2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced as a new model the previous year, marked a departure from BMW's traditional rear-wheel-drive setup by offering standard front-wheel drive in the U.S. market. Despite its name, the Gran Coupe was a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its five-door sportback sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. As an entry-level BMW, it was an attractive option for those aspiring to own a vehicle with the iconic kidney-shaped grille and blue-and-white roundel. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was available in 228i and M235i models, with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system optional for the 228i and standard for the M235i. The 2021 model year saw the addition of standard equipment, a sport automatic transmission limited to the M Sport Package or M235i, and a new adaptive damping suspension with an option package bundling new driving-assistance safety features.

The test vehicle, a 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, came equipped with the M Sport Package, Premium Package, M double-spoke alloy wheels, extra-cost paint, leather upholstery, and wireless smartphone charging, bringing the MSRP to $48,595. The Gran Coupe's design faced challenges due to its front-drive platform, but BMW employed visual tricks like large LED headlights and grilles to improve its proportions. The interior adhered to BMW's modern design idiom, featuring geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation. The materials were upscale, with metallic trim adding contrast, and the optional leather was appealing. Despite being an entry-level model, the 2 Series Gran Coupe, when equipped with features like those in the test car, did not look or feel like a basic BMW.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, a long-standing best-seller for the automaker, continued to hold its ground despite overall sales challenges. In 2021, the Jetta accounted for over 61% of Volkswagen's U.S. car sales, a figure that rose to 70% in the first quarter of 2022. While Volkswagen's SUV sales were significantly higher, the Jetta outsold the rest of the VW car lineup combined. For 2022, the Jetta received a mild makeover, including an engine update, exterior styling tweaks, improved infotainment, more features, and a new Sport trim. The SEL Premium trim was dropped, simplifying the lineup to four trims: S, Sport, SE, and SEL. The Jetta's exterior changes were subtle, with updates to the front fascia, bumper, and grille, featuring more chrome and redesigned elements. The rear received standard LED lighting and a more squared-off bumper.

Inside, the Jetta's updates were equally subtle but appealing, with new rhombus-patterned cloth seats and contrast stitching for a premium look. The leather option offered a new two-tone choice in Volcano Brown and black. The Jetta's technology received an upgrade, with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster standard across the lineup. The Jetta SEL featured the 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system. The Jetta's interior was driver-centric, with buttons for quick access to climate control, audio, and seat controls. Storage space was practical, with various compartments for stowing items. The Jetta's technology package included features like App-Connect, Bluetooth, USB-C ports, and a premium Beats Audio sound system in the SEL trim.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed a question about the credibility of a front-drive platform under a self-proclaimed "ultimate driving machine." Despite some skepticism, the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, with its 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offered a performance comparable to the revered Volkswagen GTI. The BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system provided an edge in varying road conditions. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe accelerated from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, powered by a turbocharged inline-four paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission. The car featured performance-enhancing technology like brake-fade compensation, cornering brake control, and three driving modes. The M Sport Package added fantastic M Sport steering, enhancing the driving experience. The suspension was firm but manageable, and the car felt glued to the road, though the all-season run-flat tires squealed at the limit of adhesion. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe averaged 27.9 mpg, slightly beating the EPA's estimate.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 1.4-liter turbo-four. The new engine produced 158 horsepower, an increase of 11 hp, while torque remained at 184 pound-feet. Transmission options included a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with the manual version estimated at 29 mpg city, 43 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. Automatic models had slightly different ratings, with S and Sport trims achieving 31 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined, while SE and SEL trims were rated at 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 46.9 mpg on the highway. The Jetta's powertrain had some drawbacks, with a touchy throttle and turbo lag. The drive modes offered varying experiences, with Sport mode providing a slight improvement. The Jetta's dynamics were tepid, but it delivered good acceleration and smooth highway performance.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and limber people. The sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats were snug but comfortable, with adequate storage for typical items. Entry and exit were challenging due to the car's low-slung design. The rear seat, accessible through two extra doors, was cramped, with limited headroom and legroom. The Gran Coupe's trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a generous storage compartment under the load floor. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility, but the car lacked the full sportback treatment of the 4 Series Gran Coupe.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate five. The seats were comfortable, though the front seat cushions had a slight incline that might not suit shorter individuals. The cabin was driver-centric, with buttons for quick access to essential controls. Storage space was practical, with door pockets, a center console bin, and a sunglass holder. The center storage bin lacked a latch, but it was still functional for keeping items out of sight.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between traditional analog gauges. The Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro, with a fully digital 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system included an 8.8-inch touchscreen with iDrive 7.0 technology, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, and connected services. The system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The car had a premium sound system with ten speakers, and Gesture Control was available for stereo volume and radio station changes. A full-color head-up display was also included.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade, with the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster standard across all models. The Jetta SEL featured the Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display and additional widgets. The infotainment system in S, Sport, and SE trims was a 6.5-inch MIB2 system, while the SEL had an 8-inch MIB3 system with navigation, wireless App-Connect, and enhanced voice recognition. The SEL also included HD Radio, SiriusXM 360L, a Car-Net Hotspot, and a Plus Nav package. The premium Beats Audio sound system and remote start were part of the SEL trim. The voice activation and navigation commands were not intuitive, but the touchscreen was fast and responsive.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a Driving Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature, though the test car did not have this upgrade. The Active Driving Assistant included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, active blind-spot warning, and a speed limit information system. The lane-keeping assistance was effective but could be aggressive. The IIHS rated the 2 Series Gran Coupe highly for crash protection, but it missed a Top Safety Pick due to poor headlight ratings and a less-than-perfect vehicle-to-pedestrian test.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came standard with IQ.Drive, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian recognition. The Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, while Emergency Assist monitored driver attentiveness. The full IQ.DRIVE safety list was standard on SE and SEL trims. The 2022 Jetta had not yet received crash safety ratings, but the 2021 model received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and mostly "Good" grades from the IIHS, with some shortcomings in headlight tests and LATCH use.