2020 Honda Civic vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

2020 Honda Civic
2020 Honda Civic
$20,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Civic
$20,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$20,000

MSRP

$23,995

Average price

$23,548

Average price

$24,283

Listings

435

Listings

98
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
Cons
  • Outdated technology

2020 Honda Civic Reviews Summary

Minor design tweaks and more standard safety and convenience features arrive as the standout changes for the Civic's 2020 model year. Last redesigned for the 2016 model year, the Civic keeps outperforming its small-car peers by offering the performance and quality of more expensive cars, while retaining the value and longevity expected of a Honda. Plus, I had a really fun week with the turbocharged Civic Si.

2021 Volkswagen Passat Reviews Summary

In 2011, when a Volkswagen Passat was launched customized for the North American market, VW thought the sedan was the key to domination. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default mid-size sedan choice for most buyers at that time, after all, particularly in the U.S. where mid-size cars were much more strongly preferred. A lot has changed since then: SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan. Both the Passat and the Arteon are nearing the end of their lives here in Canada as they’ll be discontinued at the end of the 2022 model year.

The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously available Comfortline trim level is gone, leaving just the Highline and Execline models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard. Our test car was a U.S.-spec SE model, the closest Canadian equivalent of which would be the Highline, though some equipment varies.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 158 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 174 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

158 hp @ 6500 rpm

Horsepower

174 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

25

MPG City

24

MPG Highway

36

MPG Highway

36
2020 Honda Civic
2020 Honda Civic
$20,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Civic
$20,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$20,000
$23,995
Average price
$23,548
$24,283
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
4.5
Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

6.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
Cons
  • Outdated technology
Summary

Minor design tweaks and more standard safety and convenience features arrive as the standout changes for the Civic's 2020 model year. Last redesigned for the 2016 model year, the Civic keeps outperforming its small-car peers by offering the performance and quality of more expensive cars, while retaining the value and longevity expected of a Honda. Plus, I had a really fun week with the turbocharged Civic Si.

In 2011, when a Volkswagen Passat was launched customized for the North American market, VW thought the sedan was the key to domination. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default mid-size sedan choice for most buyers at that time, after all, particularly in the U.S. where mid-size cars were much more strongly preferred. A lot has changed since then: SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan. Both the Passat and the Arteon are nearing the end of their lives here in Canada as they’ll be discontinued at the end of the 2022 model year.

The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously available Comfortline trim level is gone, leaving just the Highline and Execline models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard. Our test car was a U.S.-spec SE model, the closest Canadian equivalent of which would be the Highline, though some equipment varies.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 158 hp I4
2.0L 174 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
158 hp @ 6500 rpm
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
25
24
MPG Highway
36
36
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