2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 BMW 2 Series

The 2022 BMW 2 Series presented a fresh exterior design that avoided the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. It maintained a sleek and aerodynamic appearance with a wider kidney grille and upright triangular air curtains. The M240i xDrive Coupe, in particular, showcased a performance-oriented style with shadowy M-type accents and the M Shadowline package. The interior was driver-focused, featuring standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with options for a larger display and additional creature comforts. Despite its high-end vibe, some cost-cutting materials were noticeable.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, a long-standing bestseller for the brand, received subtle exterior updates, including a redesigned front fascia with more chrome and standard LED lighting. The Jetta's design remained understated, akin to a practical suitcase. Inside, the Jetta offered a comfortable and spacious cabin with a driver-centric layout and standard Digital Cockpit instrument cluster. The SEL trim featured a more advanced Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch MIB3 infotainment system with navigation and premium audio. While the voice activation system had its quirks, the touchscreen was responsive and user-friendly.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series delivered impressive performance with its turbocharged engines. The 230i Coupe's 2.0-liter four-cylinder produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive's 3.0-liter inline-six offered 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i Coupe accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and the M240i xDrive achieved it in just 4.1 seconds. Both models featured an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, calibrated for smooth shifts and quick responses. The M240i xDrive came with performance enhancements like an adaptive M suspension and M Sport brakes, providing stability and agility. However, the driving experience felt somewhat disconnected, lacking emotional engagement.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta excelled in fuel efficiency, with the manual version achieving 29 mpg city and 43 mpg highway. During a road trip, it averaged an impressive 46.9 mpg on the highway. While the Jetta provided a comfortable ride, its powertrain exhibited some lag and surge, and the driving dynamics were unremarkable. The steering was accurate but lacked feedback, and the throttle was touchy, making city driving less smooth.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, despite its larger dimensions, remained a compact coupe with limited rear seat space, suitable for children or short trips. The front seats offered comfort for shorter individuals, but rear headroom was constrained by the slanted roofline. The trunk provided 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with split-folding rear seats for added versatility. The interior featured soft-touch materials and improved ergonomics, with multifunction buttons on the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, though compact, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth. The cabin was driver-centric, with intuitive controls for climate, audio, and seat functions. Storage options included door pockets, a center console bin, and a sunglass holder. The center storage bin lacked a latch, but it remained functional for keeping items out of sight. Overall, the Jetta provided a practical and comfortable interior layout.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, featuring BMW Live Cockpit Plus with over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and connected services. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a WiFi hotspot, and a head-up display. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded the infotainment to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital display. The 2 Series also featured a 10-speaker Hi-Fi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon system for enhanced audio quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, offering an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on the SEL trim. The SEL also featured the MIB3 infotainment system with navigation, wireless connectivity, and premium audio. While the voice activation system had its challenges, the touchscreen was responsive and intuitive. The Jetta offered a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, USB ports, and a Car-Net Hotspot subscription.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was equipped with Active Driving Assistant, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also featured adaptive cruise control, park distance control, and optional adaptive front LED headlights. The BMW Drive Recorder allowed for recording driving footage using onboard cameras. However, the 2 Series had not yet been rated by safety organizations.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came standard with IQ.Drive, offering blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking. The Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The Jetta's safety features were customizable via the touchscreen menu. While the 2022 model had not been rated, the 2021 Jetta received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and mostly "Good" grades from the IIHS.