2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the legacy of its predecessors by offering a design that was both familiar and polarizing. With its 10th-generation model, Honda maintained a bold aesthetic that had been a hallmark since its 2016 debut. The Civic sedan, available in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, presented a striking appearance, especially in the Touring trim with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels. While the exterior design was daring, the interior, though slightly dated, still featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing. The cabin's adventurous design was complemented by a spacious interior, reminiscent of a midsize car from a decade ago, providing ample room for passengers and cargo.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a subtle makeover, with changes that were almost imperceptible at first glance. The exterior updates included a redesigned front fascia, bumper, and grille, with added chrome elements for a more refined look. The Jetta's design was understated, likened to a black suitcase at baggage claim, yet it exuded a purposeful elegance. Inside, the Jetta offered a driver-centric cabin with ergonomic controls and comfortable seating. The interior updates were subtle but effective, with new upholstery patterns and contrast stitching adding a touch of sophistication. The Jetta's cabin was spacious, accommodating four adults comfortably, and featured practical storage solutions.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options, with the base models equipped with a 2.0-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. However, the real excitement came with the turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, standard on the Touring trim, delivering 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a spirited driving experience, complemented by the Civic's sophisticated suspension and precise steering. Despite the CVT's tendency to drone, the Civic's fuel economy was impressive, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on a mixed driving loop.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a single engine option: a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with the Volkswagen Taos SUV, replaced the previous 1.4-litre turbo-four. The Jetta offered a choice between a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic transmission, with the latter standard on the Highline trim. The Jetta's performance was adequate for city commuting, with a notable improvement in fuel economy. On a long highway journey, the Jetta averaged an impressive 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres. However, the powertrain exhibited some lag and surge, and the driving dynamics were less engaging compared to the Civic.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, despite its low seating position, offered a spacious and comfortable interior. The front seats provided excellent support, with the driver's seat featuring eight-way power adjustment. However, the lack of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback for rear passengers. The Civic's centre console was a highlight, offering ample storage space and practicality. The trunk was generous, with 428 litres of cargo space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided ample passenger space, comfortably seating four adults. The cabin was designed with ergonomics in mind, featuring intuitive controls and practical storage solutions. The front seats offered good support, although the slightly inclined edge of the seat cushion might not suit everyone. The Jetta's interior was well-appointed, with a focus on driver convenience and comfort. The centre console provided usable storage space, although the lack of a latch on the compartment cover was unusual.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was beginning to show its age, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation with voice recognition. However, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated, and the premium sound system, while nice, was not a significant upgrade over the standard setup.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a significant technology upgrade, with all models featuring a Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Highline trim boasted a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro with customizable views and widgets. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a capacitive-touch sensor and smartphone-like operation. Standard features included App-Connect for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration, along with multiple USB-C ports and a premium Beats Audio sound system in higher trims.

The 2021 Honda Civic was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the LaneWatch system, which used a camera for blind-spot monitoring, was limited to the right side and had its drawbacks. Despite these limitations, the Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go. The Jetta's Travel Assist and Emergency Assist features provided additional driver support. However, the Jetta fell short of a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to an Acceptable score in the side crash test and varying headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded the Jetta a five-star overall safety rating.