2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a descendant of the original 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, continued to define the hot hatch genre with its seventh generation. This model featured subtle enhancements over the regular Golf, such as red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and painted brake calipers. The GTI's exterior was further distinguished by standard 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lamps, gloss black side mirrors, and a small rear lip spoiler. Inside, the GTI boasted red ambient lighting, a black headliner, and a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching. The quality of materials and craftsmanship was evident throughout the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD stood out with its eye-catching Cavalry Blue paint, exclusive to the performance-tuned model. This paint color, along with other updates like standard heated side mirrors and dual-zone automatic climate control, made the Camry more appealing. The TRD model featured an aerodynamic body kit, matte-black 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and a gloss black grille with a mesh insert. The interior, while less polarizing, included red gauge illumination, red floor mat embroidery, and red seatbelts. Despite its sporty appearance, the Camry TRD's interior design and materials were less impressive compared to the GTI.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was all about performance, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GTI's handling was a highlight, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension, variable-ratio steering, and Golf R front brakes. The Autobahn model came with DCC adaptive damping, enhancing its performance on the right roads. However, the GTI's performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel economy was respectable, with the manual transmission achieving 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined, and the dual-clutch transmission achieving 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD, on the other hand, featured a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The TRD model included a Sport transmission mode, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode to enhance throttle response and steering effort. The Camry TRD's track-tuned driving dynamics were supported by thicker underbody braces, stiffer sway bars, tauter springs, and TRD shocks. The car's performance was further enhanced by bigger brakes, a sport dual exhaust system, and 19-inch matte-black alloy wheels with summer performance tires. Despite its sporty setup, the Camry TRD managed a comfortable ride and excellent brake modulation. However, the lack of all-wheel drive made it easy to break the front wheels loose.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, offering a compact yet spacious hatchback design. With a 103.6-inch wheelbase and dimensions of 168.0 inches long, 70.8 inches wide, and 57.8 inches tall, the GTI was easy to maneuver in tight spaces. It provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The front row was comfortable for taller drivers, while the second row was adequate for two average-sized adults. The GTI's tight turning circle of 35.8 feet and great outward visibility made parking a breeze. Inside, clever storage options included large front door pockets and well-sized cupholders.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD, while not the roomiest midsize sedan, offered a low-slung, sporty driving position with comfortable front seats. The back seat accommodated two adults comfortably, but the TRD model lacked rear-seat air vents and a 60/40-split folding back seat. Instead, it had a fixed rear seatback, limiting cargo flexibility. The trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of space, smaller than some competitors. However, the Camry made up for this with generous in-cabin storage, including a large bin under the center armrest and ample stash space throughout the vehicle.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a standard analog gauge cluster, with a configurable driver information screen between the speedometer and tachometer. The GTI's infotainment system included the VW MIB touchscreen, with the S model using a 6.5-inch screen and the SE and Autobahn models using an 8-inch screen with navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. SE models included a three-month trial of SiriusXM with 360L. Volkswagen Car-Net offered additional features like Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot portals, with options for Verizon or T-Mobile data plans. Standard smart technology included LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and taillights, keyless access with pushbutton start, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included Safety Connect and WiFi Connect subscription services, with complimentary trial periods. An optional 9-inch touchscreen display added Remote Connect and Service Connect subscription plans, as well as a 9-speaker JBL premium audio system. However, the TRD model did not offer dynamic connected navigation and voice recognition technology. Other Camry models were available with a 10-inch head-up display and a 360-degree surround-view monitoring system, but these features were not available on the TRD.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS in most crash-test categories. The GTI came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, dual front and side airbags, and a rearview camera. The Autobahn trim level added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, park assist, and high-beam control. The GTI's sharp handling also contributed to its safety by helping drivers avoid collisions.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive package of driver assist and collision avoidance features. Highlights included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, which provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The Camry TRD also came with a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. Safety Connect was standard, offering automatic collision notification, an emergency assistance button, roadside assistance, and a stolen vehicle locator. The Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA evaluations.