2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved significantly from its early days when it closely resembled the Honda Accord. Over time, Hyundai infused the Sonata with more distinctive styling, setting it apart from its competitors. The seventh-generation Sonata, introduced in 2020, featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, offering a unique look that divided opinions. Inside, the Sonata provided a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five, although the tan upholstery in the Limited trim was not to everyone's taste. The Sonata N Line added sporty elements like a body kit, gloss black accents, and dual exhausts, transforming its appearance from mild to wild.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta maintained its status as Volkswagen's best-selling vehicle, even amid challenges like the pandemic and supply chain issues. The Jetta received a mild makeover for 2022, with subtle exterior updates that were easy to miss. The front fascia, bumper, and grille were refreshed with more chrome, while the taillights and rear bumper received minor tweaks. Inside, the Jetta offered a driver-centric cabin with ergonomic controls and ample storage space. The interior updates included a new rhombus pattern on the cloth seats and contrast stitching for a premium look. The Jetta's compact proportions belied its spaciousness, comfortably accommodating four adults.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and competent ride. The Sonata N Line, however, was the standout performer with its 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, sport suspension, and tuned exhaust, delivering a thrilling driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and while the ride and handling were commendable, the absence of all-wheel drive was noted.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a single engine option: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered decent acceleration and impressive fuel economy. The Jetta excelled in highway fuel efficiency, averaging 46.9 mpg on a long road trip. However, the powertrain's throttle response was touchy, and the turbocharged engine exhibited some lag and surge. The Jetta's ride quality was comfortable, but its dynamics were less engaging compared to the Sonata.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasted a spacious cabin with 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were among the best in the segment, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk was generous, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. A standout feature was the Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing the Sonata to park itself with the push of a button.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults. The cabin was driver-centric, with intuitive controls and convenient storage options. The front seats provided good support, although the slightly inclined bottom cushion might not suit everyone. The Jetta's interior was practical, with usable storage spaces and a center console bin, although the lack of a latch on the compartment cover was noted.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment system varied by trim level. Base SE models came with an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims like the SEL Plus and Limited featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The SEL trim included features like Highway Driving Assist and a panoramic sunroof. The Bose audio system was praised for its power and clarity, offering excellent value for the price.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received technology upgrades, including the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Jetta SEL featured a 10.25-inch display with customizable views and widgets. The infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while the SEL had an 8-inch MIB3 system with navigation and wireless connectivity. The system's voice activation was less intuitive, but the touchscreen was responsive and user-friendly.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive safety package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and driver-attention warning. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sonata received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA, with top ratings in side crash protection and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured IQ.Drive, Volkswagen's suite of driver-assistance technologies. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning. The Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Jetta's safety systems were customizable via the touchscreen menu. While the 2022 Jetta had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, the 2021 model received high safety ratings.