2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 Subaru WRX, a performance variant that evolved from the Subaru Impreza, was known for its aggressive styling and sporty features. It had a wider stance, a lower front splitter, and a rear deck spoiler, making it stand out as a performance vehicle while still being identifiable as a Subaru. The WRX's cabin, however, was considered somewhat plain for a new car, especially for those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The WRX offered various trims, including the base, Sport, Sport-tech, and Sport-tech RS, each adding features like larger wheels, leather upholstery, and advanced audio systems.

The 2020 Honda Civic, a staple in Honda's lineup, was celebrated for its sharp design and engineering excellence. Available in sedan, coupe, and hatchback styles, the Civic's exterior was visually stimulating, with sleek lines and LED lighting that enhanced its low and wide stance. The interior was simple yet high-quality, with soft-touch materials and a well-organized dashboard. The Civic offered a range of trims, each with unique features, such as sport seats and advanced infotainment systems, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of buyers.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT that included Subaru’s SI-DRIVE with multiple drive modes. The WRX's power delivery was impressive, with minimal turbo lag and precise steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The WRX STI variant offered even more power with a 2.5-litre engine producing 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for enhanced cornering capabilities.

The 2020 Honda Civic offered a range of engines, including a base 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder engine with 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with up to 180 hp. The Civic Si and Type R variants provided even more power, with the Si offering 205 hp and the Type R delivering 306 hp. The Civic's engines were smooth and responsive, with a tight shifter and a CVT that performed well without excessive revving. The Civic Si featured adaptive dampers and precise steering, making it a balanced and enjoyable drive, while the Type R was known for its impressive power and handling.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility with its simple sedan layout, large windshield, and well-designed sightlines. The cabin was practical, with a straightforward dash layout and ample storage. The WRX provided plenty of space in the front seats, with adequate rear-seat space for adults on shorter trips. However, its 340 litres of cargo space was limited compared to other compact sedans, though comparable to sports cars with similar performance.

The 2020 Honda Civic was praised for its roomy interior, especially in the rear seats, though it lacked rear air vents. The Civic's trunk offered 416 litres of cargo space in the sedan, with the hatchback providing up to 1,302 litres with the seats folded down. The interior featured a well-organized centre console with configurable storage, and the driver's seat was power adjustable on higher trims, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with a 6.5-inch or 7-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring the Starlink system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly and provided essential tech features without being overwhelming. The WRX also included a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, offering key driver information in multiple locations.

The 2020 Honda Civic's infotainment system was considered outdated, with a slower interface and complex navigation. However, it included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to bypass the factory interface. The Civic Si featured Active Sound Control, push-button start, and a 450-watt stereo. Honda Sensing was standard, offering advanced safety features, and LaneWatch provided a live feed of the blind spot, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. It offered the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2020 Honda Civic included Honda Sensing, with features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. It earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for all body styles except the Type R and received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating in the passenger frontal crash test for the coupe.