Hey guys, if you're in the market for a new 2022 Honda Civic and you're scratching your head trying to figure out the difference between the EX-L and the Touring trims, you've come to the right place! It's a common dilemma, as both are fantastic options, offering a great blend of comfort, tech, and that classic Civic reliability. But let's be real, we all want to make sure we're getting the most bang for our buck, right? So, let's dive deep into the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L versus the Touring and break down exactly what sets them apart. We'll cover everything from the nitty-gritty specs to the creature comforts that make each trim unique, helping you decide which one will be your perfect ride.

Understanding the 2022 Honda Civic Trim Levels

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L vs. Touring, it's important to understand where these two trims sit in the overall lineup. Honda has a reputation for offering well-equipped vehicles at various price points, and the Civic is no exception. For the 2022 model year, the Civic received a significant redesign, bringing a more mature and sophisticated look, along with updated tech and safety features. The EX-L and Touring are positioned at the higher end of the Civic sedan spectrum, meaning they come packed with more premium features than their lower-tier siblings like the LX and Sport. The EX-L, for example, often represents the sweet spot for many buyers, offering a luxurious feel without the absolute top-tier price tag. It typically builds upon the features of the EX trim, adding that coveted leather interior. The Touring, on the other hand, is usually the pinnacle of the non-Si or Type R performance models, meaning it’s loaded with just about every bell and whistle Honda offers. Think of it as the ultimate expression of the standard Civic sedan, designed for those who want the best of the best. Understanding this hierarchy is key because it sets the stage for the feature differences we're about to explore. When you're looking at the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L vs. Touring, you're essentially comparing a very well-equipped model with a fully-loaded one. The decision often comes down to whether those extra premium features in the Touring are worth the extra investment for your specific needs and preferences. We'll be digging into the specifics of what makes each trim special, so stick around as we unpack the value proposition of both the EX-L and the Touring.

The Heart of the Matter: Engine and Performance

Let's talk about what's under the hood, because for many car enthusiasts, engine and performance are critical factors when comparing trims. When you're looking at the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L versus the Touring, you'll be happy to know that both trims share the same excellent powertrain. That's right, guys, Honda decided to keep things consistent at this level, which is great news for performance-minded buyers who don't want to compromise. Both the EX-L and the Touring are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine is a gem, offering a really nice balance of power and fuel efficiency. It pumps out a healthy 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Now, this might not sound like a drag racer's dream, but trust me, in the Civic's lightweight chassis, it feels surprisingly peppy and responsive. It's more than enough power for confident merging onto the highway, passing slower vehicles, and just generally making your daily commute a more engaging experience. The turbocharger provides a nice surge of power across a broad range of RPMs, meaning you won't be constantly downshifting to find power. It’s smooth, refined, and contributes significantly to the Civic’s reputation for being a fun-to-drive car, even in its more comfort-oriented trims. Both the EX-L and the Touring come exclusively paired with Honda's Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Now, I know some people have mixed feelings about CVTs, but Honda's version is one of the best in the business. It's programmed to mimic the feel of a traditional automatic transmission with simulated gear shifts, and it does a really good job of keeping the engine in its power band without that annoying droning sound some older CVTs were known for. Plus, it's a huge contributor to the excellent fuel economy figures these Civics achieve. So, when you're pitting the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L vs. Touring in terms of raw performance and the engine itself, you're looking at a tie. Both offer the same spirited 1.5L turbo engine and the refined CVT, ensuring a consistently enjoyable driving experience across the board. This means your decision will hinge more on the other features and amenities rather than a difference in power delivery or engine capability.

Interior Comfort and Luxury: Leather and Beyond

Now, let's talk about the part that really makes a difference on those long drives or even just your daily commute: interior comfort and luxury. This is where we start to see some significant distinctions emerge when comparing the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L vs. Touring. The EX-L trim, as its name suggests, really leans into offering a more premium feel, and the star of the show is undoubtedly the leather-trimmed seats. These aren't just any leather seats; they provide a supple touch and a more upscale appearance compared to the cloth seats found on lower trims. The leather adds a touch of sophistication and makes the interior feel more luxurious and easier to clean – a big win for families or anyone who appreciates a bit of refinement. Beyond the seats, the EX-L trim typically includes other comfort-oriented features that enhance the cabin experience. You'll usually find a power-adjustable driver's seat, which is a fantastic feature for finding that perfect driving position and easily adjusting it on the fly. Heated front seats are also standard on the EX-L, making those chilly mornings much more bearable. The overall design of the Civic interior for 2022 is already a step up, with a clean, modern dashboard featuring a honeycomb mesh accent that cleverly hides the air vents. The EX-L benefits from this stylish design and adds to it with its enhanced seating and convenience features.

