2021 Toyota Camry vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to shed its old image of a mundane family sedan. Designers had infused the car with aggressive styling elements to make it more eye-catching. Some of the changes, like flared wheel arches and narrow headlights and taillights, worked well to give the Camry a more aggressive stance. However, trim levels such as the SE, XSE, and TRD were adorned with fake vents that cluttered the overall design. The LE and XLE models featured a slightly cleaner grille, but it was still large and in-your-face. Toyota's TNGA-K platform, shared with the Avalon and RAV4, was solid but not groundbreaking. Even with minor front-fascia updates for the 2021 model year, the TRD performance model stood out with unique touches, such as a larger rear spoiler.

A special Nightshade Edition continued from 2020, featuring blacked-out trim and wheels based on the SE trim. Wheel sizes ranged from standard 17-inch alloys on the base LE to optional 18-inch and 19-inch versions on higher trims. Inside, the design continued the chaotic theme, with the SE Nightshade Edition's dashboard appearing pieced together from different elements. While Toyota incorporated various trims and materials like contrast stitching, piano black plastic, and cheap-looking faux carbon fiber, the interior lacked a cohesive design theme. Even in higher trims like XLE and XSE, which received leather upholstery, the materials felt subpar.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, although claiming all-new body panels, maintained its heritage look closely related to its seventh-generation predecessor. The updated Mk8 model was longer and lower, providing a more stable silhouette while retaining the same 103.6-inch wheelbase, promising nimble handling. True to GTI tradition, the car featured a sleek hood with a subtle honeycomb-pattern air intake below the VW emblem rather than a prominent grille. The signature red accent line spanned the length between the LED headlights, augmented by an optional light bar for added nighttime drama. Standard LED fog lights added to its sharp looks.

Aerodynamic improvements included redesigned side-view mirrors, added underbody paneling, and revised wheel-arch linings, though these changes were subtle. Red brake calipers were standard, and wheel sizes varied from 18-inch on the S and SE trims with Pirelli P Zero all-season tires to 19-inch wheels with summer tires on the Autobahn trim. The GTI’s exterior color options ranged from classic tones like Reflex Silver Metallic to vibrant shades like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic, and even included a launch-exclusive Pomelo Yellow Metallic for the Autobahn trim. Inside, plaid cloth seats were standard on the lower trims, with Vienna leather available on the SE and standard on the Autobahn. The classic golf-ball shifter remained for manual models, and all trims featured stainless steel pedals.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered several powertrains starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine named "Dynamic Force." This engine delivered 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque on most trims with FWD, dialing down slightly to 202 hp and 182 lb-ft with AWD. The XSE trim added a bit more punch, offering 206 hp and 186 lb-ft with FWD, and 205 hp and 185 lb-ft with AWD. Each model paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those looking for more power, the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 option delivered a robust 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, but only with FWD. Meanwhile, the Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor generating a total system output of 208 hp, also only with FWD.

Driving the SE Nightshade Edition, which featured the base four-cylinder engine with AWD, revealed a surprisingly lively performance. The Dynamic Force engine was eager to rev and provided a sporty driving experience uncommon in family sedans. The chassis struck a balance between handling and ride comfort, allowing for spirited driving without a punishing ride. Steering was responsive and precise, though lacking in feel. Even without opting for the sporty TRD model, which included a plethora of performance upgrades like stiffer suspension and larger brakes, the Camry delivered an enjoyable drive. The return of AWD, borrowed from the RAV4, added versatility, capable of directing up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels while reverting to FWD when extra traction wasn’t necessary.

For 2022, the Volkswagen Golf GTI upped the stakes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower, a significant leap from its 1983 debut's modest 90 hp. This updated EA888 engine, featuring integrated exhaust headers, allowed quicker warm-up times and better heat management while delivering peak power at 5,000 rpm. However, the real joy came from its impressive 273 lb-ft of torque available at a low 1,750 rpm. This torque made the GTI particularly exhilarating to drive on twisty roads and offered seamless highway cruising.

The GTI could be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or Volkswagen’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) with paddle shifters, keeping the front wheels the sole recipients of power. The dual-clutch automatic slightly improved fuel economy, posting an EPA estimate of 25/34/28 mpg compared to 24/34/28 mpg for the manual.

The Mk8 GTI also featured a retuned suspension, boasting a lighter front assembly and 15% stiffer rear springs. Drive modes ranged from Eco to Sport, adjusting settings for various driving conditions. An electronic limited-slip differential and enhanced stability control allowed the car to tackle corners with minimal understeer and improved traction. The top-tier Autobahn trim added further refinement with a DCC adaptive damping system, capable of adjusting rebound and compression rates up to 200 times per second, making it a dynamic yet comfortable choice for spirited drives.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered decent rear headroom and legroom compared to other midsize sedans, but this came at the expense of front passenger space, which was below average. Nevertheless, the front seats had enough adjustability for a comfortable driving position, supported by excellent outward visibility. Cargo space stood at 15.1 cubic feet—average for the segment but lagging behind competitors like the Honda Accord, which boasted 16.7 cubic feet. In-cabin storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bottle holders often causing items to get stuck in crevices. Notably, the Camry featured analog controls for essential functions, enhancing usability but could benefit from more ergonomic placements. Higher trims added dual-zone automatic climate control for added comfort.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in blending performance with practicality, epitomizing the hot hatch segment. It provided 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 34.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats down, though this fell short of the Hyundai Veloster N’s total capacity. The GTI's interior was driver-centric, with the center stack angled towards the driver and the innovative "light and sight" panel simplifying headlight and defogging adjustments.

Rear legroom was surprisingly spacious for a compact car, offering comfortable accommodation for rear passengers. The GTI was capable of comfortably transporting a family of four without compromising maneuverability or performance.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came equipped with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free voice control, and SiriusXM satellite radio (with a three-month trial). Higher trims featured a 9-inch screen, WiFi for up to five devices, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. The XSE and XLE trims also offered a 10-inch head-up display (HUD). Standard USB connectivity included one USB media port and two charge ports, but no additional ports were available on higher trims. The infotainment system’s menus were user-friendly, but the graphics were somewhat plain, making the system functional but not particularly standout.

In comparison, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI sported a 10.25-inch digital driver information display standard on all trims, featuring customizable primary gauges and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen on the S trim and a 10-inch display with navigation on SE and Autobahn trims. Both integrated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with the higher trims benefiting from a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. The touch-capacitive volume and climate controls below the display were difficult to use, detracting from an otherwise crisp and easy-to-navigate system.

Volkswagen’s Car-Net system offered several useful features, though not all were free. Basic functions like Remote Access, which allowed monitoring vehicle location and locking/unlocking from a smartphone, were free for five years. Advanced features like Safe and Secure emergency assistance and Hotspot WiFi capability required additional costs. Additional Car-Net options like Plus Nav, Plus Speech, and Plus Online Radio were surprisingly affordable but added to the overall expense.

The 2021 Toyota Camry excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. The Camry included the TSS 2.5+ package, delivering features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. Enhanced capabilities included automatic acceleration during lane changes and detection of cyclists and oncoming vehicles or pedestrians while making left turns. A new Rear Seat Reminder aimed to prevent leaving children or pets unattended. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on XLE and XSE trims and optional on lower trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured the IQ.Drive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), comprising adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs, leaving manual-transmission drivers without these features. All trims included Volkswagen’s Park Distance Control for front and rear parking sensors, with the Autobahn trim adding Park Assist for automatic parking.