2022 Audi A4 vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2022 Audi A4 presented a clean and conservative aesthetic, serving as an ideal backdrop for its striking Tango Red paint and Black Edition package. The classic five-arm rotor-design wheels added a touch of automotive design perfection. Inside, the A4 maintained a restrained elegance with black interiors accented by aluminum trim and metallic highlights. The dashboard seamlessly integrated air vents, and controls were clearly marked, contributing to a high-quality feel. The 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit and ambient lighting enhanced the interior, though the tablet-style touchscreen seemed somewhat out of place.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic adopted a more mature and tailored look, reminiscent of the larger Accord. The redesign aimed for simplicity, with a minimalistic control layout and a metal honeycomb mesh elegantly concealing the air vents. The Civic's interior materials, especially in the Touring trim, reflected a newfound maturity. The Morning Mist Blue paint added a fresh touch, while the Civic Sport with the HPD package offered a sportier appearance. Overall, the Civic's design was more conservative than its predecessor, appealing to those who preferred a more understated style.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered two engine options. The 40 TFSI model featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro Ultra AWD. It achieved a fuel economy rating of 8.2 L/100 km and accelerated to 100 km/h in about 6.5 seconds. The 45 TFSI model, tested here, delivered 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a sport suspension as part of the S-line package. It reached 100 km/h in approximately 5.4 seconds, with a fuel economy of 8.8 L/100 km. The A4's driving modes and refined engine made for an engaging experience, though it didn't feel as fast as claimed. The Quattro Ultra AWD system provided stability, and the car remained quiet and composed.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine choices as well. The LX, EX, and Sport trims came with a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine generating 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The Touring trim featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, delivering a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency. Both engines were paired with CVTs, featuring Step Shift programming for a more traditional automatic feel. The Civic's improved structural rigidity, suspension tuning, and steering feel made it enjoyable to drive, with the Touring trim offering quicker acceleration. However, the Civic Touring's fuel efficiency fell short of expectations during testing, returning 7.7 L/100 km compared to the estimated 6.9 L/100 km.

The 2022 Audi A4, sitting low to the ground, posed challenges for entry and exit, with small door openings and a snug cabin. However, once inside, the front seats offered exceptional comfort with soft leather, power adjustments, and a thigh-support cushion. The three-zone automatic climate control system was user-friendly, and the layout was refreshingly simple. The rear seats, though supportive, lacked legroom and were best suited for shorter trips. Interior storage was limited, with the centre console bin housing the wireless charging pad. The 340-litre cargo space was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support. The Touring trim featured a power-adjustable driver's seat, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's low stance made entry and exit challenging, but the rear seat provided ample legroom. The absence of rear air conditioning vents was notable, though the Touring trim included heated rear cushions. The redesigned centre console offered less storage but improved cupholders. The trunk volume remained generous at 408 litres in the Touring trim, accommodating full-size suitcases and featuring a split-folding backseat for added utility.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the MIB3 version of Audi's MMI, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. While the screen's placement was inelegant, the technology was intuitive, supporting smartphone-like functions and offering acoustic feedback. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Audi Connect services. The test car also had navigation, wireless charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was easy to use, with separate climate controls and steering wheel buttons for volume and tuning. The voice recognition was accurate but slow, and the head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Honda Civic boasted digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim featuring a 10-inch display offering customization and driving data. The Vehicle Activity display was a standout feature, showing when lights and signals were active. The standard infotainment setup included a 7-inch touchscreen with volume and tuning knobs, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and navigation. The system performed well, with improved voice recognition and a user-friendly interface, though it had a slow load time.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with availability increasing with higher trims. The Technik model included Audi Pre Sense with collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. The Matrix-design LED headlights provided excellent visibility. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured the upgraded Honda Sensing suite, with Traffic Jam Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Lane Keeping Assist. The new wide-view front camera and ultrasonic sensors improved performance. The Civic replaced the LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert. The car's architecture was stronger, with new airbag designs and rear side-impact airbags. A rear-seat reminder system was standard. These enhancements contributed to the Civic's improved safety credentials.