2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly in its TRD variant, made a striking impression with its bold Cavalry Blue paint, a new addition for that year. This eye-catching color, exclusive to the performance-tuned TRD model, drew attention in a way that previous Camrys had not. The TRD's aggressive styling, including a front splitter, side skirts, and a rear spoiler, further distinguished it from other Camry versions. Despite its polarizing exterior, the Camry's interior offered a unique dashboard layout and driver-oriented center console, though some design choices, like the red gauge illumination, were less well-received.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more conservative appearance, typical of Volkswagen's design philosophy. While its styling was inoffensive, it lacked the symmetry and balance of previous generations. Inside, the Jetta SEL trim channeled a more upscale feel, reminiscent of the Audi brand, with features like ambient lighting and genuine leather upholstery. The Jetta's interior was practical and comfortable, offering a spacious cabin and a large trunk, making it suitable for families despite its compact classification.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD was equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, provided a thrilling driving experience. The Camry TRD's track-tuned dynamics, including stiffer suspension and larger brakes, contributed to its solid and planted feel on the road. Despite its sporty nature, the Camry TRD managed a respectable fuel economy, averaging 24.8 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, while not a sports sedan, offered a lively driving experience with its 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The Jetta's light and responsive steering, combined with a compliant suspension, made it nimble in urban settings. However, the automatic transmission exhibited a delay in acceleration, which could be mitigated by using the Sport mode. The Jetta SEL achieved an average of 30 mpg, slightly below its EPA rating of 33 mpg, during testing on mountainous roads.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured a sporty driving position with fabric seat inserts and power height adjustment for the front seats, ensuring comfort over long drives. While the Camry's back seat accommodated two adults comfortably, the TRD model lacked rear-seat air vents and a folding rear seatback, limiting cargo flexibility. The trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of space, smaller than some competitors, but the Camry compensated with generous in-cabin storage options.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL provided ample space for four adults, with a fifth passenger fitting for short trips. The interior boasted an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Jetta's trunk, with 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, was nearly as spacious as some midsize sedans, and the 60/40-split folding back seat added versatility. The Jetta's interior storage was generous, with a large center armrest bin and other convenient storage areas.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. An optional 9-inch display with a JBL premium audio system was available, though the sound quality was bass-heavy. The Camry TRD lacked advanced navigation and voice recognition technology, but smartphone integration provided a workaround.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with proximity sensing and shortcut tiles. While the system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the native voice recognition required a subscription for advanced functionality. The Jetta's Car-Net service included a Wi-Fi hotspot and several safety features, with a Beats Audio system providing sound, though it was less satisfying than previous Fender systems.

The 2022 Toyota Camry was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and other driver aids. The Camry TRD included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Despite some quirks in the lane-keeping system, the Camry earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL featured IQ.Drive, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. The system performed well on challenging roads, though occasional inaccuracies were noted. Emergency Assist, a rare feature in this class, added an extra layer of safety. The Jetta received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but had lower scores in frontal-impact protection and a Poor rating from the IIHS in a new crash test.