2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned look, was not considered particularly attractive, resembling "malevolent aliens suffering hunger pangs." However, the SE or XSE trims with Celestite paint color improved its appearance significantly. The interior quality of the Corolla saw a notable upgrade, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the cheap, hard plastics of previous models. Despite these improvements, the transmission shifter reminded drivers of the Corolla's economy car status, lacking the solid feel found in competitors like Hyundai or Kia. The base price started at $19,600, with the top XSE trim costing around $28,800.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a continuation of the hot hatch legacy, featured subtle enhancements that elevated it from the regular Golf. Red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and painted brake calipers were some of the distinguishing features. The GTI's sporty appearance extended to the interior with red ambient lighting, a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel, and heated front sport seats. The quality of materials and paintwork was top-notch, providing a premium feel inside and out.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT. The SE and XSE trims featured a more powerful 169-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a more sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters. The Corolla XSE's driving dynamics were well-tuned, providing a smooth and stable ride thanks to the independent rear suspension. However, the lack of a turbocharger limited its acceleration capabilities. The EPA-rated fuel economy for the XSE was 31 mpg city, 38 highway, and 34 combined, with an observed average of 29.8 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The test model featured a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, though a six-speed manual was also available. The GTI's handling was exceptional, with four-wheel independent suspension and DCC adaptive damping. However, the performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. The GTI's fuel economy was 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined for the manual transmission, and 24 mpg city, 32 highway, and 27 combined for the dual-clutch automatic.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite being smaller than a Camry, offered a roomy interior officially rated as midsize by the EPA. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB charging ports made it less comfortable for rear passengers, especially during hot weather. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, making it less comfortable for some. The trunk space was 13.1 cubic feet, sufficient for a couple of suitcases and additional bags, though it lacked a handle for easy closing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function with its hatchback design, offering 17.4 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats and 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The compact dimensions and sharp steering made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The interior featured clever storage options, including large front door pockets and well-sized cupholders. The mechanical handbrake, while a bit of a throwback, added to the car's sporty feel.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came with the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Higher trims offered additional features like advanced voice recognition, HD Radio, and a JBL premium sound system. Various free trial periods for connected services were also included.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured the VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system, with the MIB2 system on S models and the more advanced MIB3 system on SE and Autobahn models. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. The SE and Autobahn trims included additional features like SiriusXM with 360L and Volkswagen Car-Net, offering remote access and hotspot capabilities. Standard smart technology included LED lighting, keyless access, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, including features like low-light pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The system generally operated with refinement and accuracy, though the lane-departure warning alert was considered irritating. The Corolla received a 5-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and top "Good" scores from IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the small overlap front passenger side test and a "Poor" rating for the base Halogen headlights. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and park assist.