2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2021 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a reputation for its youthful, almost rebellious aesthetic. It was the Subaru model that stood out with its piercings and tattoos, so to speak. While the WRX STI variant flaunted a race-ready rear wing, the standard WRX appeared more subdued. Its wedge-like front end and short trunk lid gave it a speedy look even when stationary, complemented by aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop. Inside, the WRX's cockpit was function-first, mirroring other Subaru compacts from the past decade. However, this utilitarian approach came at the cost of fit and finish, with hard plastics contributing to its less mature reputation compared to rivals like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, on the other hand, maintained its status as Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicle for three decades. Despite external challenges like the pandemic and supply chain issues, the Jetta remained a steady performer, accounting for a significant portion of VW’s U.S. sales. For 2022, the Jetta received a mild makeover, including an engine update, exterior styling tweaks, improved infotainment, and more features. The design changes were subtle, requiring a keen eye to notice, but they gave the Jetta a slightly more aggressive profile. Inside, the Jetta featured updates like a new rhombus pattern on the standard cloth seats and contrast stitching across all upholstery types, adding a premium feel to the cabin.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine layout allowed for a balanced design and a low center of gravity, ideal for its all-wheel-drive system. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite its power advantage over rivals like the Civic Si and VW GTI, the WRX required precise rev management to extract its full potential. The CVT, though not ideal for driving enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband effectively. The manual transmission, however, was criticized for its vague clutch feel. The WRX also featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing its cornering precision, though it had a stiffer ride compared to competitors.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 1.4-liter turbo-four. This new engine produced 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, with transmission options including a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. The Jetta’s fuel economy was impressive, with the manual version rated at 29 mpg city, 43 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. Automatic models had slightly different ratings depending on the trim. During a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 46.9 highway mpg, showcasing its efficiency. However, the Jetta’s powertrain had its drawbacks, with a touchy throttle and turbo lag affecting its dynamics. The drive modes offered some customization, but overall, the driving experience was less engaging compared to the WRX.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. This was more than the Civic Si coupe but less than the sedan and significantly less than the VW GTI with its rear seats folded. The WRX’s interior showed its age, lacking modern conveniences like accommodating in-door bottle holders. The driving position was commanding and comfortable, with good visibility and decent storage options in the center console. The rear seats could comfortably fit four adults, making it practical for a compact sedan.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided ample passenger space for four adults and could accommodate five if needed. The front seats had a slightly inclined edge for thigh support, which might not suit shorter individuals. The cabin was driver-centric, with buttons for essential controls like climate, audio, and seat functions conveniently placed. Storage options included door pockets, a center console bin, and a slot next to the cupholders. The center storage bin, though not large, was functional, but its cover lacked a latch, which was an unusual design choice.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls despite dated graphics. The Limited trim featured an optional package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing solid audio quality. However, the WRX’s tech felt outdated compared to newer models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received significant tech upgrades, including the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. Lower trims had an 8-inch display, while the SEL trim featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro with additional widgets and customization options. The standard infotainment system on lower trims was a 6.5-inch MIB2 system, while the SEL trim got an 8-inch MIB3 system with advanced features like wireless App-Connect, wireless device charging, and enhanced voice recognition. The SEL also included premium Beats Audio and a remote start system. However, the voice activation and navigation commands were not very intuitive, often requiring manual input for accuracy.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with advanced safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available only on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Other safety options like adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were exclusive to the Limited trim. All WRX models did come with a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came standard with IQ.Drive, Volkswagen's suite of driver-assistance technologies. The Jetta S and Sport included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian recognition. An optional Driver Assistance package added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Higher trims like the SE and SEL had the full IQ.Drive suite as standard. The 2022 Jetta had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2021 model received high safety ratings, suggesting similar performance for the 2022 model.