2023 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI presented a familiar yet subtly refreshed design that might have been hard to distinguish from its predecessor for those not deeply familiar with the brand. The eighth-generation model was longer and lower, maintaining the same wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while promising the nimbleness characteristic of the GTI lineage. The front end retained the classic cascading hood and 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, especially at night. Aerodynamic enhancements, such as redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling, were implemented to reduce drag. The GTI came with red brake calipers and wheel sizes varying by trim, with a range of staple and vibrant color options, including a limited Pomelo Yellow Metallic for the Autobahn trim. Inside, the GTI offered plaid cloth seats as standard on lower trims, with leather available on higher trims, and retained the iconic golf-ball shifter knob for manual models.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Prius underwent a complete makeover, finally embracing a stylish design that had been absent in previous models. The new Prius featured a sleek exterior with a blend of curves and edges, giving it a futuristic yet approachable look. The wheels were pushed further into the corners, enhancing both handling and aesthetics, while the car's dimensions grew longer, lower, and wider. The new platform provided a solid and robust feel, with high-quality materials and excellent fit and finish inside. The cabin was equipped with a pair of screens, including a driver-focused instrument panel and a dashboard-mounted infotainment screen, moving away from the previous center-mounted display. While the interior prioritized function over form, it remained a comfortable space for occupants.

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, featured integrated exhaust headers for better heat management and quicker warm-up times. The GTI's 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, 34 highway, and 28 combined with the manual, slightly improving with the automatic. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, with a lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs. Various drive modes allowed customization for different driving conditions, and the electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential worked with the stability control to reduce understeer. The Autobahn trim offered an adaptive damping system for even more precise handling.

The 2023 Toyota Prius featured a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a more powerful electric motor and lithium-ion battery, delivering 194 horsepower in FWD models and 196 in AWD models. This was a significant increase from the previous model's 121 horsepower. The Prius used a continuously variable automatic transmission, providing a more athletic and responsive driving experience. The 0-60 mph time improved to 7.1 seconds from the previous 10.5 seconds. The Prius handled well, with a revised suspension and longer wheelbase contributing to its agility. Road and wind noise were well-managed, though engine noise was noticeable during hard acceleration. The brakes had a slight squishiness typical of hybrids but were otherwise effective.

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

The 2023 Toyota Prius, despite its larger exterior, had slightly reduced interior dimensions compared to its predecessor. Headroom decreased, but legroom improved, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The optional fixed glass roof on higher trims enhanced the cabin's openness. Cargo space was 20 cubic feet on XLE and Limited models and 24 cubic feet on the LE. The cabin featured practical touches like multiple cupholders, a wireless charging pocket, and USB-C ports. The cargo area included underfloor storage and a flexible cover for privacy.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system featured an 8.25-inch touchscreen on the S trim and a 10-inch screen with navigation on higher trims, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The SE and Autobahn trims included a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered various connectivity features, some requiring subscriptions, such as remote access, emergency assistance, and WiFi capability.

The 2023 Toyota Prius came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the base LE and XLE trims, with an optional 12.3-inch screen on the XLE and standard on the Limited. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster was standard, though it was criticized for being too busy. The Prius offered six USB-C ports, wireless charging on higher trims, and an AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot. Subscription-based connectivity bundles included Remote Connect, Safety Connect, and Drive Connect for additional features.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured IQ.Drive, a 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 was standard on all trims, with Park Assist available on the Autobahn trim. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota Prius included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-departure alerts, lane-tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. These features were standard across all trims. The Prius also had stability control, traction control, eight airbags, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts. The Limited trim could be equipped with Advanced Park for hands-free parking. The Prius had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.