2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had a restrained design, lacking the flourishes of the 3 Series and the imposing size of the 7 Series. It received a minor styling refresh, including sleeker LED headlights and a larger twin-kidney grille. The interior maintained the familiar BMW layout, with specific design elements like the touchscreen positioning and the unusual-looking shifter. Lower trim levels featured standard SensaTec upholstery, while higher trims offered Dakota and Nappa leather options.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite overall sales challenges, remained a strong performer for Volkswagen. It received a mild makeover, including an engine update, exterior styling tweaks, and improved infotainment. The Jetta Sport replaced the R-Line model, and the SEL Premium was dropped. The exterior updates were subtle, with changes to the front fascia, bumper, and grille, and new wheel designs. The interior received updates like a new rhombus pattern on the cloth seats and contrast stitching on all upholstery types.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrain options. The base 530i had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The M550i xDrive had a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 532 hp, while the M5 boasted 617 hp, achieving 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a single engine: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with the manual version achieving 29 mpg city, 43 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. Automatic models had slightly different ratings, with the S and Sport trims achieving 31 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined. The Jetta offered a comfortable ride, but its powertrain had some drawbacks, including a touchy throttle and turbo lag.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series was available as a four-door, five-seat sedan. It offered spacious front seats and adequate rear-seat room. The trunk had a capacity of 14.0 cubic feet, with a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with various adjustments, heating, and ventilation. Forward visibility was somewhat limited due to the long hood, but a surround-view camera system helped with parking.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided ample passenger space for four adults and could accommodate five. The cabin was driver-centric, with buttons for climate control, audio, and seat controls conveniently located. Storage options included door pockets, a center console bin, and a slot next to the cupholders. The center storage bin lacked a latch but was still functional.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It featured Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The rotary knob for infotainment control provided a tactile feel, and voice control was available. Gesture controls were also an option but were less precise than traditional controls.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received technology upgrades, including the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Jetta SEL had a 10.25-inch display with multiple views and widgets. Standard infotainment included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with App-Connect for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration. The Jetta SEL featured an 8-inch MIB3 system with navigation, wireless App-Connect, and enhanced voice recognition. The voice activation system had some issues with accuracy, but the touchscreen was responsive.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came with IQ.Drive, which included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking. The Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The 2021 Jetta received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and mostly "Good" grades from the IIHS, with some shortcomings in headlight tests and LATCH use.