Honda Civic vs. Volkswagen Passat
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Passat 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 Honda Civic and the Volkswagen Passat.
When comparing the Honda Civic's and the Volkswagen Passat's specifications and ratings, the Honda Civic has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Volkswagen Passat has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Honda Civic's and the Volkswagen Passat's specifications and ratings, the Honda Civic is a better car than the Volkswagen Passat.
Pricing: A used 2022 Honda Civic ranges from $20,975 to $28,998 while a used 2022 Volkswagen Passat is priced between $17,888 to $26,226.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda Civic loses 23.5 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Passat loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Honda Civic retains 19.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Passat.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Civic is 9.0 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Passat's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Honda Civic being ranked 2 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Passat being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Civic is 8.8 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Passat the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Honda Civic a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Passat.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Honda Civic’s base engine makes 158 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Passat base engine makes 174 horsepower. The Civic is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 496 miles. The Passat is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 666 miles.This gives the Honda Civic the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Volkswagen Passat the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Passat, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Honda Civic, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, and front shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Honda Civic has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Passat, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.86 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$22,550
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$24,033
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$15,645 - $44,090
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$27,575
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
$27,672
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$23,400 - $40,750
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$24,566
Price Range:
$20,975 - $28,998
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$24,727
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$15,285 - $43,006
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,026
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
40,225
# Good or Great Deals:
362
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,757
Price Range:
$17,888 - $26,226
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
$25,865
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$20,266 - $35,349
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
99
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
54,601
# Good or Great Deals:
30
Honda Civic Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.0 / 10
Reliability:
8.8 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Volkswagen Passat Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
9.7 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Honda Civic
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
11
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
8.1 - 11.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
41.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Passat
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
8.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
7.5 - 11
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
8.3%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
12.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.4 - 12.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.3 - 16.4
Honda Civic Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 37Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
9 out of / 37Ranking
12 out of / 22Ranking
17 out of / 37Volkswagen Passat Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 13Available Body Styles
Hatchback, Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Honda Civic Trim Levels
Not yet available
Volkswagen Passat Trim Levels
Limited Edition, R-Line, SE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.86 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
158 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
138 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
206 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
31 / 40 / 35
Range (city/hwy):
384 / 496 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 36 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
444 / 666 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
14.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
99.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Cargo Space:
15.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
102.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2877 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
55.7 inches
Length:
184 inches
Wheelbase:
107.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3369 lbs
Width:
72.6 inches
Height:
58.7 inches
Length:
193.6 inches
Wheelbase:
110.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
215/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Aegean Blue Metallic
Gray
Meteorite Gray Metallic
Red
Rallye Red
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Tourmaline Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Red
Aurora Red Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Pure White
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Beige
Not available
Brown
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Not available
Beige
Shetland Beige
Brown
Mauro Brown
