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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $29,515–$34,654 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Honda Civic SL is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 8.1/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.0/10, while Performance at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 9.0/10. The Civic SL nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. On safety, it scores 8.8/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.7/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $29,515–$34,654, 30 MPG, seating 5, the Honda Civic SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. At 7.8/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Honda Civic SL will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Honda Civic SL ranks #117 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 91% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $29,515 starting price is about 7% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Honda Civic SL scores 8.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.1 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.3/10 | $33,407 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.3/10 | $32,435 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.2/10 | $31,461 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.2/10 | $30,488 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $29,515 | |
| 2020 | 8.1/10 | $28,542 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.1/10 | $27,569 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.0/10 | $26,596 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.9/10 | $25,623 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.9/10 | $24,650 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $23,676 | Read review → |
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
