2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Honda Civic, with its long history of segment-defining models, continued to impress with its 10th-generation design. This model was available in various formats, including the sedan, hatchback, and the performance-oriented Type R. The Civic sedan, particularly in the Touring trim, showcased a striking Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, offering a blend of style and practicality. Despite its daring 2016 design, the Civic's interior began to show its age, especially with its 7-inch infotainment screen. However, it maintained a reputation for quality materials and thoughtful detailing, making it a trendsetter in the compact car segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition marked the end of an era for the model, with only 1,973 units produced. This special edition featured exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and a unique Racing Green paint option. Inside, the Passat boasted Mauro Brown leather upholstery and thoughtful details like special seat tags and rubber cupholder inserts. Despite its decade-old design, the Passat's interior exuded an upscale feel, although it was marred by outdated technology and inexpensive plastics. The 6.3-inch infotainment screen and small driver information display highlighted its age, yet the cabin's modern touches and European sobriety added a touch of elegance.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options. The base LX and Sport trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). However, the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, standard on EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, delivered 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering made it a joy to drive, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. Despite the CVT's drawbacks, such as droning and ineffective paddle shifters, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 34.8 mpg on a test loop.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generated 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While adequate for daily driving, the Passat's powertrain lacked excitement, especially during passing maneuvers. The six-speed automatic transmission prioritized fuel efficiency, achieving 30.7 mpg on a test loop, surpassing EPA estimates. The Passat's ride quality was generally smooth, but its suspension and tires occasionally transmitted road imperfections. Despite inconsistent brake pedal feel, the Passat excelled in highway comfort, with a quiet cabin and low drag coefficient. On twisty roads, the Passat's Germanic handling traits shone, offering a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan featured a low seating position, making entry and exit a bit of a workout. However, once inside, the Civic offered comfort, especially in the front seats with eight-way power adjustment. The rear seats provided ample space and support, though rear air conditioning vents were absent. The Civic's center console offered impressive storage, and the trunk boasted 15.1 cubic feet of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat excelled in interior space, accommodating five adults comfortably. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, but the lack of separate cushion angle adjustment affected comfort. The rear seats provided exceptional legroom and support, complemented by air vents and USB ports. Storage was ample, though some areas lacked noise-dampening materials. The Passat's trunk offered 15.9 cubic feet of space, with a convenient remote keyless entry fob for access.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology showed its age, with the base LX trim offering a 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker sound system. Higher trims added features like HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a premium audio system. However, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated, making smartphone integration preferable.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system, housed in a 6.3-inch screen, offered standard App-Connect, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims added HD Radio, navigation, and a Fender premium audio system. While the voice recognition system was limited, the Fender audio system impressed with its clarity and range, making it a standout feature in the Passat.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the LaneWatch system, available from EX trim, had limitations, such as only monitoring the right side. Despite these drawbacks, the Civic earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat's safety features lagged behind more modern VW models but included essentials like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights and parking sensors. While some systems, like lane-keeping assistance, were inconsistent, the Passat's adaptive LED headlights received high praise. The Passat earned "Good" ratings from the IIHS but received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.