2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta maintained its status as a steadfast performer in the automaker's lineup, even amidst a challenging sales environment. Despite a dip in overall sales due to various global disruptions, the Jetta continued to be a significant contributor, accounting for a substantial portion of Volkswagen's U.S. sales. The 2022 model received a subtle exterior refresh, with minor tweaks to the front fascia, bumper, and grille, which now featured more chrome elements. The interior updates were equally understated, with new seat patterns and contrast stitching enhancing the cabin's appeal. The Jetta's design remained practical and purposeful, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback emerged as a strong contender in the compact car segment, capitalizing on the declining popularity of hatchbacks among other automakers. Honda's redesigned Civic hatchback aimed to capture a significant share of the remaining market, offering a blend of practicality and driving enjoyment. The new model shared its front-end design with the Civic sedan but featured distinct styling from the front doors to the rear. Inside, the Civic hatchback boasted a modern and sophisticated interior, with digital instrumentation and high-quality materials. The Sport Touring trim, in particular, offered advanced features and a more engaging driving experience, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile and enjoyable compact car.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 1.4-liter turbo-four, offering a slight increase in horsepower. Transmission options included a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic. The Jetta's performance was characterized by its impressive fuel economy, with EPA estimates of up to 43 mpg on the highway for the manual version. However, the powertrain exhibited some drawbacks, such as a touchy throttle and turbo lag, which affected its overall dynamics. The Jetta offered various drive modes, but the steering feedback and acceleration were not particularly engaging.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered two engine options, with the LX and Sport trims featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The EX-L and Sport Touring trims were equipped with a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, generating 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine provided accessible torque across a wide range of RPMs, enhancing the driving experience. The Civic hatchback's suspension and steering were well-tuned, offering a balance between comfort and agility. While the CVT worked well with the turbo engine, driving enthusiasts would likely prefer the Sport Touring's six-speed manual transmission for its engaging feel. The Civic hatchback delivered commendable fuel economy, closely matching EPA estimates during real-world testing.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta offered a spacious interior despite its compact size, comfortably accommodating four adults with the option to seat five. The cabin was designed with a driver-centric layout, featuring easily accessible controls for climate, audio, and seat functions. Storage options included door pockets, a center console bin, and a sunglass holder, although the center storage bin lacked a latch. The Jetta's interior was practical and functional, with a focus on providing a comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a generous 24.5 cubic feet of trunk space and a two-piece cargo shade for added convenience. The rear seats featured a 60/40-split folding design, although the load floor was not flat. The Civic hatchback's seating positions were comfortable, with ample legroom for passengers. However, some passengers noted the lack of a seat-height adjuster for the front passenger seat and the absence of rear air conditioning vents. The driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, and the front seats were heated. The Civic hatchback's interior was well-designed, with thoughtful touches like smartphone charging ports and comfortable leg rests.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade, with all models featuring the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Jetta SEL boasted a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro display with customizable views and widgets. Infotainment options included a 6.5-inch touchscreen for lower trims and an 8-inch MIB3 system for the SEL, offering features like wireless App-Connect and navigation. While the touchscreen was responsive, the voice activation system was less intuitive, often requiring manual input for navigation.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen for lower trims and a 9-inch display for the Sport Touring. The top-tier system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The inclusion of physical knobs for sound controls addressed previous criticisms, and the voice recognition system performed well. The Civic hatchback's digital instrumentation varied by trim, with the Sport Touring offering a comprehensive 10.2-inch display. Overall, the Civic's infotainment and technology features were a significant improvement over previous models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came standard with IQ.Drive, Volkswagen's suite of driver-assistance technologies. The Jetta S and Sport included features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking. Higher trims offered additional features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. While the 2022 Jetta had not yet received crash safety ratings, the previous model year earned high marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, with some areas for improvement in headlight performance and LATCH use.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback was equipped with Honda Sensing, a comprehensive safety suite that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. New features like Traffic Jam Assist and low-speed following were available with the CVT. The Civic hatchback also offered blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems on higher trims. The car's safety engineering and features earned it a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, reflecting its strong performance in crash tests and safety evaluations.