2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat presented a familiar exterior design, reminiscent of its predecessors from 2012 to 2019, as well as the recently redesigned VW Jetta. It borrowed styling cues from the Jetta, giving it a recognizable yet refreshed appearance. Inside, the Passat maintained a traditional dashboard layout, featuring a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The interior was characterized by the use of glossy plastic materials, which, while not luxurious, were easy to maintain. The Passat was designed with simplicity in mind, offering ease of use and affordability. It was available in four trims, with the R-Line model providing a sporty look and additional features.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Civic was celebrated as the standout model in Honda's lineup, offering a range of body styles including sedan, coupe, and hatchback. The Civic's design was sharp and visually appealing, with a low and wide stance accentuated by body panel creases and LED lighting. The interior was simple yet high-quality, featuring soft-touch materials and a well-organized layout. The Civic's design changes for 2020 included updated grilles, bumpers, and wheels, enhancing its modern look. The Civic Si and Type R models offered sportier aesthetics and performance-oriented features, making them attractive options for enthusiasts.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 6-speed automatic transmission, providing a straightforward driving experience without the complexity of multiple driving modes. The Passat's powertrain was appreciated for its simplicity and efficiency, achieving an average of 26 mpg during testing. The car's steering was light and precise, and its brakes were effective, though the suspension tuning was criticized for being too stiff over bumps and too soft over undulations.

The 2020 Honda Civic offered a diverse range of powertrains, with four engines and two transmissions available. The base models featured a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower, while higher trims came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing up to 180 horsepower. The Civic Si and Type R models offered even more power, with the Type R delivering an impressive 306 horsepower. The Civic's engines were praised for their smoothness and responsiveness, and the manual transmission was noted for its precision. The Civic's adaptive dampers and precise steering contributed to an engaging driving experience, with the Si model offering a balance of performance and comfort.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with comfortable seating for five. It featured wide door openings, ample storage options, and excellent visibility. The Passat's trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, with a flat load floor for easy loading. The interior materials varied by trim, with cloth upholstery standard on the base model and leatherette or genuine leather available on higher trims. The Passat's size and utility made it a practical choice for those seeking a roomy sedan.

The 2020 Honda Civic offered a well-thought-out interior with a focus on functionality. The hatchback model received additional sound insulation for a quieter ride. The Civic's interior featured a conventional shifter, a deep center console with configurable storage, and a user-friendly steering wheel with controls for various functions. Rear passengers enjoyed ample space, though the lack of rear air vents was noted as a drawback. The Civic's trunk space varied by body style, with the sedan offering 15 cubic feet and the hatchback providing up to 46 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system was basic, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen with App Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While it lacked the latest VW technology, it offered essential features like HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SEL trim added navigation and a premium Fender sound system. The Passat's infotainment system was appreciated for its simplicity, and the optional remote engine start system was a convenient feature.

The 2020 Honda Civic's infotainment system was considered outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen that was standard on most models. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to bypass the factory interface. The Civic Si featured Active Sound Control, which could be turned off, and a 450-watt stereo system. The Civic also offered advanced safety features like LaneWatch, adaptive cruise control, and Honda Sensing, which included lane-keeping assist and auto high beams. The Touring and Sport Touring trims added additional features like LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. It also featured an automatic post-collision braking system. The Passat SE added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim included parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat received a top rating of Good from the IIHS.

The 2020 Honda Civic came standard with Honda Sensing, which included forward collision warning, emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for all body styles except the Type R, which was not tested. It received the top "Good" rating in all crash tests and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rating in the passenger frontal crash test for the coupe.