2022 Audi A4 vs 2022 Honda Civic

For the 2022 Audi A4, the model lineup included the A4 sedan, the A4 Allroad station wagon with SUV styling cues and a slightly higher ride height, and the S4 performance-tuned model with a more powerful engine. This review evaluated the A4 sedan, available in 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI models, with trim levels ranging from Premium to Prestige. The A4’s price started just under $40,000 and could exceed $50,000 depending on specifications. The test vehicle was decked out in the Prestige 45 TFSI specification with Tango Red paint, the Black Optic Plus package, 19-inch wheels, the S-line Interior package, and ventilated front seats. The MSRP was $55,890, including the $1,095 destination charge.

Visually, the A4 was simple, clean, and conservative in its appearance, which allowed the Tango Red paint to shine. The Black Optic package detailing and the classic five-arm rotor-design wheels were elements of perfection. The A4 exuded an aura of refined sophistication.

Inside, the A4 mirrored its exterior with aesthetic restraint. The test car’s black interior was tastefully contrasted with aluminum trim, gloss black décor, and metallic accents, giving it a contemporary edge without feeling cavernous. Audi seamlessly integrated the air vents into the dashboard and labeled controls with white markings on a matte-black background. High-quality materials adorned the interior, including a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel and ambient lighting. However, the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system seemed like an afterthought rather than a seamlessly integrated design element.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic projected a more practical charm. Delivered in LX, Sport, EX, and Touring trims, prices ranged from $21,700 to $28,300, excluding a $995 destination charge. There was also a new five-door hatchback model rejoining the lineup, with the two-door coupe fading into memory.

The primary test vehicle was a Civic Touring in Morning Mist Blue paint, bringing the total price to $29,690, including destination charges. Another briefly sampled Civic Sport featured extra-cost Platinum White Pearl paint and the new Honda Performance Development (HPD) appearance package, estimated at just under $25,880.

A glance at the redesigned 2022 Civic revealed its mature evolution. The resemblance to the larger Accord sedan was noticeable, with a more conservative and tailored appearance than its predecessor. This new, grown-up look was likely appreciated by those who found the previous Civic’s styling too bold, yet it may have seemed a tad boring for fans of the old design.

The interior of the 2022 Civic aimed for a minimalist return to past simplicity. Redesigned seats, especially with the Touring trim, provided outstanding support. An accent of metal honeycomb mesh across the dashboard deftly concealed the air vents, adding an elegant touch. The interior materials, particularly in the Touring trim, reflected a newfound maturity.

The performance of the 2022 Audi A4 varied depending on the chosen model. Opting for the A4 40 TFSI meant getting a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) powering the standard Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg in combined driving. Audi claimed this combination accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.

The test A4 45 TFSI model boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, delivering 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, along with a lowered sport suspension. Audi stated it could reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, with an EPA rating of 27 mpg in combined driving. Evaluated predominantly in Auto mode, with Dynamic mode for mountain driving, the A4 45 TFSI averaged 24.8 mpg. While it didn't quite feel as fast as Audi’s claims, it remained a joyful driving experience, thanks to a refined engine, nimble handling with excellent tire grip, and top-notch brake performance. The Audi’s structure and suspension felt rock-solid over town streets and speed bumps, maintaining impressive ride quality despite low-profile rubber on 19-inch wheels.

Importantly, the 2022 Audi A4 was remarkably quiet, with dual-pane acoustic front window glass contributing to a serene cabin environment. Overall, the A4 45 TFSI Prestige was dynamically rewarding and convincingly delivered sufficient speed, diminishing the necessity to upgrade to an S4 model.

In comparison, the 2022 Honda Civic was equipped with two improved engines from the previous generation. The LX and Sport trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, deemed adequate unless compared to the more potent turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the EX and Touring trims. This turbocharged engine generated 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, spread over a broad rev range from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm, resulting in a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency.

Both engines paired with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), although Honda used different CVTs for each. New Step Shift programming mimicked the sensation of traditional automatics, allowing unobtrusive operation. Sport and Touring trims included a Sport transmission mode, enhancing the car’s responsiveness. The 2022 Civic featured increased structural rigidity, revised four-wheel independent suspension tuning, and improved steering feel, making it enjoyable to drive, with capable handling not compromising ride quality.

