2022 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, despite boasting all-new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not be immediately distinguishable from its predecessor to the casual observer. The new model was longer and lower, maintaining a 103.6-inch wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while preserving the nimbleness characteristic of earlier models. The GTI's styling adhered to traditional cues, featuring a smooth hood, a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, and a signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors, underbody paneling, and revised wheel-arch linings. The GTI came with red brake calipers and wheel sizes varying by trim, with 18-inch alloys on the S and SE trims and 19-inch wheels on the Autobahn trim. Color options ranged from staple shades like silver, black, and white to more vibrant hues like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic, with Pomelo Yellow Metallic available exclusively for the Autobahn trim. Inside, the GTI featured plaid cloth seats on the S and SE trims, with Vienna leather on the SE and Autobahn trims, and a classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual transmission models.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, available in five trim levels, showcased a low, wide stance with tall doors, creased body lines, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The front end was dominated by Nissan's V-Motion grille, a common feature across the brand's sedans and SUVs. The Midnight Edition package, available on the SR trim, added a gloss black sport grille, LED fog lights, 19-inch gloss black wheels, a moonroof, and other blacked-out elements, enhancing the Altima's sporty appearance. The interior of the Altima featured comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, a well-organized instrument panel, and high-quality materials, particularly in higher trims. However, lower trims had less premium materials. The Altima's dimensions placed it in the middle of its segment, with a 15.4 cubic foot trunk and a 16.2-gallon fuel tank, making it a balanced choice among midsize sedans. Some drawbacks included a high rear shelf that compromised rear visibility and trunk supports that could crush items when closing the lid.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, an updated version of the EA888, featured integrated exhaust headers for better heat management. The GTI's torque peaked at a low 1,750 rpm, providing exhilarating acceleration and driving dynamics. Power was sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG). The GTI's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined with the manual transmission, with a slight improvement for the automatic. The Mk8 GTI featured a retuned suspension with lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs, enhancing its handling. Various drive modes and an electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential contributed to its agile performance. The top-tier Autobahn trim included the DCC adaptive damping system, capable of 200 adjustments per second, further refining the driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered two four-cylinder engine options: a 2.5-liter unit producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter variable-compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engine with 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The base engine was available with FWD or AWD, while the VC-Turbo was limited to the SR trim with FWD. All Altimas came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The VC-Turbo engine, capable of changing its compression ratio for performance or efficiency, provided a unique driving experience. However, the base 2.5-liter engine offered mediocre acceleration and noticeable engine noise. Despite this, the Altima impressed with its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and refined road manners, thanks to Nissan's Active Ride Control. The Altima's performance was competent but not exceptional, with the VC-Turbo engine offering a more engaging drive.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance and practicality, offering 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 34.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a center stack angled toward the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for family use despite its compact size.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four, with the capacity to accommodate five for short distances. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of the midsize sedan segment, with a 15.4 cubic foot trunk and a 16.2-gallon fuel tank. The Altima's rear shelf compromised rear visibility, and the trunk supports could crush items when closing the lid. Despite these drawbacks, the Altima offered a well-rounded package for commuters and families.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen on the S trim and a 10-inch display with navigation on the SE and Autobahn trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SE and Autobahn trims also had a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered various connected services, some of which required additional subscriptions.

The 2022 Nissan Altima's entry-level S trim came with a 5-inch multi-function display and a 7-inch touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims featured a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SL trim and above included a nine-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and remote engine start. The Altima also offered active noise cancellation, traffic sign recognition, and an Around View Monitor. Nissan's ProPilot Assist system, available on higher trims, provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI came equipped with Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. All trims featured Park Distance Control, with the Autobahn trim adding Park Assist for automatic parking.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, automatic high-beam headlights, driver-attention warning, Rear View Monitor, rear door alert, and hill-start assist. The SV trim and above included Nissan's Safety Shield 360, adding rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and a rear sonar system. The Altima received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a five-star overall rating and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.