2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a descendant of the original 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, continued to uphold its legacy as a quintessential hot hatch. This model, marking the end of the seventh generation, shared its foundation with the regular Golf but featured subtle enhancements that elevated its performance and aesthetic appeal. The GTI was distinguished by its red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and red-painted brake calipers visible through its 18-inch alloy wheels. The exterior was further accentuated by LED fog lamps, gloss black side mirrors, and a small rear spoiler. Inside, the GTI offered a sporty ambiance with red ambient lighting, a race-inspired steering wheel, and heated front sport seats available in Clark plaid cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. The overall quality of the GTI was evident in its first-rate paintwork and high-quality interior materials.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture the remaining market share for hatchbacks as other automakers phased them out. Manufactured in Indiana, this redesigned model was poised to remind consumers of the practicality and driving enjoyment hatchbacks offer. The Civic Hatchback, available in LX, Sport, EX-L, and Sport Touring trims, featured a design similar to the Civic sedan from the front doors forward, with unique elements from the rear doors back. The interior mirrored the sedan's, with Sport Touring trim offering advanced digital instrumentation and infotainment displays. Despite some minor drawbacks, such as the lack of rear air conditioning vents, the Civic Hatchback provided a comfortable and modern driving experience, with thoughtful features like a two-piece cargo shade and smartphone charging ports.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was celebrated for its performance, driven by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivered a spirited driving experience. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a four-wheel independent suspension, variable-ratio steering, and Golf R front brakes. However, its performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. The GTI's fuel economy was respectable, with the manual transmission achieving 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined, and the dual-clutch version slightly better at 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque for the LX and Sport trims, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque for the EX-L and Sport Touring trims. The latter provided a more engaging driving experience, especially with the six-speed manual transmission. The Civic Hatchback's suspension and steering were tuned for a balance of comfort and agility, though it was not as performance-focused as the GTI. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the Sport Touring trim achieving 33 mpg combined with the CVT and 31 mpg with the manual transmission.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, offering a compact yet spacious design. With a wheelbase of 103.6 inches and a length of 168.0 inches, the GTI provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage options and comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. The GTI's compact dimensions and tight turning circle made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback prioritized functionality, featuring a generous 24.5 cubic feet of trunk space and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. While Honda did not provide an official maximum cargo volume, the hatchback's design maximized space without compromising passenger comfort. The interior offered comfortable seating with sufficient legroom, though some passengers noted the lack of a seat-height adjuster for the front passenger seat and rear air conditioning vents. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, and the overall cabin design was both practical and stylish.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a standard analog gauge cluster, with a configurable driver information screen. The VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system was standard, with S models using a 6.5-inch screen and SE and Autobahn models an 8-inch screen with navigation. Smartphone integration was seamless with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. The GTI also offered Volkswagen Car-Net, providing remote access and connectivity features. Standard smart technology included LED lighting, keyless access, and heated exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen display for LX, Sport, and EX-L trims, and a 9-inch display for Sport Touring. The latter included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Civic's infotainment system addressed previous criticisms with physical knobs for sound controls and a shelf for hand stability. Digital instrumentation was standard, with a 10.2-inch display in the Sport Touring trim.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the small overlap front passenger side test. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The GTI's sharp handling was a potential asset in avoiding collisions.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback was equipped with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. New features included low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist, though these were only available with the CVT. The Civic Hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety engineering and features like new frontal-impact airbags and a rear-seat reminder system.