2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The 2022 Toyota Camry turned heads like never before, breaking from its traditionally staid design with the new TRD (Toyota Racing Development) model. The attention-grabbing Cavalry Blue paint, exclusively available on the TRD, was a significant departure from the usually understated aesthetics. This model wasn't just about color; it featured an aerodynamic body kit, matte-black 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and a host of other sporty enhancements. Even without visual flourishes, the Camry TRD exuded a performance-driven persona.

On the other side, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta maintained a subtler look with modest updates for the year. Exterior changes like a redesigned grille, bumper, and additional chrome detailing required a keen eye to notice. Despite its restrained style, the Jetta’s overall appearance was purposeful if somewhat bland. The most notable new options were the Sport trim with its black window surrounds and the introduction of new metallic colors like Kings Red and Rising Blue. The Jetta’s design changes were more about refinement than a bold statement.

Performance-wise, the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD packed a punch with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the front-wheel-drive setup included a Sport transmission mode and paddle shifters to enhance the driving experience. The Camry TRD averaged 24.8 mpg in real-world driving, close to its 25 mpg EPA rating.

Toyota’s focus on driving dynamics was evident in the TRD model, which featured reinforced structural rigidity, TRD-tuned suspension, and performance shocks. It also boasted bigger brakes and sport performance tires on 19-inch alloy wheels. The driving experience was engaging and responsive, although the car’s front-wheel-drive setup sometimes led to wheel spin.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with the Volkswagen Taos SUV, was paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta excelled in fuel economy, with an automatic transmission model achieving 41 mpg on the highway.

However, the Jetta fell short in driving excitement. Modes like Eco, Normal, and Sport offered varying levels of engagement, but the car’s overall dynamics lacked verve. The turbo engine's throttle response was inconsistent, sometimes feeling laggy or overly sensitive, which impacted the driving experience in stop-and-go traffic.

The interior of the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD carried sporty elements like red stitching and logos, but it did not offer additional bolstering beyond the Camry SE model. The front seats, however, provided a low-slung driving position with power height adjustments, making long drives comfortable. The back seat comfortably accommodated two adults, albeit without rear air vents. Compromises in structural rigidity meant the rear seatbacks were fixed, limiting cargo flexibility. This made the 15.1 cubic-foot trunk one of the smallest in its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was more compact but impressively spacious. The cabin could comfortably seat four adults, with the edge of the front seats slightly inclining for thigh support. Ergonomics were straightforward, with user-friendly placements for buttons and controls. The Jetta’s cargo space stood out, especially considering its size, offering practical storage solutions throughout the cabin. Unique to the Jetta, however, was a curious lack of a latch on the center storage bin cover, which seemed an odd omission.

Technological offerings in the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD included a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which seemed small compared to modern standards. However, it featured physical knobs and buttons, simplifying user interaction. This system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM along with subscription services like Safety Connect and WiFi Connect. An optional 9-inch screen upgraded the experience but didn’t include Toyota’s connected navigation or voice recognition technology.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta made strides with its Digital Cockpit, standard across all trims. The Jetta SEL’s 10.25-inch display offered comprehensive options for vehicle information and customization. Standard infotainment features included a 6.5-inch MIB2 system on lower trims and an 8-inch MIB3 system on the SEL, which added navigation, wireless integration capabilities, and enhanced voice recognition. The system, however, struggled with understanding voice commands accurately, requiring manual inputs for quick results.

Safety was a priority for the 2022 Toyota Camry, with every model equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. This package included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and collision avoidance features, earning the Camry a “Top Safety Pick+” from IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. The TRD model also included a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured IQ.Drive technology, standard on all trims. S and Sport models included essential features like blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning, while the SE and SEL trims added adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Despite offering extensive safety aids, the Jetta’s system required refinement, particularly in handling highway curves. Though not yet crash-tested for 2022, the Jetta was expected to maintain strong safety ratings based on the previous year’s model.