2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a testament to the evolution of the hot hatch genre, which 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 red GTI badges, a red strip across the grille, and red-painted brake calipers visible through its 18-inch alloy wheels. The lowered stance, gloss black accents, and stainless-steel exhaust tips 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 the vehicle, maintaining a high standard of fit and finish.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Corolla aimed to shed its reputation for blandness with bold exterior styling, including LED headlights and a wide grille. While it couldn't match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesiveness of the Honda Civic, the Corolla offered distinct styling elements across its trims. The SE and XSE models featured an aggressive front fascia, while the Nightshade and Apex Editions added unique touches like blacked-out trim and bronze accents. The Apex Edition, in particular, stood out with its sporty presence. Inside, the Corolla's design was simple yet functional, though it lacked the imaginative flair of its exterior. The fit and finish were up to Toyota's standards, but the use of piano black plastic trim was less practical. The interior space was adequate, though the sportier Apex Edition didn't offer any interior upgrades to match its exterior styling.

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 adaptive damping in the Autobahn model. However, this performance-oriented setup resulted in a firm ride on regular roads. The GTI's fuel economy was respectable, with figures of 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for the manual transmission, and slightly better for the automatic. Despite its turbocharged nature, the GTI only required regular unleaded fuel, though premium was recommended for optimal performance.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, and a 2.0-liter engine with 169 horsepower for the SE and XSE trims. The Apex Edition featured the latter engine with a sport exhaust system, enhancing its sporty appeal. The Corolla's handling was improved in the Apex Edition with a sport-tuned suspension, but it didn't match the GTI's performance prowess. The Corolla's ride quality was compromised by the stiffer suspension, though it remained a fun option for budget-conscious enthusiasts. The manual transmission available on the SE and SE Apex Edition added to the driving engagement, but the Corolla's overall performance was more about practicality than excitement.

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 a length of 168.0 inches, the GTI provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The compact dimensions and tight turning circle made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Inside, the GTI offered clever storage solutions, including large door pockets and a well-designed center console, though the mechanical handbrake was a bit of a throwback.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, while lacking specific headroom and legroom measurements, felt decently roomy. The low beltline improved visibility, but the steeply raked windshield limited forward visibility. The Corolla's cargo space was 13.1 cubic feet, less than some competitors, but it included a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The interior design limited storage for smaller items, with a thin center console and shallow cupholders. The angled phone tray was also less practical, though wireless charging was available.

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 MIB touchscreen infotainment system was standard, with a 6.5-inch screen on S models and an 8-inch screen with navigation on SE and Autobahn trims. Smartphone integration was seamless with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. The Car-Net system offered additional connectivity options, including Amazon Alexa integration. Standard features included LED lighting, keyless access, and rain-sensing wipers.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system was starting to show its age, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. While it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the interface was less intuitive than competitors. The graphics were dated, and wireless versions of smartphone integration were not available. The Corolla also lacked innovative tech features like Hyundai's Digital Key, though it maintained analog climate controls for ease of use.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores from the IIHS, with some exceptions. It offered 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. The GTI's sharp handling also contributed to its safety by potentially avoiding collisions.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was available but not standard on all trims. The Corolla's safety ratings and features made it a strong contender in the compact car segment.