2020 Honda Civic vs. 2020 Volkswagen Golf

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Honda Civic and 2020 Volkswagen Golf contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2020 Honda Civic and the 2020 Volkswagen Golf.

In comparing the 2020 Honda Civic's and the 2020 Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Honda Civic has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The 2020 Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Honda Civic's and the 2020 Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Honda Civic is a better car than the 2020 Volkswagen Golf.

Pricing: A used 2020 Honda Civic ranges from $18,594 to $34,562 while a used 2020 Volkswagen Golf is priced between $15,873 to $22,925.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Honda Civic loses 23.5 percent of its value and the 2020 Volkswagen Golf loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Honda Civic retains 11.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Volkswagen Golf.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Civic is 8.8 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Golf's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Honda Civic being ranked 12 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 8 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Civic is 8.4 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Golf the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Honda Civic a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Golf.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2020 Honda Civic’s base engine makes 174 horsepower, and the 2020 Volkswagen Golf base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Civic is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 496 miles. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 475 miles. This gives the 2020 Honda Civic the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2020 Volkswagen Golf. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2020 Honda Civic has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2020 Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the area of rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2020 Honda Civic and the 2020 Volkswagen Golf have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.