2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2022 Subaru WRX, despite its wider stance, maintained a subtle front-end design with a small hexagonal grille and sharp LED headlights. The side profile was less busy, featuring black plastic cladding with a hexagonal pattern to improve aerodynamics. The rear fenders flared dramatically, and the taillights had a multifaceted design. The interior saw significant improvements with better fit and finish, a D-shaped steering wheel, and carbon-fiber-pattern trim accents.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta had a more conservative and bland appearance, though it was visually inoffensive. The interior of the Jetta SEL trim channeled a luxury feel with ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and larger screens for digital instrumentation and infotainment. The Jetta's design aimed for a timeless appeal, though it lacked the symmetry and balance of previous generations.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came with a standard all-wheel-drive system and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The manual transmission was praised for its precision and ease of use, while the CVT provided faster shift points. The WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, offered a forgiving ride quality and reduced body roll.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, delivered 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It came with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta's driving experience was characterized by zippy acceleration, light steering, and a compliant suspension. However, the automatic transmission had a noticeable delay in response, which could be mitigated by using the Sport mode. The Jetta SEL's all-season tires provided excellent grip and communication about the road surface.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered a cargo capacity of 12.5 cubic feet, expandable with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with premium cloth or Ultrasuede upholstery. The WRX's standard all-wheel drive added to its practicality, making it a viable commuter vehicle.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, straddling the compact and midsize sedan segments, provided ample space for four adults and generous interior storage. The trunk offered 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for longer items. The Jetta SEL 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 Subaru WRX's Starlink infotainment system featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen on premium trims, with physical controls for climate and audio functions. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration was not seamless. The base trim had two 7-inch displays stacked vertically. An 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL came with a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the radio tuning process was cumbersome. The Car-Net connected services offered a range of features, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote engine starting. The SEL trim also included a Beats Audio premium sound system, though it was not particularly satisfying.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT-equipped models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Manual transmission models lacked EyeSight but offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The WRX's new platform absorbed more energy in crashes, and it came with seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL featured the IQ.Drive package, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist provided semi-autonomous driving, and Emergency Assist could brake the car to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but had lower ratings for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated it poorly in a new moderate overlap frontal-impact crash test.