Moving up to the Touring trim, you're getting everything the EX-L offers, and then some. The leather upholstery is still a major highlight, but the Touring often takes it a step further. While the seat design might be similar, the Touring trim usually adds a power-adjustable front passenger seat as well, which is a rare find in this segment and a huge plus for passenger comfort. This means both the driver and the front passenger can customize their seating position electrically. In addition to the power seats, the Touring trim often includes heated rear seats, something that's usually reserved for much higher-priced vehicles. This is a fantastic feature for families or if you frequently have passengers in the back during colder months. Other premium touches you might find exclusively on the Touring include things like a leather-wrapped steering wheel (though the EX-L often has this too, it’s worth confirming) and potentially even more refined interior trim accents. The goal with the Touring is to provide the absolute most comfortable and feature-rich environment possible within the standard Civic sedan. So, when you're weighing the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L vs. Touring interior, ask yourself: how important are those extra power adjustments for the passenger, and are heated rear seats a must-have for you? The EX-L offers a great premium feel with its leather and power driver's seat, but the Touring elevates it with more passenger-focused comfort features.

Technology and Infotainment: Staying Connected

In today's world, technology and infotainment are just as important as engine power or interior comfort. We spend so much time in our cars, and having a seamless and intuitive system to keep us connected and entertained is crucial. When we look at the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L vs. Touring, the differences here can be subtle but impactful for tech-savvy drivers. The EX-L trim usually comes equipped with a solid infotainment system. You're typically looking at a 7-inch touchscreen display. This screen supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are absolute game-changers. Being able to mirror your smartphone's interface, access your apps, navigation, music, and make calls directly from the car's touchscreen is incredibly convenient. Voice command functionality is also usually standard, allowing you to control various features without taking your hands off the wheel. For audio, the EX-L typically features a decent sound system, often with around eight speakers, providing good quality sound for your daily drives. USB ports are available to keep your devices charged.

Now, let's see how the Touring steps it up in the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L vs. Touring tech battle. The Touring trim generally receives an upgraded infotainment system, most notably a larger 9-inch touchscreen display. This bigger screen not only looks more modern and premium but also makes it easier to interact with, especially for navigation or when using multiple apps simultaneously. Critically, the Touring trim usually includes wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. This is a huge convenience factor – no more fumbling with charging cables just to connect your phone. Just hop in, and your phone seamlessly integrates. The audio system also gets a bump in the Touring. You're often treated to a premium Bose audio system with more speakers (typically 12). This means a richer, more immersive sound experience, which audiophiles will definitely appreciate. Furthermore, the Touring model usually adds built-in navigation powered by Garmin. While many people rely on their phones for navigation, having an integrated system can be beneficial for situations with poor cell service or if you simply prefer a dedicated system. It often includes features like traffic updates and 3D mapping. You might also find additional USB ports in the Touring, perhaps for rear passengers, adding to the overall convenience. So, when considering the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L vs. Touring from a tech perspective, the Touring definitely pulls ahead with its larger screen, wireless smartphone integration, superior audio system, and built-in navigation. The EX-L is still very well-equipped with essential tech like wired CarPlay and Android Auto, but if you crave the latest and greatest in convenience and audio fidelity, the Touring is where it's at.

