2020 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a masterclass in understated design. It appeared as a typical 5-door hatchback, but its honeycomb grille, red accents, and twin exhaust outlets hinted at its hidden performance prowess. The Rabbit Edition trim, with its gloss black 18-inch wheels and unique colors like Urano Gray and Cornflower Blue, added a touch of heritage and exclusivity. Inside, the GTI's straightforward dashboard, quality materials, and whimsical Clark Plaid cloth upholstery in the S and Rabbit Edition trims provided a blend of practicality and charm.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback had a more polarizing design. The 2020 model featured subtle tweaks like body-color crossbars on the air intakes, a new grille, and smoked headlights. The Sport Touring trim, with its Platinum White Pearl paint and glossy black detailing, garnered attention and even some mistaken identity as a Type R. Inside, the Civic offered stitched leather, soft surfaces, and a bank-vault-door thunk that impressed. However, the abundance of hard plastic reminded occupants of its compact car roots.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a thrill to drive, thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The VAQ limited-slip differential, standard on all trims, enhanced traction and handling, making the GTI a hero on twisty roads. The 6-speed manual gearbox provided light clutch action and short throws, while the engine's grumble added to the driving excitement. The GTI's ride was stiff, and wind and road noise were noticeable, but the progressive steering and adaptive damping suspension (optional on SE and standard on Autobahn) made it a joy to drive. Fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined, with real-world results slightly lower at 25.1 mpg.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback, equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, offered 174 horsepower in LX, EX, and EX-L trims, and 180 horsepower in Sport and Sport Touring trims. Torque varied slightly depending on the transmission, with the manual providing a bit more punch. The Civic's engine was quiet and refined, but the long clutch travel and gearbox throws were less engaging than the GTI's. The Civic Hatchback's ride was softer and more compliant, making it easier to live with daily. Fuel economy was impressive, with the EPA rating the test car at 32 mpg combined, and real-world results slightly better at 32.7 mpg.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a versatile choice for families and driving enthusiasts alike. The front seats were height-adjustable and offered robust bolsters, with plaid cloth or leather options. The dashboard was clear and functional, with ample storage options, including a cavernous glove box and deep door-panel bins. The backseat provided acceptable comfort, though leg space was tight. The trunk offered 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a bit more cargo space at 25.2 cubic feet, though it couldn't match the HR-V for maximum volume. The Sport Touring's heated leather front seats provided ample thigh support, but the passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The center console storage was brilliantly designed, with sliding components to accommodate various items. Rear seat comfort was good, but the lack of air-conditioning vents and dark tinted glass made it less comfortable in hot weather.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI's infotainment system varied by trim. The S and Rabbit Edition featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and smartphone integration. The SE trim offered an 8-inch display, HD Radio, satellite radio, and an optional Fender premium sound system. The Autobahn trim included navigation and a semi-autonomous parking assistant. The adaptive LED front lighting system was standard on all but the S trim.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback's Sport Touring trim included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker premium sound system. The lack of a tuning knob and voice-recognition issues were drawbacks. However, features like automatic climate control and Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock added convenience.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The SE trim added Car-Net Safety & Security services, while the Autobahn trim included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and an active blind-spot monitoring system. The GTI received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though it fell short in front passenger protection and headlight performance.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the system lacked refinement, and the LaneWatch camera only covered the right-side blind spot. The Civic received top crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick due to poor headlight performance.