The Honda Civic is the best overall hatchback
Hatchbacks are excellent vehicles for those who love the handling of a sedan but prefer a more accessible and spacious trunk space. A hatchback offers flexibility because you can fold down the second-row seating, providing more cargo space. A sedan is different because you can’t access the truck through the second row. Hatchbacks are a happy medium if you are not ready to drive a crossover or SUV. Continue your search for the perfect car with our top list of the best hatchbacks of 2022:
Best Hatchbacks of 2022
- Best Overall: Honda Civic Hatchback
- Best Drive: Volkswagen Golf GTI
- Best Value: Kia Rio
- Best for Fuel Efficiency: Toyota Prius
- Best Interior: Mazda 3 Sport
- Best Tech: Polestar 2
- Best for Electric: Chevy Bolt EV
Best Overall: Honda Civic Hatchback
Starting at $28,650 CAD.
- Horsepower: 158hp
- Engine: 2.0L, 4-cylinder
- Fuel Efficiency (City/Hwy/Combined): 8.0/6.2/7.2
- Drivetrain: FWD
- LX: $28,650
- Sport: $32,150
- Sport Touring: $35,650
Why We Chose It
The 2022 Honda Civic is the best overall for hatchbacks because of its approachable base-level pricing, comprehensive safety features, bold exterior design, stylish interior, and innovative technology features.
Pros & Cons
The Honda Civic continues to be one of the best cars on the market with its reliability and sleek appearance, and the 2022 hatchback model is no different. With all-new exterior features such as updated door handles, a noiseless roof, LED headlights, and an available power moonroof. And updated interior features with an open cockpit design, wider windshield, heated front seats, and available Bose sound system. The Honda Civic Hatchback is one of the top vehicles on the market for smaller cars. The Civic Hatchback has extensive safety features with blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, advanced airbag design, and child safety features, making it an excellent choice for families or new drivers.
Best Drive: Volkswagen Golf GTI
Starting at $31,495 CAD.
- Horsepower: 241hp
- Engine: 2.0 TSI, 4-cylinder
- Fuel Efficiency (City/Hwy/Combined): 9.8/6.9/6.2
- Drivetrain: FWD
- GTI: $31,495
- GTI Autobahn: $34,995
- GTI Performance: $38,995
Why We Chose It
With a 2.0L turbocharged engine, an impressive 241 horsepower, and a 6.2-second acceleration, the Golf GTI has the best drive for 2022 hatchbacks.
Pros & Cons
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the most iconic hatchbacks. It is beloved for its utility, performance, handling, and speed. The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI continues to impress with its sporty exterior and interior features. The latest features include: head-up display, a sports steering wheel, a 10.25” digital cockpit and a panoramic sunroof.
Best Value: Kia Rio
Starting at $17,395 CAD.
- Horsepower: 120hp
- Engine: 4-cylinder
- Fuel Efficiency (City/Hwy): 7.7/6.1
- Drivetrain: FWD
- LX+ MT: $17,395
- LX+: $18,595
- LX Premium: $19,995
- EX Premium: $22,495
Why We Chose It
The 2022 Kia Rio is the best value for hatchbacks due to its low price tag and available features.
Pros & Cons
The Kia Rio Hatchback starts at a competitive base price of $17,395 and is loaded with interior and exterior features, usually only available with higher trim levels. Along with its approachable price, the Kia Rio also has extensive safety features such as a rearview camera, vehicle stability management, hill-assist control, and a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system. This hatchback is the perfect starter car for teenagers or new drivers.
Best for Fuel Efficiency: Toyota Prius
Starting at $29,350 CAD.
- Horsepower: 120hp
- Engine: 1.8L, 4-cylinder
- Fuel Efficiency (City/Hwy/Combined): 4.4/4.6/4.4
- Drivetrain: FWD
- Prius: $29,350
- AWD-E: $30,390
- Technology AWD-E: $32,750
- Technology: $33,950
Why We Chose It
The 2022 Toyota Prius is the most fuel-efficient gas-powered hatchback on the market. With combined fuel consumption of 4.4L/100km, the Toyota Prius has the best fuel efficiency.
The Toyota Prius has lots of excellent interior and exterior specs. However, the main appeal of the Prius models is their fuel efficiency. For the 2022 Prius model line-up, two trims (AWD-E and Technology AWD-E) have electric on-demand all-wheel drive. The Prius is the only non-luxury hybrid vehicle available in all-wheel drive. The Toyota Prius hatchback is the perfect choice for a commuter car that doubles as a weekend adventure mobile with a stylish design, all-wheel drive, and fantastic fuel economy.
Best Interior: Mazda 3 Sport
Starting at $22,400 CAD.