However, on a 95-mile driving loop, the Civic Touring returned 30.4 mpg, falling short of the EPA’s estimated 34 mpg. The Civic’s behavior remained predictable, delivering trust and joy in every driving scenario, whether grocery runs, daily commutes, school trips, or adventures.

Sitting low to the ground, the Audi A4 was somewhat challenging to enter and exit, worsened by small door openings and a snug cabin. However, once settled, the front seats offered exceptional comfort, with soft leather, power adjustment, a thigh-support cushion, and heated and ventilated features. The driver’s seat also housed adjustments for optimal positioning and a sliding center armrest. The A4’s three-zone automatic climate control was easy to use, separated from the infotainment screen.

In the rear seat, adults could fit, though space was limited for stretching out. The 40/20/40-split folding back seat suggested real-world capacity for two adults, with hard plastic front seatbacks and storage netting unfriendly to knees and shins. Interior storage was limited, with the center console bin occupied by the wireless charging pad and Audi Phone Box signal booster. The glove compartment and door bins offered more generous storage space.

The A4’s 13 cubic-foot trunk was finished well, with enclosed hinges preventing luggage from being crushed. Storage nets resided on both sides, providing substantial space and grab handles for easy lid closure.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic emphasized comfort, with redesigned front seats delivering better support. The Touring trim’s power driver’s seat allowed perfect positioning, although the front passenger’s seat lacked a height adjuster but didn’t need one due to excellent thigh support and limited headroom. The Civic’s low sitting position also posed an entry and exit challenge, but the back seat offered more legroom than most in the segment, aiding easier movement. Thigh support was commendable, though some might find the backrest angle too reclined.

The rear USB ports offered charging but lacked air conditioning vents. Touring trim also lost its heated rear cushions for 2022. The redesigned center console had less storage space and flexibility but featured accessible cupholders and trim designed to resist fingerprints.

Trunk volume was generous, at 14.8 cubic feet for most trims or 14.4 cubes with Touring trim due to premium sound system components. The split-folding backseat added utility, with a small handle inside the lid helping to close the trunk.

The 2022 Audi A4 was among the first to feature Audi's MIB3 Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Though the screen seemed inelegant, the technology was highly functional, supporting smartphone-like operations with acoustic feedback confirming selections. Key features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Audi Connect services, navigation, wireless charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. The MMI was easy to use, with a Home button providing quick access to the main menu and an efficient voice recognition system.

With the 2022 Honda Civic, every model featured digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim presenting a more sophisticated and customizable 10-inch display panel. This panel featured a Vehicle Activity display, showing when LED headlights, brake lights, and turn signals were active.

The Civic offered a standard 7-inch touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The number of stereo speakers varied by trim, with the Touring trim boasting a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system due to Bose's early involvement in the Civic’s design. Touring trim also upgraded to a 9-inch infotainment display with wireless connectivity options, HD radio, satellite radio, and navigation. Voice recognition technology performed well, marking a significant improvement from previous models.

Audi stair-stepped the availability of A4’s safety features, with the top-tier Prestige model offering a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems. These included collision preparation, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, surround-view camera, and Park Assist. The A4 also featured Matrix-design LED headlights with automatic high-beams. The driver assistance systems were effective, though the adaptive cruise control exhibited delayed reactions in some situations.

Crash-test ratings were impressive, with the A4 earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Honda Civic came equipped with an updated Honda Sensing suite, featuring advanced driver assistance systems with improved smoothness and accuracy due to a new wide-view front camera and ultrasonic sensors. Standard features included adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Civic also replaced its LaneWatch system with a sonar-based blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert in higher trims.

However, the LX and Sport trims lacked blind-spot monitoring, a critical feature for inexperienced drivers. The Civic EX was recommended for younger drivers due to its comprehensive safety features.

The Civic’s structure was stronger, offering enhanced protection in collisions with larger vehicles, and included new airbag designs and rear side-impact airbags. A rear-seat reminder system was also standard across the lineup.