2022 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI maintained its iconic styling cues while making some subtle but impactful changes. Although every body panel was new, the differences between the eighth-generation (Mk8) and the seventh-generation (Mk7) models might not have been apparent to the casual observer. It boasted a longer and lower profile, though the wheelbase stayed consistent at 103.6 inches. These dimensions gave the GTI a more stable stance without compromising its hallmark nimbleness.

Stylistically, the new GTI featured a smooth, cascading hood leading to a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake beneath the VW emblem. The GTI's signature red accent line ran the full length between the LED headlights, with an optional light bar for added nighttime drama. Standard LED fog lights and redesigned aerodynamic elements, including side-view mirrors and underbody paneling, enhanced its sleek appearance.

The GTI came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels on S and SE trims and 19-inch wheels with summer tires on the Autobahn trim. Color options ranged from staple shades like Reflex Silver Metallic to more standout hues like Kings Red Metallic and Pomelo Yellow Metallic, exclusive to the Autobahn trim.

Inside, plaid cloth seats were standard on S and SE trims, with Vienna leather available. The classic golf-ball shifter knob adorned manual transmission models, and all trims featured stainless steel pedals.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX offered a less dramatic aesthetic, with subtle cues like its signature hood scoop and a small hexagonal grille with a decorative bar. The WRX’s new profile was less cluttered, although the black plastic cladding was contentious despite its aerodynamic benefits. Rear fenders flared outward, culminating in a large plastic bumper and magma-esque taillights. Quad tailpipes completed the look.

The WRX also featured 18-inch alloy wheels and a subtle trunk-mounted lip spoiler on the Premium trim. Inside, the WRX showcased significant improvements with better fit and finish, a D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and sport seats with notable bolstering. The GO and Limited trims boasted Ultrasuede upholstery.

The 1983 debut of the Volkswagen GTI in the U.S. was a game-changer with merely 90 horsepower, admired for its lightness and driving dynamics. By 2022, the GTI boasted a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain, an updated EA888 engine, featured exhaust headers integrated into the cylinder heads for better heat management and a faster warm-up. Peak horsepower was achieved at 5,000 rpm, with torque peaking at a low 1,750 rpm.

Power was funneled to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG) with paddle shifters. Front-wheel drive was the sole option, with an EPA-rated fuel economy of 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined for the manual. The DSG saw a slight increase to 25/34/28.

Handling benefited from a retuned suspension, with lighter front assemblies and stiffer rear springs. Drive modes allowed for Eco, Comfort, or Sport settings, and a standard electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential reduced understeer. The top-tier Autobahn trim featured DCC adaptive damping, allowing for dynamic driving with enhanced rebound and compression rates.

The 2022 Subaru WRX distinguished itself with a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While the power increase over the previous generation was minimal, torque remained the same, and some might have found the performance less thrilling than expected.

Standard all-wheel drive provided sure-footed handling, with transmission options including a six-speed manual and a Subaru Performance Transmission (CVT). The CVT featured eight shift points with paddle shifters, offering faster shifts than its predecessor. The manual transmission allowed a continuous 50/50 AWD split, while the CVT offered variable torque distribution.

Driving the six-speed manual through California's mountains, the WRX’s suspension impressed with its Subaru Global Platform, stiffer stabilizer bars, and longer suspension strokes, providing a more comfortable ride quality on rough terrains.

The GTI, as the original hot hatch, combined performance with practicality. It offered 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 34.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While this was adequate for daily needs, it fell short compared to key competitors like the Hyundai Veloster N.

The GTI’s driver-centric interior featured an angled center stack and a unique “light and sight” panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, comfortably seating four adults.

The WRX, despite losing its hatchback option, saw an increase in cargo capacity to 12.5 cubic feet, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for additional space. Its sport seats were both supportive and comfortable, with higher trims offering Ultrasuede upholstery.

Standard all-wheel drive added to the WRX's practicality, making it an appealing option for those in need of performance and utility.

The 2022 Volkswagen GTI’s standout technology was its fully digital driver information display. The 10.25-inch screen allowed for customizable gauge displays, which could be synchronized with the car’s ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system ranged from an 8.25-inch screen in the S trim to a 10-inch touchscreen with navigation in higher trims, supporting Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. The SE and Autobahn trims boasted a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, although touch-capacitive controls were somewhat frustrating.

Volkswagen’s Car-Net system offered various features, including Remote Access for five years and subscription-based services like Safe and Secure, Hotspot, and additional navigation and online radio options.

The WRX’s technology had vastly improved with its 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen in premium trims and above, borrowed from newer Subaru models. Physical controls for climate, volume, and defrost functions made it user-friendly, though Android Auto integration was lacking, only utilizing the top half of the screen.

The base trim WRX featured an unconventional setup with two 7-inch displays stacked vertically. An available 11-speaker Harmon Kardon system provided an enhanced audio experience.

Volkswagen equipped the GTI with its IQ.Drive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Travel Assist for semi-autonomous driving, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control came standard across all trims, with Autobahn models featuring Park Assist for automated parking.

The 2022 WRX’s safety features were largely dependent on the transmission. CVT models came with Subaru’s EyeSight ADAS suite, offering automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. Manual models didn’t benefit from EyeSight due to the risk of stalling during emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and lane-change assist were standard on higher trims.

The Subaru Global Platform added inherent safety, and seven airbags, including a driver’s-side knee airbag, came standard.