2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta maintained its status as a steadfast performer in the automaker's lineup, even amidst a challenging sales environment. Despite Volkswagen's overall sales decline due to various global issues, the Jetta remained a stronghold, accounting for a significant portion of the company's U.S. sales. The Jetta's subtle exterior updates for 2022, including a refreshed front fascia and grille with more chrome, were barely noticeable but contributed to a slightly more aggressive profile. Inside, the Jetta offered subtle yet appealing updates, such as a new rhombus pattern on the cloth seats and contrast stitching across all upholstery types. The standard 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster added a modern touch to the interior, enhancing the driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid presented a more familiar design, with the Nightshade Edition offering a distinctive look with matte-bronze 19-inch wheels and black accents. The Camry Hybrid's interior, while durable and straightforward, was criticized for its use of cheap-looking plastics and lack of rear air conditioning vents. The front seats provided comfort with eight-way power adjustment for the driver, but the rear seats were less accommodating, lacking the spaciousness found in competitors like the Honda Accord. The trunk space, measuring 15.1 cubic feet, was also on the smaller side for a midsize sedan. Despite these shortcomings, the Camry Hybrid's simplicity and ease of use remained appealing to many consumers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered a slight increase in horsepower compared to the previous model year. The Jetta excelled in fuel economy, with the manual version achieving an impressive 29 mpg city, 43 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. During a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 46.9 mpg on the highway, showcasing its efficiency. However, the Jetta's powertrain was criticized for its touchy throttle and turbo lag, making city driving less enjoyable. The vehicle offered various drive modes, but the overall driving dynamics were considered tepid.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a net power output of 208 horsepower. The hybrid system simulated a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered different driving modes, including Normal, Eco, EV, and Sport. Despite its hybrid nature, the Camry Hybrid's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging only 33.4 mpg during testing, far below the EPA rating of 46 mpg combined. The hybrid system provided a smooth and quick acceleration experience, and the regenerative braking system offered better-than-expected pedal feel. The Camry Hybrid's sport suspension tuning allowed for decent handling, but the stability control system was overly sensitive in certain situations.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth passenger. The cabin was driver-centric, with well-placed controls for climate, audio, and seat functions. Storage space was practical, with door pockets, a center console bin, and a sunglass holder. However, the center storage bin lacked a latch, which was an unusual omission. The Jetta's interior design focused on functionality and ease of use, making it a comfortable choice for daily commuting.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid emphasized simplicity and durability in its interior design. The front seats provided comfort with power adjustment for the driver and manual adjustment for the passenger. The Camry's low seating position was offset by height-adjustable front seats, making entry and exit easier. The rear seats, however, were less spacious, and the lack of rear air conditioning vents was a notable drawback. The Camry's trunk space, at 15.1 cubic feet, was smaller than some competitors, but it could accommodate full-size suitcases. The interior storage areas were practical but unlined, potentially causing items to rattle during drives.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade with the introduction of the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Jetta SEL featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro with customizable views and widgets for navigation and driver-assist systems. The infotainment system varied by trim, with the SEL offering an 8-inch MIB3 system with navigation, wireless connectivity, and premium audio. While the touchscreen was responsive, the voice activation system was less intuitive, often misinterpreting commands. Overall, the Jetta's technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a choice between a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, both with smartphone connectivity and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The larger 9-inch system included a connected navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The test car featured the basic 7-inch touchscreen, which performed adequately but struggled with voice recognition for specific music requests. The physical knobs and buttons surrounding the screen were appreciated, though they could have been more ergonomic. Additional tech options included a 7-inch driver information center and a 10-inch head-up display, though the test car lacked these features.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came equipped with IQ.Drive, Volkswagen's suite of driver-assistance technologies. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking. The Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and Emergency Assist. While the Jetta had not yet received crash safety ratings for 2022, the previous model year received high marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, with some shortcomings in headlight performance and LATCH use.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The system also offered Intersection Support for pedestrian and traffic detection. However, during testing, the TSS 2.5 system was criticized for its lack of refinement and sensitivity in certain driving conditions. The Camry Hybrid received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though it faced challenges in the updated side-impact crash test.