2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, carrying over its 2020 redesign, presented a sleek and modern exterior reminiscent of a smaller Altima. Its low-slung, coupe-like design marked a significant improvement over its predecessors, which had a more traditional sedan appearance. The Sentra was available in a variety of bold colors, including blue, burnt orange, and "Scarlet Ember," with options for a contrasting black roof. Inside, the Sentra's interior was a highlight, featuring a modern yet straightforward layout that combined form and function. The dashboard was dominated by a touchscreen, and the controls were user-friendly, contributing to an upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, while offering a conservative and inoffensive design, lacked the visual appeal of its predecessors. The Jetta's interior, especially in the SEL trim, channeled a more upscale vibe with ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and a large sunroof. The Jetta's cabin was designed to provide a sense of luxury at a reasonable price, with features like a digital instrumentation panel and a spacious feel. However, the exterior design did not evoke the same level of admiration as previous models, despite a recent refresh.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not exceptional, the engine provided consistent performance in both city and highway settings. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering capabilities were commendable for a non-performance-focused vehicle. The suspension effectively absorbed most road imperfections, making it suitable for commuting and road trips.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The Jetta offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission for the S and Sport trims and an eight-speed automatic for the SE and SEL trims. The automatic transmission, however, exhibited a delay in response, which could be mitigated by using the Sport mode. Despite this, the Jetta provided a rewarding driving experience with its nimble handling and accurate steering, especially on winding roads. The Jetta's tires also impressed with their grip and communication.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, which was competitive among small sedans. The trunk could be expanded with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, although the ledge created by the bench could hinder loading larger items. The Sentra's interior provided ample space for passengers, with comfortable front seats and decent rear legroom. Storage options included large in-door trays and a well-designed center console.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, straddling the compact and midsize segments, provided generous interior space for four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth passenger for short trips. The Jetta's trunk offered 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, with a shape and opening that facilitated easy loading. The interior featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, and rear air conditioning vents were absent.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV and SR trims upgraded to an 8-inch screen. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons and dials for easy navigation. However, the graphics were somewhat dated, and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was not available.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL boasted a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as SiriusXM 360L. While the infotainment system was generally intuitive, it required multiple inputs for certain functions, such as changing radio stations. The Jetta also offered Car-Net connected services, providing features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote engine starting.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, and blind spot monitoring. The Sentra earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with high ratings for its driver-assistance features.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL came with the IQ.Drive package, which included advanced driving assistance systems like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience. Emergency Assist could identify an unresponsive driver and safely stop the vehicle. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but had lower ratings for frontal-impact protection and headlights from the IIHS.