There’s a lot to love about the 2023 Honda Civic Sedan. Even though it’s a carryover from the 2022 redesign, it sets the standard for the compact car class. As a fun-to-drive, well-built, fuel-efficient, and affordable model, it’s hard to do better. But there are five minor drawbacks to the otherwise impressive five-seater sedan.  

1. No front-seat lumbar support

Although it’s geared more toward sportiness, the Honda Civic handles comfortably. However, the front seats may not be as compliant for folks on long rides. The front row is supportive but lacks adjustable lumbar support.

2. Sensitive driver’s assistance aids

The 2023 Honda Civic Sedan has a host of new camera-based driver’s assistance systems. However, Edmunds reviewers found a few of the aids a bit too sensitive, causing “false alarms.” For example, reviewers claimed the “lane keeping assist got confused by faded lane markings,” and the “adaptive cruise control sometimes brakes a little late.” Yet, the “occurrences were infrequent,” they said.

3. Noticeable road noise on the highway

The 2023 Honda Civic Sedan will achieve 31 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Nevertheless, another thing there’s a lot of on the interstate is noise. Wind noise isn’t the issue, proving the new Civic is well-built. But the culprit seems to be the tires.

4. It needs more power

The 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the 2023 Honda Civic produces 180 horsepower and 177 pounds-feet of torque. Its figures are a bit low in the segment, but it’s much peppier than the base 158-horsepower 2.0-liter. Given the Civic’s perennial sportiness, both engines need more power. The Type-R’s 315 horsepower solves the issue, but for nearly $20,000 more than the base model.

5. No stick on the sedan

Honda’s slightly underpowered 2023 Civic is a more engaging drive with the six-speed manual. But it’s only available in the hatchback version. Therefore, potential buyers will have to sacrifice a few mpg to row their own gears.

What are the 2023 Honda Civic sedan trim levels?

The base 2023 Civic LX begins at $24,545, and the Sport Sedan variant is $1,600 more. The mid-range EX will add in amenities like blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, a power sunroof, and others, Car and Driver says. It also includes the turbo-four engine. Luckily, all the niceties cost a respectable $27,545.

Honda’s range-topping Civic Touring Sedan comes in at $31,145. Its interior is graced by a wealth of soft-touch points flanking the elegant dashboard. Breathable leather upholstery and even upscale-style hard plastics make the top-tier Civic have a near-Acura quality.

Is the 2023 Honda Civic sedan a safe car?

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2023 Honda Civic Sedan an overall crash safety rating of five out of five stars. Yet, the front passenger side rating only garnered four stars. But the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety made it a Top Safety Pick this year.

All 2023 Civics come with a slew of standard safety features to quell worrisome drivers. Automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist are included. Also, road departure alerts, road sign recognition, and traffic jam assist are welcome systems. Low-speed braking and front and rear parking sensors are options, but only on the top-of-the-line Touring Sedan.