2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a testament to the evolution of the hot hatch genre, a category it helped define since its debut as the Volkswagen Rabbit GTI in 1983. This model, marking the end of the seventh generation, carried forward the legacy with subtle yet impactful enhancements over the standard Golf. The GTI's exterior was distinguished by small red badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and red-painted brake calipers visible through its 18-inch alloy wheels. The lowered stance, gloss black side mirrors, and a rear lip spoiler added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the GTI offered a sporty ambiance with red ambient lighting, a race-inspired steering wheel, and heated front sport seats available in Clark plaid cloth or leather, depending on the trim. The quality of materials and craftsmanship was evident throughout, maintaining the GTI's reputation for a premium feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra presented a modern and sleek design, reminiscent of a downsized Altima. Redesigned in 2020, the Sentra carried over into 2022 with minimal changes, offering a coupe-like silhouette and a significant improvement over its predecessors. The exterior was available in bold colors, with options for a contrasting black roof. Inside, the Sentra excelled with a simple yet functional layout, featuring a touchscreen as the focal point of the dashboard. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The Sentra's design was a well-executed representation of Nissan's current design language, providing a refined and upscale feel.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was celebrated for its performance, driven by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual, delivered a spirited driving experience. The GTI's handling was a standout feature, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and variable-ratio steering, offering precise control and a thrilling ride on the right roads. However, the performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on less-than-perfect surfaces. The GTI's fuel economy was respectable, with figures of 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the manual transmission and slightly better for the automatic.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, while not a performance vehicle, offered a consistent driving experience with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery, and the Sentra's steering and suspension were well-suited for everyday driving. The Sentra's performance was satisfactory for both city and highway driving, though it lacked the excitement of the GTI. The Sport button on the shifter offered minimal impact on performance, but the Sentra's overall driving dynamics were balanced and reliable.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, with its hatchback design offering practicality and versatility. With a wheelbase of 103.6 inches and dimensions of 168.0 inches in length, 70.8 inches in width, and 57.8 inches in height, the GTI was compact yet spacious. It provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The GTI's interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage options and a user-friendly layout. Its compact size and tight turning circle made it ideal for urban environments, while the sharp steering and great visibility enhanced maneuverability.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, which was competitive for its class. The 60/40 split-fold rear bench allowed for additional cargo flexibility, though the ledge created by the seats could be a hindrance for larger items. The Sentra's interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and ample storage options, including large in-door trays and cupholders. The Sentra's design prioritized passenger comfort and practicality, making it a suitable choice for daily commuting and longer trips.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a mix of traditional and modern technology. It retained analog gauges, complemented by a configurable driver information screen. The GTI's infotainment system varied by trim, with the S model featuring a 6.5-inch screen and the SE and Autobahn models equipped with an 8-inch screen and navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, with additional features like Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports. Volkswagen Car-Net offered remote access and connectivity options, enhancing the GTI's tech appeal. Standard features included LED lighting, keyless access, and heated mirrors, contributing to a well-rounded tech package.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, with the SV and SR trims offering an 8-inch version. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with easy-to-navigate menus and physical buttons for convenience. While the graphics could use an update, the system was functional and user-friendly. The lack of wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback, but the Sentra's tech offerings were competitive for its class.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" rating in the small overlap front passenger side test. The GTI was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Autobahn trim added advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra also boasted strong safety credentials, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Sentra's adaptive cruise control, while effective, could be abrupt in its braking response. Overall, the Sentra's safety features were comprehensive and contributed to its high safety ratings.