2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2021 Honda Civic had a long history of segment-defining models, with significant updates arriving roughly every decade. The 2021 model continued to be available in sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats, though the two-door coupe was discontinued, and the sporty Civic Si was on hiatus. The Civic sedan came in various trims, from the base LX to the top-tier Touring, with prices ranging from $21,250 to $28,300, excluding destination charges. The test car, a Touring sedan in Cosmic Blue Metallic, cost $29,690. The Civic's design, initially polarizing, had become familiar over time, and its interior, though showing some age, still featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a hot hatch icon since its 1983 debut, continued to impress with its subtle performance enhancements. The GTI's exterior featured red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and red-painted brake calipers visible through 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior boasted sporty touches like red ambient lighting, a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel, and heated front sport seats. The GTI's quality feel extended to its paintwork and interior materials, maintaining its reputation for high standards.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The more desirable turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, delivered 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine provided a spirited driving experience, complemented by the Civic's sophisticated suspension and precise steering. However, the CVT detracted from the overall driving enjoyment, despite its fuel efficiency, with an observed 34.8 mpg on a 140-mile loop.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in performance, thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The test model featured a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, though a six-speed manual was also available. The GTI's handling was a standout feature, with four-wheel independent suspension, adaptive damping, and variable-ratio steering. However, the performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. The GTI's fuel economy was respectable, with EPA ratings of 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined for the dual-clutch transmission.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan's low seating position made entry and exit a bit challenging, but once inside, the front seats offered comfort and adjustability, especially with the eight-way power driver's seat. The rear seats provided ample space and thigh support, though the lack of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The Civic's center console was highly practical, with numerous storage options. The trunk was spacious, offering 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly reduced to 14.7 cubic feet in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI's hatchback form made it highly practical for carrying passengers and cargo. With a 103.6-inch wheelbase and compact dimensions, the GTI was easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The cargo area offered 17.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The front seats were comfortable for taller drivers, while the rear seats were adequate for average-sized adults. The GTI's interior featured clever storage solutions, though the mechanical handbrake felt outdated.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was somewhat dated. The base LX trim had a 5-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth, and a 1.0-amp USB port. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen, an eight-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a more powerful USB port. The EX trim added HD Radio and SiriusXM satellite radio, while the Touring trim included navigation and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The voice recognition system in the Touring trim was unsophisticated, and the premium sound system was nice but not essential.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured the VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system, with the S trim using a 6.5-inch screen and the SE and Autobahn trims getting an 8-inch screen with navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, with Bluetooth and two USB ports standard. The SE trim included a three-month trial of SiriusXM with 360L. Volkswagen Car-Net offered additional connectivity features, including remote access, a mobile app, and Amazon Alexa integration. The GTI also came with standard LED lighting, keyless access, and rain-sensing wipers.

The 2021 Honda Civic came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Civic also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a multi-angle reversing camera. However, the LaneWatch system, available from the EX trim, had limitations and did not offer a traditional radar-based blind-spot warning system. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS for the Touring trim and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA in all assessments.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" rating in the small overlap front passenger side test and for the LED headlights. The GTI came with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple airbags. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, and high-beam control. The GTI's sharp handling also contributed to its safety by potentially avoiding collisions.