CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 800
Average Price: Around £10,000

Honda Civic (2016-2021) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Dependable family transport	Frustrating infotainment
The Type R hot hatch is tremendous fun	Interior quality could be better
Choice of frugal engines	Regular models are rather ordinary to drive

Quick Summary

The Honda Civic (2016-2021), the tenth generation of this long-established family hatchback, offers dependable transport with a raked roofline that gives it a sportier appearance than most rivals. Available exclusively as a five-door, it provides good passenger room and a generous 478-litre boot with a long floor ideal for bulky items. The Civic is practical and comfortable, though a six-footer may find rear headroom slightly tight. With a choice of turbocharged petrol engines (127bhp 1.0-litre or 180bhp 1.5-litre) and a 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel, all available with manual or CVT automatic gearboxes, the Civic delivers strong performance and excellent fuel economy, with the diesel often returning over 60mpg and the 1.0-litre achieving around 45-50mpg.

The Civic drives well with a light, snappy manual gearbox and a happy balance between motorway manners, ride comfort, and predictable handling. EX trim levels and above feature adaptive dampers for customisable suspension. However, the infotainment system is underwhelming, and interior quality feels patchy compared to rivals like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. The explosive Type R hot hatch offers a thrilling alternative for those seeking genuine performance. Insurance groups are competitive at 15-22, and running costs are amongst the most frugal in the family hatchback class, though depreciation may be slightly faster than some competitors.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking dependable family transport, high-mileage drivers (especially with the diesel), and those wanting an affordable performance option (Type R).

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising premium interior quality, advanced infotainment systems, or the finest driving dynamics compared to contemporary rivals.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Civic if: You seek dependable family transport, are a high-mileage driver (especially with the diesel), or want an affordable performance option (Type R).

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise premium interior quality, advanced infotainment systems, or the finest driving dynamics compared to contemporary rivals.

Competitive Position: The Honda Civic (2016-2021) is a worthy and practical family car with frugal engines, comprehensive standard safety equipment, and a comfortable, roomy cabin. However, it faces stiff competition from the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Toyota Corolla, which offer better infotainment systems, superior interior quality, and more refined driving experiences. The Civic's major weakness is its underwhelming infotainment and patchy interior finish, which make it feel slightly lagging compared to these exceptional contemporaries. Nevertheless, for budget-conscious buyers seeking dependable transport with low running costs, the Civic remains a sensible choice, particularly in 1.0-litre SR trim or above.

Read our full Honda Civic Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.