2022 Toyota Camry vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI presented a familiar yet subtly refreshed design, maintaining its iconic hatchback silhouette. Despite the brand's claim of all-new body panels, the differences from the previous generation were subtle to the untrained eye. The car was slightly longer and lower, contributing to a stable appearance, while the unchanged wheelbase promised agility. The GTI's styling adhered to its traditional form, featuring a smooth hood and a honeycomb-patterned air intake. Signature red accents ran between the LED headlights, with optional light bars adding flair. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side mirrors and underbody paneling. The GTI's wheel options varied by trim, with 18-inch alloys on the S and SE trims and 19-inch wheels on the Autobahn trim. Color choices ranged from classic shades to vibrant options like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Pomelo Yellow Metallic. Inside, the GTI offered plaid cloth seats as standard, with leather available on higher trims, and retained its classic golf-ball shifter knob.

The 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly in its TRD variant, turned heads with its striking Cavalry Blue paint, a new addition for the year. This bold color was exclusive to the performance-oriented TRD model, which also featured an aerodynamic body kit, matte-black 19-inch wheels, and red accents. The Camry's design updates included standard heated side mirrors and dual-zone climate control for most trims. The SE Hybrid trim introduced a Nightshade Edition with blacked-out elements. The Camry offered a range of 13 versions, with prices starting at just over $26,000. The TRD model, priced at $35,470, included a JBL premium sound system and a 9-inch touchscreen. Despite its sporty appearance, the Camry TRD's interior was less polarizing, with a unique dashboard layout. However, some elements, like red gauge illumination and seatbelt embroidery, were considered tacky. The Camry's design, while bold, was a departure from its traditionally conservative styling.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the manual, slightly improving with the automatic. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, with lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs. Various drive modes allowed customization for different driving conditions, and a limited-slip differential helped reduce understeer. The Autobahn trim featured an adaptive damping system for improved handling. The GTI excelled in providing a thrilling driving experience, especially on winding roads.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Camry TRD's fuel economy was estimated at 25 mpg combined, with real-world testing achieving 24.8 mpg. The TRD model offered track-tuned dynamics, with increased torsional rigidity, stiffer suspension components, and larger brakes. The Camry TRD's performance was impressive for its price, with a responsive engine and smooth transmission. However, the lack of all-wheel drive was a drawback, as the front wheels could easily lose traction. The TRD's suspension provided a balance between comfort and performance, making it enjoyable to drive on twisty roads.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered a practical interior with 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 34.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The GTI's driver-centric design included a center stack angled towards 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 TRD featured front seats with red accents and stitching, but lacked additional bolstering. The sporty driving position and fabric seat inserts provided comfort and stability. The Camry's back seat accommodated two adults comfortably, though it lacked rear-seat air vents. The TRD's fixed rear seatback limited cargo flexibility, with a 15.1 cubic-foot trunk. However, the Camry offered ample in-cabin storage, including a large center armrest bin.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI's technology was highlighted by a 10.25-inch digital driver information display, customizable with various gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system featured 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 GTI's Car-Net system offered remote access and additional subscription-based features, such as navigation updates and online radio.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Optional upgrades included a 9-inch display and a JBL premium audio system. The Camry's technology was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy operation. However, the TRD model lacked dynamic navigation and voice recognition technology, relying on smartphone integration for these functions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was equipped with Volkswagen's IQ.Drive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. Standard safety features included Park Distance Control, with the Autobahn trim offering Park Assist for automated parking.

The 2022 Toyota Camry featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive package of driver assist and collision avoidance features. Highlights included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Camry TRD also came with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and roadside support. The Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.