The rims for the 2014 are a
The rims for the 2014 are a marked improvement (on EX-L trim levels), as is the extended view side mirror, blind spot camera, and push button start. However, many of the improvements mentioned happened during the 2013 "emergency refresh", not 2014. The higher quality materials (the interior is one of the most nicely appointed compact cars on the market), the increased soundproofing, and thicker windshield/front windows make a profound difference.
I owned a 2012 Si and I couldn't wait to get rid of it. The interior road noise was utterly unbearable, the interior materials were hard, brittle plastic, the headliner was a cheap cardboard-like felt, and the handling/steering feel was absolutely horrid. I will never understand what Honda was thinking with the design and interior of the 2012 Civic. They've admit in interviews that they knew the car wasn't competitive before it even went on sale, and begin preparations for emergency refreshes before they even hit the lots - that's absolutely deplorable.
Updating the handling for 2013, as well as the front and back of the sedan, did wonders for the car. I have a 2013 Si sedan in Dyno Blue and I like how the front end looks (though my 2006 Si design is timeless). I personally think the 2012+ model Civics were a bit of a step back design wise - like they blended the best of the last gen Civic with the worst of the Corolla.
That said, the car continues to get better in most regards. The two exceptions being the inability to get XM on any trim level unless you purchase the overpriced, outdated navigation unit (the option to buy the $300 XM accessory from Honda went away with 2014) as well as the "touch screen". I had a 2014 LX sedan as a rental and absolutely despised the mandatory touch screen radio. It is redundant with much of the information displayed in the i-MID mini display near the speedometer, and the lack of a volume knob is absolutely painful.