2022 Volkswagen Jetta 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 unless you were a dedicated Volkswagen enthusiast. The new model was longer and lower, maintaining the same 103.6-inch wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while preserving the nimbleness characteristic of earlier models. The GTI's styling adhered to its traditional form, 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 Volkswagen Jetta, a long-standing best-seller for the automaker, received a mild makeover that included an engine update, exterior styling tweaks, improved infotainment, and more features. The Jetta Sport replaced the outgoing R-Line model, and the SEL Premium trim was dropped, simplifying the lineup to four trims: S, Sport, SE, and SEL. Exterior changes were subtle, with a redesigned front fascia, bumper, and grille featuring more chrome, standard LED headlights, and a less squatty rear bumper with a full-length chrome feature. New wheel designs and metallic colors like Kings Red, Oryx White, and Rising Blue were added. The Jetta's interior updates included a new rhombus pattern on the standard cloth seats, contrast stitching for a premium look, and a new two-tone leather option in Volcano Brown and black. The 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster became standard across the lineup, with the SEL trim receiving the 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, introduced in 1983 as a performance variant of the VW Rabbit, evolved significantly over the years. By 2022, it featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, a substantial increase from its original 90 horsepower. The engine, an updated version of the EA888, reached peak horsepower at 5,000 rpm and delivered peak torque at a low 1,750 rpm, making it a joy to drive on curving mountain roads. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG) with paddle shifters, both sending power to the front wheels. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined for the manual transmission, with a slight uptick for the automatic. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and various drive modes, allowing it to tackle corners with ease while maintaining a comfortable ride. The top-tier Autobahn trim featured the DCC adaptive damping system, capable of 200 adjustments per second for even better handling.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the same as in the Volkswagen Taos SUV, replacing the previous 1.4-liter turbo-four. The new engine produced 158 horsepower, an 11-horsepower increase, and maintained 184 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options included a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with the manual transmission rated at 29 mpg city, 43 highway, and 34 combined. Automatic transmission models had slightly different ratings, with S and Sport trims achieving 31 mpg city, 41 highway, and 35 combined, while SE and SEL trims were rated at 29 mpg city, 40 highway, and 33 combined. On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 46.9 highway mpg, demonstrating its efficiency. The Jetta's ride quality was comfortable, though the powertrain exhibited some turbo lag and surge, and the dynamics were tepid. Drive modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom, with Sport mode offering a slight improvement in responsiveness.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, known as the original hot hatch, balanced performance and practicality. It offered 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 34.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The GTI's 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 transporting a family of four.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided ample passenger space for four adults, with the ability to accommodate five if needed. The front seats had a slightly inclined bottom cushion for thigh support, which might not be comfortable for shorter individuals. The driver-centric cabin featured buttons for climate control, audio, and heated and ventilated seats, all within easy reach. Storage options included door pockets, a center console bin, a slot next to the cupholders, and a sunglass holder. The center storage bin, though not large, was functional, but its cover lacked a latch, which was unusual.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital driver information display with three primary gauge displays, customizable to the driver's preferences. The display spanned 10.25 inches and was standard on all trims. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen on the S trim and a 10-inch touchscreen 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 features, some at an additional cost, such as Remote Access, Safe and Secure, and Hotspot. Optional Car-Net Plus Nav, Plus Speech, and Plus Online Radio provided additional functionalities at low annual fees.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade with the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster standard across all trims. The S, Sport, and SE trims had an 8-inch display, while the SEL trim featured the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The standard infotainment system on the S, Sport, and SE trims was a 6.5-inch MIB2 system with capacitive-touch sensors, App-Connect, Bluetooth, and USB-C ports. The SEL trim had the 8-inch MIB3 system with navigation, wireless App-Connect, wireless device charging, and enhanced voice recognition. The SEL also included HD Radio, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Car-Net Hotspot, and Plus Nav package. The premium Beats Audio sound system and remote start were available on the SEL trim. Voice activation and navigation commands were not always intuitive, but the touchscreen was responsive.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI came equipped with Volkswagen's IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as Travel Assist, 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 GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta also featured IQ.Drive, with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian recognition standard on the S and Sport trims. The Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The SE and SEL trims had the full IQ.Drive safety suite as standard. The Jetta had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS for 2022, but the 2021 model received a five-star rating from NHTSA and mostly "Good" grades from IIHS, with some lower scores for headlights and LATCH use.