2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI presented a familiar yet subtly refreshed design, with its new eighth-generation model appearing longer and lower than its predecessor. Despite the unchanged wheelbase, the GTI maintained its nimble character. The front end featured a sleek hood and a honeycomb-patterned air intake, with a signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. Optional features like a light bar added drama to its appearance. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling. The GTI came with red brake calipers and wheel sizes varying by trim, with colors ranging from classic shades to vibrant options like Pomelo Yellow Metallic for the Autobahn trim. Inside, the GTI offered plaid cloth seats as standard, with leather available on higher trims, and retained the iconic golf-ball shifter knob for manual models.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, while largely a carryover model, surprised with its futuristic and expressive design. Its front end was characterized by a sneering face and muscular features, with wheel sizes ranging from 16 to 19 inches depending on the trim. The interior continued the futuristic theme with a sweeping dashboard design and a prominent infotainment touchscreen. The second row offered ample space and comfort, even for the middle seat. Toyota's attention to fit and finish was evident in the Camry Hybrid, with high-quality materials and precise construction. The trunk provided 15.1 cubic feet of space, with a passthrough for longer items and foldable rear seats for additional cargo capacity.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, an updated version of the EA888, delivered peak horsepower at 5,000 rpm and torque at a low 1,750 rpm, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, both sending power to the front wheels. The EPA estimated its fuel economy at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined with the manual, slightly higher with the automatic. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and various drive modes. The Autobahn trim featured the DCC adaptive damping system for improved performance.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total system output of 208 horsepower. It achieved impressive fuel economy ratings, with the LE model reaching 51 mpg city, 53 highway, and 52 combined, while other trims achieved slightly lower figures. The hybrid system used an electronically controlled CVT to send power to the front wheels, with paddle shifters available on SE and XSE models. The Camry Hybrid's handling benefited from a lower center of gravity due to the battery placement, providing a more engaging driving experience. However, maintaining EV mode was challenging, and some drivetrain noise was noted.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 34.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a center stack angled toward the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for easy control of headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for family use.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid provided a comfortable driving position with ample headroom and adjustable seating options. The interior offered various storage solutions, including a spacious glove compartment and multiple nooks throughout the dash. The second row was easy to access and provided generous space, with bottle holders and map pockets. The trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of space, with a passthrough for long items and foldable rear seats for larger cargo. Toyota's warranty coverage included a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and extended coverage for hybrid components.

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 higher trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Car-Net system offered various subscription-based services, including remote access, emergency assistance, and WiFi capability.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came equipped with a premium JBL audio system on higher trims, featuring nine speakers and advanced audio processing. Standard technology included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. The LE, SE, and SE Nightshade trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the XLE and XSE featured a 9-inch display. Additional features included a smart key system, push-button start, and a rearview camera with a projected path. A 10-inch head-up display and other advanced features were available on the XSE trim.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered advanced driver assistance systems through Volkswagen's IQ.Drive, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with Park Assist available on the Autobahn trim. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The Camry Hybrid also featured Toyota's Star safety system, 10 airbags, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The 2021 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, and the 2022 model was expected to receive similar ratings. NHTSA awarded the Camry Hybrid a five-star overall safety rating.