2023 Acura Integra vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition was a special send-off for the model, priced at $31,570. Only 1,973 units were produced, featuring exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and special badges. The unique Racing Green paint color was a standout, with other options including white, gray, and red. Inside, the Passat boasted Mauro Brown leather upholstery, contrasting with the dark dashboard and fake wood trim. Special seat tags and rubber cupholder inserts added a touch of exclusivity. Despite its age, the Passat's design remained upscale and well-preserved, though it did show signs of outdated technology and materials.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura Integra showcased a cohesive design language with its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharp character lines, aligning it with the TLX sedan and RDX and MDX crossovers. Replacing the ILX compact sedan, the Integra featured a five-door liftback design, embossed "Integra" nameplates, and a wide track for a solid, planted look. Available in three trims—base, A-Spec, and A-Spec with Technology—the Integra offered 17-inch or 18-inch wheels and performance all-season tires. The rear end was distinctive with a decklid spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and large taillights. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its unique identity with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out layout.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat was enigmatic in its driving dynamics. It floated like a 1990s Buick but revealed traditional German handling traits on country roads. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it produced 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission prioritized fuel efficiency, often upshifting quickly. Despite its sedate behavior, the Passat's torque curve made it adequately powerful for commuting and highway cruising. In Sport mode, the car felt more responsive without sacrificing fuel efficiency, achieving 30.7 mpg in testing. The Passat's ride quality was generally smooth, though it could feel jittery on city streets. Brake pedal feel was inconsistent, but the car was remarkably quiet on the highway. On twisty roads, the Passat's handling was surprisingly enjoyable, with flat cornering and accurate steering.

The 2023 Acura Integra, for the first time, featured a turbocharged engine—a 1.5-liter four-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission in the A-Spec with Technology trim, the Integra offered a lively driving experience. The manual transmission included automatic rev-matching, making downshifts smooth and easy. The Integra also featured automatic stop/start and brake hold, adding convenience. The car's wide track and long wheelbase contributed to its planted feel, and the variable-ratio electric power-steering system provided natural highway feel and sharp cornering. The Integra's suspension was firm yet comfortable, and its handling capabilities were impressive for a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowed for a customizable driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat was known for its spacious cabin, comfortably accommodating five adults. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment but lacked separate bottom cushion angle adjustment, affecting comfort for some drivers. The rear seats, however, were exceptionally comfortable with ample legroom and supportive cushions. Storage space was good, though some areas were lined with hard plastic. The trunk offered 15.9 cubic feet of space, with no underfloor trays or side bins.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design provided practicality, though the high lift-over height could be challenging for shorter shoppers or those with heavy luggage. With 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the Integra offered ample storage, though loading bulky items could be cumbersome. The front seats featured a logical dashboard layout, smartly placed cupholders, and a decent center console cubby. Rear passengers had decent legroom but limited headroom due to the sloped roofline. The rear seat cushions were soft and comfortable.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system featured a 6.3-inch screen with App-Connect smartphone connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth. The R-Line and Limited Edition trims added HD Radio, navigation, and a Fender premium audio system. The voice recognition system was limited, but the Fender audio system was a standout feature.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Technology package upgraded the touchscreen to a 9-inch unit, added a head-up display, and enabled wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers was a highlight, providing excellent sound quality. The top-tier trim also included additional USB ports and a wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat included standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited Edition added adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and park-assist. The lane-keeping assistance system was sometimes inaccurate, and the reverse automatic braking system could be overly sensitive. The Passat received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Acura Integra offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and more. The A-Spec with Technology trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. The Integra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.