2023 Honda Civic Drops LX Trim, Adding $2,100 to Base Price

• In 2023, the base model Honda Civic LX no longer exists, meaning that the Sport is now the least expensive trim level.
• The better-equipped Sport starts at $25,745, which is $2,100 more than last year’s LX trim.
• Other trim levels are up $500-$700 over last year for both the sedan and hatchback body styles.

Eliminating the base model is becoming a common refrain at Honda and many other automakers. The new 2023 CR-V ditched the lowest-spec LX trim level for a redesign that pushed its starting price up significantly, and now 2023 Civic sedan and hatchbacks follow suit. There will be no Civic LX for 2023, meaning the lineup starts with the Civic Sport, which costs $25,745, or $2,100 more than the Civic Sport. 2022 Civic LX.

Fortunately, you get more for your money, as the Sport comes with optional extras including 18-inch wheels, a continuously variable transmission, and paddle shifters for the continuously variable automatic transmission. The Civic sports is now the only version of the Civic with a naturally aspirated 158 hp 2.0-liter engine. the higher-end EX and Touring trims come with a more powerful 1.5-liter turbo-four engine. The Civic Sport hatchback, which starts at $100 more than the sedan, still offers a six-speed manual transmission as a no-cost option.

Honda says these pricing and packaging changes are designed to “better match availability with demand.” Honda, and the Civic in particular, has faced significant supply chain challenges this year, with Civic sales down more than 50 percent in the first three quarters of this year. Automotive news data shows a 20-day supply for the Civic as of October 1. Skewing the mix toward more expensive trim options also undoubtedly helps Honda’s bottom line, as those models are likely more profitable for the company.

Budget compact sedan shoppers may be better off looking elsewhere, as models including Hyundai Elantra ($21,595), Kia Forte ($20,585), and VW Jetta ($21,510) now undercuts the Civic by thousands of dollars in terms of base price.

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