2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI had a stealthy, unassuming appearance that appealed to those who preferred not to draw attention. Despite its conservative styling, the GTI featured a honeycomb grille, red accents, and twin exhaust outlets that hinted at its performance capabilities. The Rabbit Edition trim, with its gloss black finish and unique colors, added a touch of heritage and exclusivity. Inside, the GTI's straightforward dashboard design and quality materials, including the whimsical Clark Plaid cloth upholstery, created a comfortable and functional environment.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Corolla's design was more polarizing, with a front end that some found unappealing. However, the SE and XSE trims, especially in the Celestite paint color, offered a more attractive look. The interior of the Corolla XSE showed significant improvements in perceived quality, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the cheap plastics of previous models. Despite some ergonomic issues, such as the low seating position and lack of rear air-conditioning vents, the Corolla's cabin was generally comfortable and functional.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a performance-oriented vehicle, boasting a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This power, combined with a torque-sensing limited-slip differential and a sport-tuned suspension, made the GTI a joy to drive on twisty roads. The GTI's handling was impressive, with responsive steering and strong brakes. However, the ride could be stiff, and the cabin was prone to wind and road noise. Fuel economy was decent, with an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined, though real-world results varied.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, particularly in the XSE trim, offered a more balanced driving experience. Its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 169 horsepower, providing adequate but not thrilling acceleration. The Corolla's independent rear suspension contributed to a smooth and stable ride, though the car lacked the dynamic handling of the GTI. The CVT performed well in everyday driving but fell short during more spirited driving. Fuel economy was a strong point, with an EPA rating of 34 mpg combined, though real-world results could be lower depending on driving conditions.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in practicality, with a spacious and well-designed interior. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, and the dashboard layout was intuitive. Storage options were plentiful, with a large glove box, deep door bins, and a smartphone tray. The backseat offered decent comfort, though legroom was tight. The GTI's trunk provided 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it a versatile choice for families and enthusiasts alike.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla also offered a roomy interior, officially rated as a midsize car by the EPA. The front seats were comfortable, though the lack of a height adjuster for the passenger seat was a drawback. The backseat provided good legroom and a high seating position, though headroom could be an issue for taller passengers. Storage options were limited, with small cupholders and few bins. The trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of space, sufficient for most needs but less versatile than the GTI's cargo area.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI's infotainment system varied by trim, with the base S and Rabbit Edition featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a Fender premium sound system. The system was generally user-friendly, though some features, like Pandora, had compatibility issues. Adaptive LED lighting and a semi-autonomous parking assistant were available on higher trims.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The system was easy to use, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. All trims included Amazon Alexa compatibility, Siri Eyes Free, and various trial subscriptions for connected services. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display, advanced voice recognition, and a JBL premium sound system. The Corolla's technology package was comprehensive, though some features were more useful for iPhone users.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI came with a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and an active blind-spot monitoring system. The GTI also featured an automatic post-collision braking system. The GTI received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though it had some areas for improvement in specific tests.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included low-light pedestrian detection, cyclist detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The system generally operated smoothly, though the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The Corolla also offered a blind-spot monitoring system on higher trims. The NHTSA awarded the Corolla a 5-star rating for frontal-impact protection, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick for 2019.