Honda Civic EX (sedan, coupe, hatchback)

The EX might be the perfect Civic. Sitting in the middle of the trim range, it provides all the creature comforts most people desire, a more powerful engine than the LX, but at a price that still fits most used car budgets.

The EX’s upgrades start under the hood, where it has a 174-hp1.5-liter turbocharged engine. A CVT automatic transmission comes standard with no option for a manual transmission.

The EX rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels and gains Honda LaneWatch. LaneWatch is a passenger-side blind-spot system. Whenever the turn signal is activated, a camera in the passenger-side mirror projects an image on the center screen showing when it’s safe to change lanes.

The EX includes variable intermittent wipers, heated side mirrors, and a one-touch power moonroof with a tilt and slide feature. The driver gets an 8-way power-adjustable seat (sedan only), while the driver and front-seat passenger enjoy heated seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. Subtle touches, such as lighted visor vanity mirrors and the sedan’s rear seat center armrest, are appreciated.

The EX’s audio system is upgraded with SiriusXM satellite and free HD Radio, while the instrument cluster gains a turbo boost meter.

In regular times, the price range for a low-mileage 2020 Honda Civic EX in good condition runs from around $21,000 to $24,000 depending on body style and whether it’s a private party or dealer sale.

However, the current shortage of new cars has caused a big jump in used car pricing, meaning buyers can expect to see prices for a 2020 Honda Civic EX in the $22,000-$27,000 range, depending on region.

We expect used car pricing to remain high until new car deliveries resume, probably sometime near the end of the year. That said, there are still some good deals out there without the hefty markup. Using the Autotrader classified section is a great way to shop for cars around the country, helping you find the best price.

If you find a 2020 Civic EX on a Honda dealer’s lot, see if it qualifies as a Certified Pre-Owned Honda. Although more expensive, with prices so high, it makes sense to get more for your money. A CPO vehicle comes with a complete inspection and extended time and mileage added to its factory warranties. Find 2020 Honda Civic EX for sale

2020 Honda Civic EX includes:

  • 8-way power driver’s seat – Allows a more relaxed seating position for improved comfort on long trips.
  • Heated front seats – An excellent addition when it’s cold outside, this feature allows front-seat occupants to warm themselves until the climate control does its job.
  • Power moonroof —  A nice feature that allows in the sun and fresh air, although it slightly reduces front-seat headroom.
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control – Allows the driver and passenger to regulate individual temperature zones.

2020 Honda Civic EX –L (sedan and coupe)

The EX-L has all the same features as the EX but with the addition of leather seating, HomeLink univerasal garage remote system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The coupe’s driver’s seat remains manual.

Expect pricing for the EX-L to be about $1,000 above that of a used 2020 Civic EX.

2020 Honda Civic Touring (sedan and coupe)

The Touring is the top-of-the-line Civic trim and, as such, pulls in a premium price.

Using the same engine and transmission as the EX, the Touring gains paddle shifters for its CVT transmission. Its 18-inch alloy wheels have shark gray inserts, and its heated outside mirrors gain integrated turn signals.

Rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights, heated rear seats (sedan only), and a 4-way power passenger seat further separate the Touring from the other trims, although it does share the EX-L’s leather seats.

The biggest draw to the Touring is its 450-watt ten-speaker premium audio system and built-in satellite navigation featuring voice recognition and Honda HD digital traffic.

A used 2020 Honda Civic Touring in good condition and with low mileage typically sells for between $24,000 and $27,000, depending on if purchased from a private party or a dealer. However, due to the post-pandemic shortage of new cars, used car prices vary widely and are trending to the high side.

Currently, we see price ranges for the 2020 Civic Touring in the $25,000 to $28,000 range, although there is plenty of room to negotiate depending on your location. Due diligence searching the internet, even if it’s a few hundred miles outside your area, may pay off big.

Another good idea when buying used is to consider a Certified Pre-Owned Civic from a local Honda dealer. CPO vehicles come with a rigid inspection process and have additional time and mileage added to their warranties. Find 2020 Honda Civic Touring for sale

2020 Honda Civic Touring includes:

  • Satellite Navigation – Can be programmed using the touchscreen or voice activation, the Civic’s satellite navigation doesn’t rely on a cell tower signal, so it works even in remote locations.
  • 450-watt audio – Although not a name brand, the Touring’s 10-speaker audio system sounds pretty good and is a must-have for music lovers.
  • Rain-sensing wipers – Automatically turn on when mist or light snow touches the windshield. The wipers adjust in speed depending on the volume of water hitting the windshield.
  • Heated rear seats – Now everyone onboard can choose their level of comfort.

2020 Honda Civic Sport Touring

Available only on the hatchback, the Sport Touring brings all the features on the Touring sedan and then tosses in few additional perks.

The Sport Touring reclaims the 6-speed manual as its standard transmission, although the CVT with dual-mode shift paddles is available.

Besides some exterior body spoiler additions, the most significant difference between the Touring and Sport Touring is the audio system. The Sport Touring gains two more speakers for a total of 12 and a 540-watt amplifier.

We expect the Sport Touring’s prices to mirror those of the Touring, although vehicles with the 6-speed manual may be in higher demand as there are so few of them out there. Find 2020 Honda Civic Sport Touring for sale

See More Civic Trim Comparisons

FAQ

  • Is the 2020 Honda Civic a safe car?

    The 4-door 2020 Civic eared a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, this top pick was for specific headlights; learn more at IIHS. The Civic earned a safety rating of 5 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

  • Is Honda discontinuing the Civic?

    2020 was the last year the coupe version of the Honda Civic was made. The 4-door and hatchback version are still being sold.

  • What is the best Honda Civic?

    The best Civic is the one that meets your needs and offers the features you want. If you are trying to decide which Honda Civic to buy, check out our guide for choosing the right used Honda Civic.

  • What are the dimensions of the 2020 Honda Civic?

    Exterior

    Depending on the trim you choose, the dimensions are in the range below:

    • Length – 177-183 inches
    • Width – 71 inches
    • Height – 55-57inches

    Interior

    • Headroom (front/rear) – 39.3 in / 37.1 in
    • Legroom (front/rear) – 42.3 in / 37.4 in
    • Shoulder Room (front/rear) – 57.0 in / 55.0 in
    • Hiproom (front/rear) – 53.7 in / 47.3 in
    • Cargo Volume – 15.1 cu ft
    • Passenger Volume – 97.8 cu ft

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