2022 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
$23,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
$23,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
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CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback is the recommended choice, offering a more modern design, better technology, and a more enjoyable driving experience.

Overview

MSRP

$23,995

MSRP

$23,550

Average price

$18,749

Average price

$25,160

Listings

434

Listings

801
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Spacious
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Outdated technology
  • Uncomfortable seats
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Stereo is lacking

2021 Volkswagen Passat Reviews Summary

Despite its German branding, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is an All-American midsize sedan. It was developed specifically for the United States market, and it’s built in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In 2011, when the Americanized Passat was launched, VW thought the sedan was the key to dominating the U.S. market. Midsize sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default choice for most buyers at that time, after all. A lot has changed since then—SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars—but the Passat rolls on. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan.

The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously-available Passat SEL trim level is gone, leaving just the base S, SE, and R-Line models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard across the board, and some trim levels get more standard equipment as well. Our test car was a mid-level SE model.

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Reviews Summary

The very first Honda Civic was a hatchback. In fact, except for the period between 2006 and 2016, a hatch was almost always a part of the Honda Civic lineup. Now in its 11th generation, redesigned for 2022, the Honda Civic is again available as a hatchback, and the automaker expects it to be more popular than at any time since the 1990s. There is good reason for this optimism, as we discovered while testing two versions of the new 2022 Civic hatchback.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 174 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 158 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

174 hp @ 5200 rpm

Horsepower

158 hp @ 6500 rpm

MPG City

24

MPG City

30

MPG Highway

36

MPG Highway

38
2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
$23,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
$23,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback is the recommended choice, offering a more modern design, better technology, and a more enjoyable driving experience.

Overview
MSRP
$23,995
$23,550
Average price
$18,749
$25,160
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.5
Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Spacious
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Outdated technology
  • Uncomfortable seats
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Stereo is lacking
Summary

Despite its German branding, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is an All-American midsize sedan. It was developed specifically for the United States market, and it’s built in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In 2011, when the Americanized Passat was launched, VW thought the sedan was the key to dominating the U.S. market. Midsize sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default choice for most buyers at that time, after all. A lot has changed since then—SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars—but the Passat rolls on. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan.

The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously-available Passat SEL trim level is gone, leaving just the base S, SE, and R-Line models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard across the board, and some trim levels get more standard equipment as well. Our test car was a mid-level SE model.

The very first Honda Civic was a hatchback. In fact, except for the period between 2006 and 2016, a hatch was almost always a part of the Honda Civic lineup. Now in its 11th generation, redesigned for 2022, the Honda Civic is again available as a hatchback, and the automaker expects it to be more popular than at any time since the 1990s. There is good reason for this optimism, as we discovered while testing two versions of the new 2022 Civic hatchback.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 174 hp I4
2.0L 158 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
158 hp @ 6500 rpm
MPG City
24
30
MPG Highway
36
38
Look and feel
2021 Volkswagen Passat
7/10
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
9/10

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update gave the Passat a more understated appearance, aligning it closely with the smaller Volkswagen Jetta sedan. The design was less radical compared to competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. With a drag coefficient of 0.28, the Passat's smooth, jellybean-like shape aimed to enhance aerodynamic efficiency, though the impact on fuel economy was modest. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches depending on the trim. The R-Line trim added sportier styling elements, but the color palette remained conservative. Inside, the Passat's interior was clean and functional, with well-placed analog controls and good visibility. However, the interior was somewhat plain, with basic materials and limited brightwork, though fit and finish were commendable.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture the dwindling hatchback market, offering a fresh design and production in the U.S. The Civic hatchback shared its front-end design with the sedan but featured unique elements from the front doors back. While it attempted to balance visual weight, it still exhibited a "stubby butt" profile. Inside, the Civic hatch mirrored the sedan's layout, with Sport Touring trim adding advanced digital instrumentation and infotainment displays. The interior boasted high-quality controls and a modern appearance, though the CVT shifter operation was slightly awkward. The Civic hatchback was praised for its practicality and driving enjoyment, though it could benefit from some improvements.

Performance
2021 Volkswagen Passat
6/10
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
8/10

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. While the torque was impressive, the horsepower was below average compared to rivals. The power delivery was uneven, particularly during highway overtakes, but switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved responsiveness. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. It offered a plain driving experience with decent ride quality and cabin noise levels.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered two engine options. The LX and Sport trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, while the EX-L and Sport Touring trims boasted a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine provided accessible torque and a satisfying driving experience. The Civic hatchback was front-wheel drive, with a choice of CVT or six-speed manual transmission on certain trims. The CVT worked well with the turbo engine, and the manual transmission was praised for its smooth operation. The Civic hatchback delivered enjoyable driving dynamics, though it wasn't a performance car. It excelled in fuel economy, nearly matching EPA estimates in real-world testing.

Form and function
2021 Volkswagen Passat
6/10
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
8/10

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered 39.1 inches of rear legroom, slightly less than competitors like the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. However, this came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. The driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and lack of thigh support in the front seats. The rear seats were flat and hard. The Passat provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some rivals but less than others. In-cabin storage was limited, and door bottle holders were improperly shaped. The layout of controls was a highlight, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, offering a generous 24.5 cubic feet of trunk space and a two-piece cargo shade. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, though the load floor wasn't flat. All seating positions were comfortable, with sufficient legroom, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, and both front seats were heated. The Civic hatchback offered black fabric or leather upholstery, depending on the trim, and automatic climate control was standard.

Technology
2021 Volkswagen Passat
6/10
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
8/10

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. R-Line models added HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. The touchscreen was small but functional, with pinch-to-zoom capability. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and newer MIB3 infotainment system. Driver aids were basic, appealing to those seeking simplicity.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system. LX, Sport, and EX-L trims had a 7-inch touchscreen with physical knobs and wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Sport Touring trim offered a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, SiriusXM, wireless charging, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Civic's infotainment system was a significant improvement, with a user-friendly interface and effective voice recognition. Digital instrumentation was standard, with a 10.2-inch display on the Sport Touring trim.

Safety
2021 Volkswagen Passat
7/10
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
9/10

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in IIHS crash tests, but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. NHTSA crash-test ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New features included low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist, available only with the CVT. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were exclusive to higher trims. The Civic hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety engineering and effective driver aids.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Volkswagen Passat
7/10
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
4/10
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