2022 Audi A4 vs 2021 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Toyota Camry attempted to break free from its drab, traditional image by incorporating numerous styling details. Designers included flared wheel arches and narrow headlights and taillights for a wider visual appearance. However, the SE, XSE, and TRD trims featured fake vents that added clutter. LE and XLE trims had a different, slightly cleaner grille, but it was still large. Built on the TNGA-K platform, the Camry shared underpinnings with the Avalon sedan and the RAV4 SUV. The model's 2021 update brought minor tweaks to the front-fascia styling and included options like the Nightshade Edition, which offered blacked-out exterior trim and wheels. Interior styling was as complex as the exterior, with a mix of contrast stitching, piano black plastic, and faux carbon fiber that lacked a cohesive design theme. Materials felt somewhat cheap, even though higher trims came with leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Audi A4 presented a sleek, conservative exterior. The Prestige 45 TFSI model in Tango Red paint with the Black Optic Plus package and 19-inch wheels looked stunning. The cabin mirrored this simplicity, with black interior materials enhanced by aluminum trim and gloss black accents. Audi integrated the air vents cleverly into the dashboard, and all controls were clearly marked. High-quality materials, a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, and ambient lighting were evident, though the tablet-style infotainment screen seemed somewhat out of place. Overall, the A4 maintained an elegant, restrained aesthetic while offering excellent build quality.

The 2021 Toyota Camry featured a Dynamic Force 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as its base powertrain, offering 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in FWD models. AWD variants provided slightly less power. The XSE models had a dual-exhaust system that offered a slight power bump. Toyota also offered a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with electric assistance for 208 total system horsepower. The SE Nightshade Edition we tested had the base four-cylinder with AWD, delivering a surprisingly spirited driving experience. Chassis tuning balanced handling and ride quality, and the car's steering was responsive and precise. The TRD performance model included various chassis upgrades for improved performance.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered two engines: the 40 TFSI, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder generating 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, and the 45 TFSI, delivering 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Both engines used a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. The A4 45 TFSI also came with a sport suspension. The A4 demonstrated excellent driving dynamics, with its engine delivering a solid punch of torque and the DCT enhancing engagement. The Quattro Ultra AWD system performed admirably in various driving conditions. Around town, the A4’s structure conveyed a rock-solid sensation, and its cabin remained remarkably quiet. With excellent tire grip and unwavering brakes, the A4 provided a highly enjoyable driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered generous rear headroom and legroom compared to other midsize sedans but had below-average front room. Despite that, the front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space was 15.1 cubic feet, average for its class but less than the Honda Accord's 16.7 cubic feet. Interior storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bottle holders. However, Toyota provided analog controls for core functions, improving ease of use even though some controls were not ideally placed.

The 2022 Audi A4, with its low stance, was somewhat challenging to enter and exit, and its small door openings and snug cabin added to that difficulty. Front seats provided exceptional comfort, featuring soft leather, power adjustments, and a thigh-support cushion. The three-zone automatic climate control system was easy to use and separate from the infotainment system. Rear seats were supportive but offered limited space and weren’t very knee-friendly due to hard plastic seatback panels. The trunk provided 13 cubic feet of space, well-finished with storage nets and grab handles for easy closure.

The 2021 Toyota Camry's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and added features like WiFi, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. Though functional, the infotainment system’s graphics were plain. Essential ports included a single USB media port, two USB charge ports, and a 12-volt outlet, but no additional plug-in options for higher trims.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured a next-generation MIB3 version of Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. This new system supported modern fingertip functions and provided acoustic feedback. Standard features comprised wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Audi Connect services. Higher trims included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was easy to use, with intuitive menu navigation and responsive voice recognition. The climate controls were separate from the infotainment touchscreen, and essential functions were accessible via physical knobs and buttons, making the technology feel natural and easy to use.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned the highest safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. Standard safety features included Toyota’s TSS 2.5+ package, with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. The system even assisted with lane changes when adaptive cruise control was active. Toyota’s Rear Seat Reminder was standard, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available as standalone options or standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered a staggered approach to safety features, with more features available on higher trims. Our Prestige model included front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking under the Audi Pre Sense umbrella. It also had lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. Matrix-design LED headlights provided excellent illumination, and the driver assistance systems were effective and unobtrusive. The A4 also received top safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA.