2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Honda Civic

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Honda Civic
2022 Honda Civic
$22,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Civic
$22,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$28,695

MSRP

$22,550

Average price

$24,128

Average price

$22,991

Listings

74

Listings

2431

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Great handling
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Not much cargo space
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Base stereo is lacking
  • Poor value for money

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews Summary

Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice?

2022 Honda Civic Reviews Summary

According to Honda, 75 percent of Civic owners return in the future to buy another one of the company’s vehicles. That represents a significant opportunity, and it makes the redesigned 2022 Honda Civic sedan crucial to the automaker’s long-term health. With so much riding on this car’s success, we’re happy to report that Honda nailed the redesign, engineering, and technology with few exceptions. And that makes the 2022 Civic sedan one of the best compact cars you can buy.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 228 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 158 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

228 hp @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower

158 hp @ 6500 rpm

MPG City

23

MPG City

31

MPG Highway

30

MPG Highway

40
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Civic
2022 Honda Civic
$22,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Civic
$22,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$28,695
$22,550
Average price
$24,128
$22,991
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
5.0
4.9
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Great handling
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Not much cargo space
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Base stereo is lacking
  • Poor value for money
Summary
Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice?
According to Honda, 75 percent of Civic owners return in the future to buy another one of the company’s vehicles. That represents a significant opportunity, and it makes the redesigned 2022 Honda Civic sedan crucial to the automaker’s long-term health. With so much riding on this car’s success, we’re happy to report that Honda nailed the redesign, engineering, and technology with few exceptions. And that makes the 2022 Civic sedan one of the best compact cars you can buy.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 228 hp I4
2.0L 158 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
228 hp @ 5000 rpm
158 hp @ 6500 rpm
MPG City
23
31
MPG Highway
30
40
Look and feel
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10
2022 Honda Civic
9/10

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a continuation of a legacy that began with the 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, was a quintessential hot hatch. It shared its foundation with the regular Golf but included subtle enhancements that elevated it to a performance category. The GTI featured distinctive red 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 boasted a sporty appearance 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 presented a more conservative and mature design compared to its predecessor. The redesigned Civic resembled the larger Accord sedan and featured a minimalistic interior with a metal honeycomb mesh across the dashboard. The Civic's interior materials were improved, especially in the Touring trim, reflecting a newfound maturity. The Civic's exterior was more tailored, appealing to those who preferred a grown-up look. The Civic Touring model, with its extra-cost Morning Mist Blue paint, was priced at $29,690, including destination charges. The Civic Sport, with its Platinum White Pearl paint and HPD appearance package, was estimated at just under $25,880.

Performance
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
7/10
2022 Honda Civic
9/10

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was all about performance, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a standard six-speed manual transmission. The GTI's handling was a standout feature, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and variable-ratio steering. However, its performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. The GTI's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the manual transmission and 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined for the dual-clutch transmission.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque for the LX and Sport trims, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque for the EX and Touring trims. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Step Shift programming. The Civic's handling was improved with structural rigidity, revised suspension tuning, and enhanced steering feel. The Civic Touring returned 30.4 mpg on a 95-mile driving loop, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 34 mpg. The Civic's predictable and enjoyable driving experience made it a satisfying compact sedan.

Form and function
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10
2022 Honda Civic
8/10

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, with its hatchback design offering practicality for passengers and cargo. It had a 103.6-inch wheelbase and measured 168.0 inches in length, 70.8 inches in width, and 57.8 inches in height. The GTI provided 17.4 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats, expandable to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front row accommodated taller drivers comfortably, while the second row was suitable for two average-sized adults. The GTI's compact dimensions and sharp steering made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Inside, clever storage options included large front door pockets and a center console with grippy cupholders.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering better support. The Touring trim featured leather-lined seats with power adjustments for the driver. The Civic's low seating position made entry and exit challenging for some, but the back seat offered ample legroom. The Civic's trunk provided 14.8 cubic feet of space, or 14.4 cubes with Touring trim, accommodating full-size suitcases. The split-folding backseat added utility, and a small handle inside the trunk lid aided in closing it. However, the Civic's interior redesign resulted in less storage space and flexibility in the center console.

Technology
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10
2022 Honda Civic
8/10

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 getting an 8-inch screen with navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, with Bluetooth and USB ports included. Volkswagen Car-Net offered additional connectivity features, including remote access and hotspot portals. The GTI also came with LED lighting, keyless access, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2022 Honda Civic boasted digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim featuring a 10-inch display panel. The Vehicle Activity display provided information about the car's lighting status. The Civic's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Civic's voice recognition technology was notably improved, offering a seamless user experience.

Safety
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10
2022 Honda Civic
7/10

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. The GTI came with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and park assist.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured the upgraded Honda Sensing suite, including Traffic Jam Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Civic EX and Touring trims offered a proper blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Civic's architecture was strengthened for improved collision protection, and new airbag designs enhanced safety. A rear-seat reminder system was standard across all trims.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 Honda Civic scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is the recommended choice for those seeking a performance-oriented vehicle with a sporty design and practical features.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 Honda Civic scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is the recommended choice for those seeking a performance-oriented vehicle with a sporty design and practical features.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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