Safety Features: Honda Sensing Standard

When it comes to family and peace of mind, safety features are non-negotiable. Fortunately, Honda makes it easy for buyers of the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L vs. Touring because the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies comes standard on both of these upper-tier trims. This is fantastic news, guys, because it means you don't have to pay extra or choose a specific package to get Honda's advanced safety features. The Honda Sensing suite is comprehensive and includes several key technologies designed to help prevent accidents and mitigate their severity. Among the standard features you'll find are:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS): This system can automatically apply brake pressure when it detects that a frontal collision is unavoidable.
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM): RDM can alert you if you're drifting off course without signaling and can even provide steering assistance to keep you in your lane or help you get back on track.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): ACC is a lifesaver on the highway. It allows you to set a desired speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead, and the system will automatically adjust your speed to maintain that distance.
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): LKAS works to keep the vehicle centered in its lane by making subtle steering corrections if it detects you drifting out of the lane markers.

In addition to the Honda Sensing suite, both the EX-L and Touring trims typically come standard with other safety features like a multi-angle rearview camera, blind-spot information system (BSI) with cross-traffic monitor, and an advanced airbag system. So, in the realm of 2022 Honda Civic EX-L vs. Touring safety, you are getting a virtually identical, and excellent, package of protective technologies. Honda's commitment to safety is a huge selling point for the Civic, and it's great that they include these advanced systems as standard on these popular trims. This means that whether you choose the EX-L or the Touring, you can drive with a high degree of confidence, knowing that your vehicle is equipped with some of the most advanced safety technologies available today. The focus here is on providing a secure and protected environment for all occupants, reinforcing the Civic's reputation as a practical and responsible choice for modern drivers.

Exterior Styling and Wheels

While the core design of the 2022 Honda Civic is consistent across trims, there are some subtle yet noticeable differences in exterior styling and wheels when comparing the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L vs. Touring. The 2022 redesign gave the Civic a sleeker, more mature, and European-inspired look compared to its predecessor. It features cleaner lines, a lower beltline, and a more prominent grille. Both the EX-L and Touring trims benefit from this sophisticated aesthetic, but the Touring often gets the nod for slightly more aggressive or premium styling cues.

For the EX-L, you're typically looking at stylish alloy wheels, often in a 17-inch diameter. These wheels usually have a design that complements the car's overall refined appearance without being overly flashy. The EX-L aims for a balance of elegance and practicality, and its wheel design reflects that. Exterior features like LED headlights and taillights are standard on the EX-L, ensuring good visibility and a modern look.

Stepping up to the Touring trim, you'll often find the most premium exterior treatment. The 2022 Honda Civic EX-L vs. Touring exterior difference is often highlighted by larger wheels, typically 18-inch alloy wheels. These larger wheels can give the car a more planted stance and a sportier appearance. The design of these 18-inch wheels on the Touring is usually more intricate or polished, further enhancing the premium feel. Beyond the wheels, the Touring might also feature additional chrome accents or slightly different bumper designs that give it a more upscale or distinct presence on the road. While both trims share the same fundamental body shape and lighting elements, the wheel size and design, along with minor trim pieces, are where the Touring usually distinguishes itself visually. So, if you prefer a slightly more assertive or premium exterior look, the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L vs. Touring comparison might lean towards the Touring due to its larger, more stylish wheels and potentially more refined accents. However, the EX-L still presents a very handsome and modern profile that many will find perfectly appealing.

Price and Value: Making the Final Decision

This is often the most critical part of the equation, isn't it? Price and value are what ultimately help us make our final decision when weighing the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L vs. Touring. As expected, the Touring trim commands a higher price tag than the EX-L. This price difference reflects the added premium features, technology, and styling elements that the Touring offers. You're paying for that larger infotainment screen, the wireless smartphone integration, the Bose sound system, the power passenger seat, heated rear seats, and those larger 18-inch wheels. The EX-L, on the other hand, offers a fantastic value proposition. It delivers a premium interior experience with leather seats, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and the essential tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all powered by the same efficient and peppy 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. For many buyers, the EX-L hits that sweet spot of luxury, technology, and affordability. It provides a significantly elevated experience over the base models without breaking the bank. The question you need to ask yourself is: are the extra features of the Touring worth the additional cost for your lifestyle? If you're a serious audiophile, constantly use navigation, and appreciate having every convenience feature available, the Touring might justify its price. However, if the leather interior, comfortable ride, and standard safety features of the EX-L are sufficient for your needs, you'll likely be saving a considerable amount of money. Remember, both cars retain that legendary Honda reliability and excellent fuel economy. When considering the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L vs. Touring, the