2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Audi A4

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a continuation of a legacy that began with the 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, was a quintessential hot hatch. It shared its basic structure with the regular Golf but featured subtle enhancements that elevated it to a performance vehicle. Red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and painted brake calipers were some of the distinguishing features. The GTI also had a lowered stance, stainless-steel exhaust tips, and gloss black side mirrors and lip spoiler, giving it a sporty look. Inside, the GTI boasted red ambient lighting, a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel, and heated front sport seats, all contributing to a high-quality feel.

The 2022 Audi A4, particularly in the Prestige 45 TFSI specification, was a model of understated elegance. With Tango Red paint, the Black Optic Plus package, and 19-inch wheels, the A4 looked sensational. Inside, the A4 maintained a conservative yet luxurious aesthetic with black leather, aluminum trim, and a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel. The cabin was quiet and comfortable, with high-quality materials and ambient interior lighting. The only downside was the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system, which seemed like an afterthought in an otherwise cohesive design.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was all about performance, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Our test model, the Autobahn trim, came with a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, though a six-speed manual was also available. The GTI's handling was exceptional, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and DCC adaptive damping. However, this performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. Fuel economy was decent, with the GTI achieving 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined with the manual transmission and slightly better with the dual-clutch automatic.

The 2022 Audi A4 45 TFSI, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivered 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This model also came with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and a lowered sport suspension. Audi claimed a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds, and the EPA rated its fuel economy at 27 mpg combined. The A4's Quattro Ultra AWD system provided excellent grip, and the car handled beautifully in various driving conditions. The steering was adequate, and the brakes performed flawlessly even under extreme conditions. The A4 was also remarkably quiet and comfortable, making it a joy to drive.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, thanks to its hatchback design. With a 103.6-inch wheelbase, the GTI was compact yet spacious, offering 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The front row was comfortable for taller drivers, while the second row was adequate for average-sized adults. The GTI's dimensions made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and its sharp steering and great outward visibility were assets in congested areas. Inside, the GTI featured clever storage options, including large front door pockets and well-sized cupholders.

The 2022 Audi A4, while luxurious, had some limitations in terms of form and function. The low seating position and small door openings made entry and exit challenging. However, once inside, the A4 offered exceptional comfort in the front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable. The rear seats were less spacious, suitable for shorter trips but not ideal for long journeys. Interior storage was limited, with the center console bin housing the wireless charging pad, leaving little room for other items. The A4's 13 cubic-foot trunk was well-finished and practical, featuring storage nets and enclosed hinges.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured the VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system, with S models using a 6.5-inch screen and SE and Autobahn models getting an 8-inch screen with navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, and included Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio. Volkswagen Car-Net was available, offering various remote access and connectivity features. Standard smart technology included LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and taillights, with additional features like adaptive front lighting and dynamic cornering lights available on higher trims.

The 2022 Audi A4 came with the next-generation MIB3 version of Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI), featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Audi Connect services. The test car also had a navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. The MMI was intuitive and easy to use, with acoustic feedback for menu selections. The climate controls were separate from the touchscreen, making them easy to use. The Bang & Olufsen stereo provided excellent sound quality, though it could suffer at higher volumes.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" rating in the small overlap front passenger side test and a "Poor" rating for the base Halogen headlights. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and park assist.

The 2022 Audi A4 Prestige was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features under the Audi Pre Sense umbrella, including front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. The A4 also had Matrix-design LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.