2022 Honda Civic vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update marked the first major design change for the Passat in nearly a decade. The car's body shell remained the same, but every panel except the roof was altered, giving it a strong resemblance to the smaller Volkswagen Jetta. This resulted in a more understated look compared to its more radically styled competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. The Passat's smooth, jellybean-like shape, reminiscent of 1990s sedans, contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28. However, this did not translate into significantly improved fuel efficiency. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and for Execline models, 19-inch wheels with an Adaptive Front-lighting System.

Inside, the Passat's design was clean and functional, with a focus on analog controls rather than large digital screens. This approach enhanced forward and side visibility, avoiding the bunker-like feel of many modern cars. However, some buyers might have found the interior plain, with limited brightwork and materials primarily consisting of plastic and leatherette upholstery. Despite this, the fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat's market positioning as a value option.

The 2022 Honda Civic, available in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, presented a more conservative and mature appearance compared to its predecessor. The redesigned Civic resembled the larger Accord sedan, appealing to those who preferred a more tailored look. The interior embraced simplicity, with a minimalistic approach to controls and layout. A metal honeycomb mesh elegantly concealed the air vents, and the materials, especially in the Touring trim, reflected a newfound maturity. The Civic's interior improvements were evident, offering a more refined experience than the previous generation.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine produced 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While the horsepower was slightly below average for the segment, the torque was impressive, providing enough power to spin the wheels when accelerating from a stop. However, power delivery felt uneven at higher speeds, requiring the use of Sport mode or manual gear selection for better performance. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. On the highway, ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but not exceptional.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options. The LX, EX, and Sport trims featured a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The Touring trim came with a more powerful turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine delivered a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency, with torque available across a broad rev range. Both engines were paired with continuously variable transmissions (CVT) featuring Step Shift programming for a more traditional automatic feel. The Civic's Sport and Touring trims included a Sport transmission mode, enhancing responsiveness and driving enjoyment. The Civic's improved structural rigidity, suspension tuning, and steering feel contributed to its fun and engaging driving experience. Despite its sporty nature, the Civic maintained a comfortable ride and reduced noise levels compared to its predecessor.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 993 millimetres of rear legroom, slightly less than the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. However, this came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. The Passat's front seats lacked thigh support, and the rear seats felt flat and hard. With 450 litres of cargo space, the Passat offered more room than the Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, and Nissan Altima but less than the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, with door bottle holders poorly shaped for large bottles. The Passat excelled in control layout, featuring large buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support. The Touring trim featured leather-lined, power-adjustable front seats with heating but no ventilation. The Civic's low ground clearance made entry and exit challenging, but the rear seat provided ample legroom and thigh support. However, the backrest angle might have felt too reclined for some. The Civic lacked rear air conditioning vents, but the Touring trim included heated rear seats. The redesigned centre console offered less storage space but more accessible cupholders. Trunk volume was generous at 419 litres, or 408 litres with the Touring trim, accommodating full-size suitcases and featuring a split-folding backseat for added utility.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came equipped with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Execline models included built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. A single USB-A port handled connectivity functions. The touchscreen, though small, offered pinch-to-zoom capability, and basic functions were easily managed with dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and MIB3 infotainment system found in other VW models.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display panel. This panel provided greater customization and driving environment data. The Vehicle Activity display showed the status of headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals, enhancing safety. The Civic's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with volume and tuning knobs, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim offered a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, HD radio, satellite radio, and navigation. The 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint 2 premium audio system in the Touring trim delivered a rich audio experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the Passat. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Execline grade added lane-keep assist and lane departure warning. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2022 Honda Civic's Honda Sensing collection of advanced driver assistance systems included Traffic Jam Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Lane Keeping Assist. The new wide-view front camera and eight ultrasonic sonar sensors improved the system's performance. The Civic replaced the LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert. The Civic's vehicle architecture was stronger, with new front airbag designs and rear side-impact airbags. A standard rear-seat reminder system was also included.