- Horsepower: 155hp
- Engine: 2.0L, 4-cylinder
- Fuel Efficiency (Combined): 6.4
- Drivetrain: FWD
- GX: $22,400
- GS: $25,100
- GT: $30,800
Why We Chose It
The 2022 Mazda 3 Sport Hatch has the best interior, a first-class-style cabin with generous legroom, scalloped seats, and a cockpit compared to a luxury-level vehicle.
Pros & Cons
The Mazda 3 Sport Hatch has luxury interior features with a standard hatchback price tag. The Mazda 3 Sport GT features automatic dual-zone climate controls, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, leatherette-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, windshield-projected driving display, and an optional premium Bose sound system. Overall, the Mazda 3 Sport Hatch is priced competitively for its features and utility.
Best Tech: Polestar 2
Starting at $53,950 CAD.
- Horsepower: 231hp
- Range: 434km
- Fast Charge Time: Up to 80% charge in 40 mins
- Drivetrain: FWD
- Long Range Single Motor (FWD): $53,950
- Long Range Dual Motor (AWD): $58,950
Why We Chose It
The Polestar 2 has the best tech with its intuitive software, smart collision avoidance systems, and seamless connectivity.
Pros & Cons
The Polestar brand is Volvo’s electric vehicle subsidiary. The Polestar 2 is one of the most innovative and stylish EVs. Electric vehicles can be pricey. However, the Polestar 2 has a competitive starting price compared to other luxury-level vehicles. The Polestar 2 takes on a more sedan-style compared to the traditional hatchback. The minimalist interior and exterior design, innovative Google connectivity, and great range make the Polestar 2 a great choice for an electric hatchback.
Explore the world of electric with our top lists of electric SUVs, sedans, and trucks.
Best for Electric: Chevy Bolt EV
Starting at $38,198 CAD.
- Horsepower: 200hp
- Range: 417km
- Fast Charge Time: Up to 160km in 30 mins
- Drivetrain: FWD
- LT: $38,198
Why We Chose It
The 2022 Chevy Bolt EV is best for electric because of its impressive range, fast charge time, and appealing price tag.
Pros & Cons
The 2022 Chevy Bolt EV is an affordable electric vehicle with a capable range and a stylish design. EVs can be expensive, but the Chevy Bolt EV has a lower MSRP and is applicable for most provincial and federal EV rebate programs. The Chevy EV bolt is smaller but would make for a great commuter car.
Final Verdict
With lots of hatchbacks on the market, there is an option for every budget, lifestyle, and personality. The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback won best overall due to its affordable starting price, safety features, stylish exterior, comfortable interior, and infotainment and tech features. The Honda Civic stands out with its striking appearance and comprehensive specifications available in the base-level trim.
Check out VINN’s guide to gas-powered vehicle maintenance.
Compare the Best Hatchbacks of 2022
- Honda Civic Hatchback
- Starting Price: $28,650
- Available in AWD: No
- Electric, Hybrid, Gas: Gas
- Horsepower: 158hp
- Volkswagen Golf GTI
- Starting Price: $31,495
- Available in AWD: No
- Electric, Hybrid, Gas: Gas
- Horsepower: 241hp
- Kia Rio
- Starting Price: $17,395
- Available in AWD: No
- Electric, Hybrid, Gas: Gas
- Horsepower: 120hp
- Toyota Prius
- Starting Price: $29,350
- Available in AWD: Yes
- Electric, Hybrid, Gas: Hybrid
- Horsepower: 120hp
- Mazda 3 Sport
- Starting Price: $22,400
- Available in AWD: No
- Electric, Hybrid, Gas: Gas
- Horsepower: 155hp
- Polestar 2
- Starting Price: $53,950
- Available in AWD: Yes
- Electric, Hybrid, Gas: Electric
- Horsepower: 231hp
- Chevy Bolt EV
- Starting Price: $38,198
- Available in AWD: No
- Electric, Hybrid, Gas: Electric
- Horsepower: 200hp
Frequently Asked Questions
A hatchback is a 4-door passenger car with a trunk door that flips upwards. Hatchbacks also feature second-row fold-down seating, providing access to the trunk space and accommodating greater cargo volume. The main difference between a sedan and a hatchback is the trunk.
There are lots of great hatchbacks on the market. Our top choice for hatchbacks in 2022 was the Honda Civic. The Honda Civic is a reliable hatchback with an affordable starting price and excellent interior and exterior features.
In 2022, the cheapest and most reliable hatchback is the Kia Rio. With a starting price of $17,395, the Kia Rio is one of the most affordable new cars on the market this year. The Kia Rio also has extensive interior, exterior, and safety features, making it a reliable choice without breaking the bank.
Is a hatchback too small for your lifestyle? Check out our list of the top 7-seater SUVs.
Is a hatchback too small for your lifestyle? Check out VINN’s review of the new Ford F-150 or our top list of the best 7-seater SUVs.
At VINN, we work directly with you to guide you through the process of finding a new car. Our vehicle experts will work with you to ensure that you get the best value for the right car, and you can also browse our inventory.
Happy driving! 
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