CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 800
Average Price: Around £11,000

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 iconic family hatchback, offers flamboyant styling and a practical five-door layout. With a generous 478-litre boot and comfortable passenger space, it delivers good practicality for families. The range includes turbocharged 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines alongside a 1.6-litre diesel, all paired with six-speed manual or CVT automatic gearboxes. The Civic drives well with a sweet manual gearbox, balanced handling, and a supple ride, though it lacks the finesse of some rivals. EX trim and above feature adaptive dampers for customisable suspension settings.

Running costs are impressively low, with the diesel achieving over 60mpg and the 1.0-litre petrol managing 45-50mpg in real-world use. Insurance groups are competitive at 15-22, though depreciation is slightly faster than some rivals. The standout Type R hot hatch offers visceral performance and excellent value as a usable daily driver. However, the infotainment system is underwhelming, and interior quality feels patchy compared to competitors. Despite these shortcomings, the Civic remains a safe, affordable, and enjoyable family car with comprehensive standard safety equipment.

Best for: Budget-conscious families seeking dependable transport, high-mileage drivers (diesel option), and those wanting an affordable, usable performance hatch (Type R).

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising premium infotainment, superior interior quality, or the finest driving dynamics compared to rivals like the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Civic if: You're seeking dependable family transport on a budget, a high-mileage driver needing frugal engines, or looking for an affordable, usable performance hatch (Type R).

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise premium infotainment, superior interior quality, or the finest driving dynamics compared to rivals like the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf.

Competitive Position: The Honda Civic (2016-2021) is a worthy family hatchback offering practicality, dependability, and impressive fuel economy. Whilst it drives well with a sweet manual gearbox and balanced handling, it lacks the finesse of the Ford Focus and the interior quality of the Volkswagen Golf. The underwhelming infotainment system is a notable weakness in a class of exceptional contemporaries. However, its affordability, comprehensive safety equipment, and the brilliant Type R variant make it a sensible choice for budget-conscious families and performance enthusiasts alike. The Civic remains a good offering, though slightly lagging behind its most accomplished rivals.

Read our full Honda Civic Review

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