2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained the exterior styling introduced in the 2020 model facelift, marking the first significant design overhaul for the sedan in nearly ten years. Volkswagen maintained the same body shell, modifying every panel except the roof. This design approach lent the Passat a more subdued and sophisticated appearance, aligning it closely with the smaller Volkswagen Jetta sedan. By contrast, rivals like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry offered more aggressive and radical styling.

The Passat's rounded corners evoked the design of the ubiquitous 1990s jellybean sedans, boasting a claimed drag coefficient of 0.28 for enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. Nonetheless, this design contributed more to aesthetics than noticeable fuel economy improvements. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, and SE models came with 18-inch wheels, while R-Line trims offered 19-inch wheels with an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) for adjustable headlight range. The R-Line also included sportier exterior elements, although it lacked the vibrant color options seen in the Jetta.

Inside, the Passat prioritized function over flash, with a clean, analog-control-centric dashboard setup. The low, short dashboard improved forward visibility, while a low beltline enhanced side visibility, avoiding the cramped feel of many modern sedans. Surprisingly, the flat-bottomed steering wheel seemed out of place in this otherwise practical environment. Interior materials were modest, featuring plastic and cloth on S models, and V-Tex leatherette on SE and R-Line. Despite the understated design, fit and finish were excellent, supporting the Passat's market positioning as a value-oriented option.

Conversely, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a mild makeover, including an engine update, exterior styling tweaks, improved infotainment, more features, and a new Sport trim. The front fascia, bumper, and grille were subtly redone with additional chrome accents. The rear bumper was redesigned to appear less squatty, and new wheel designs and metallic paint colors were introduced. Overall, the Jetta's profile became slightly more aggressive, reminiscent of an edgy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle smirk.

Inside, the 2022 Jetta retained its practicality and comfort. The front seats provided good cushioning but had an inclined front edge that might trouble shorter drivers. Ergonomics were excellent, with well-placed controls for climate, audio, and seating. Storage was ample, with door pockets, a center console bin, and additional slots for small items. The overall interior design was driver-centric, and the 2022 updates added a touch of premium feel without being overly flashy.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This configuration offered decent torque but lagged in horsepower compared to competitors' base models. Acceleration felt uneven, especially during highway overtakes, although switching to Sport mode or manually shifting gears improved response. Unfortunately, the driving experience lacked excitement, with the Passat neither excelling in sportiness nor comfort. Competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6 incorporated sportier dynamics.

For the 2022 Jetta, the powertrain included a newly introduced 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, boasting 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Jetta's updated engine provided a modest performance boost. Fuel economy was impressive, particularly for the manual version, which achieved 29 mpg city, 43 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. Automatic models varied slightly, with the SE and SEL trims achieving slightly lower economy figures. During an 800-mile interstate trip, a test vehicle managed nearly 47 highway mpg, underscoring its efficiency.

Despite the commendable fuel economy, the Jetta's power delivery had touchy throttle characteristics and noticeable turbo lag. Different drive modes—Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom—offered varying experiences, though Sport mode provided only a slight improvement. On the highway, the eight-speed automatic operated smoothly, but overall, the Jetta's driving dynamics were less engaging.

Volkswagen promoted the 2021 Passat's spacious rear seats, with 39.1 inches of legroom, slightly less than the Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy. However, this came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. Front headroom also lagged behind many rivals, and the driving position proved uncomfortable for some, with limited legroom and inadequate thigh support. The Passat featured 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space, more than the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, or Subaru Legacy, but less than the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. In-cabin storage was modest, with improperly shaped door bottle holders and a small smartphone cubby.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta's compact dimensions belied its generous passenger space, comfortably accommodating four adults (and five if needed). Storage options inside the Jetta were practical, with door pockets, a center console bin, and slots for small items. The 2022 Jetta maintained a driver-centric cabin with intuitive control placement, ensuring ergonomic ease. The front seats, while supportive, featured an elevated lip that might irritate shorter individuals. Unlike the Passat, the Jetta excelled in utilizing its interior space efficiently, offering a commendable balance of passenger and cargo space.

In 2021, every Passat model was equipped with Volkswagen’s MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. R-Line models added built-in navigation, HD Radio, and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. The SE and R-Line trims included keyless entry. Connectivity relied on a single USB-A port up front and two rear charge-only ports in SE models. Despite the small screen size, the analog controls ensured straightforward operation, though tech-savvy buyers might lament the absence of advanced features like the Digital Cockpit or MIB3 infotainment system.

The 2022 Jetta stepped up its technological game with the standard inclusion of the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster. S, Sport, and SE models had an 8-inch display, while the SEL featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The Jetta also got an updated MIB2 infotainment system in lower trims, and an MIB3 system in the SEL, with enhancements like wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, and multi-phone pairing. However, voice activation and navigation commands struggled with accuracy, often requiring manual input. The system's responsiveness and additional tech features like Beats Audio and a remote start system added to its appeal.

The 2021 Passat earned top scores from the IIHS in all crash tests, though its standard headlights received a "marginal" rating. NHTSA had not published ratings for the Passat at the time. The model offered adaptive cruise control as standard, along with other safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. VW’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System further bolstered safety.

For 2022, the Jetta came standard with IQ.Drive, Volkswagen's suite of driver-assistance technologies. Entry-level models featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist, requiring hands-on steering but providing some semi-autonomous capabilities. Emergency Assist stopped the vehicle if the driver was unresponsive. Although official crash ratings for 2022 Jetta weren't available at the time, the 2021 model's strong safety scores likely carried over.