2022 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition was a tribute to the model's legacy, positioned above the base SE and R-Line trims with an MSRP of $31,570. Only 1,973 units were produced, marking the year the Passat debuted in Europe. This edition featured exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and special badges, with a unique Racing Green paint option. Inside, the Passat boasted Mauro Brown leather upholstery, contrasting with the dark dashboard and faux wood trim. Despite its age, the Passat maintained an upscale appearance, though it was marred by outdated technology like a small 6.3-inch touchscreen and basic driver information display.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capitalize on the dwindling hatchback market, offering a redesigned model built in Indiana. It was available in LX, Sport, EX-L, and Sport Touring trims, with prices ranging from $22,900 to $29,400. The Civic hatch shared its front design with the sedan but featured unique rear styling. Inside, the Sport Touring trim provided advanced digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, enhancing its modern appeal. The Civic's interior was praised for its high-quality controls and metal honeycomb dashboard detailing, though the CVT shifter operation was slightly criticized.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat was enigmatic in its driving dynamics, offering a floaty ride reminiscent of a 1990s Buick. It was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the engine's torque curve provided adequate power for daily driving, it lacked immediate passing power. The Passat's Sport mode improved responsiveness without sacrificing fuel efficiency, achieving 30.7 mpg in testing. Despite its comfort-oriented ride, the Passat displayed traditional German handling traits on twisty roads, with flat cornering and accurate steering.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower for the LX and Sport trims, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower for the EX-L and Sport Touring trims. The turbo engine's torque was accessible from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm, providing a lively driving experience. The Civic's CVT worked well with the turbo engine, while the six-speed manual transmission in the Sport Touring trim was praised for its smooth operation. The Civic's suspension balanced comfort and handling, though it wasn't designed for aggressive driving. Fuel economy was impressive, with the Sport Touring achieving 32.1 mpg with the CVT.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat was known for its spacious cabin, accommodating five adults comfortably. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, but the lack of separate bottom cushion angle adjustment affected comfort. The rear seats provided excellent legroom and support, with air conditioning vents and USB ports. The Passat's 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space was competitive, though it lacked underfloor trays or side bins for additional storage.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a 24.5 cubic feet trunk and a two-piece cargo shade. The 60/40-split folding rear seat expanded cargo capacity, though the load floor wasn't flat. All seating positions were comfortable, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, and both front seats were heated. The Civic's interior featured black fabric or leather upholstery, with automatic climate control standard.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system featured a 6.3-inch screen with App-Connect, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth. The R-Line and Limited Edition added HD Radio, navigation, and a Fender premium audio system. The voice recognition system was basic, and the infotainment system felt outdated compared to other VW models.

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 latter included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Civic's infotainment system addressed previous criticisms with physical knobs and a steadying shelf for touchscreen use. The voice recognition system was effective, and digital instrumentation varied by trim.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The R-Line added automatic high-beam headlights, while the Limited Edition featured adaptive headlights and parking sensors. The Passat received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The EX-L and Sport Touring added blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings. The Civic earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, with advanced airbags and engineering for improved crash protection. The driver aids were more refined than previous systems, though some functions were overly cautious.