2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2021 Honda Accord

The 2021 Honda Accord was a standout in the midsize sedan segment, offering a blend of style and practicality. With its mid-generation refresh, the Accord featured a wider, restyled grille that gave it a more sculpted appearance. The LED headlights and lowlights provided excellent visibility, while the smaller fog light openings added to its sophisticated look. The Accord's interior was equally impressive, with high-quality materials and a design that rivalled competitors like the Toyota Camry and Kia K5. The Canada-exclusive SE trim offered a unique package, while higher trims like the Touring boasted leather upholstery and advanced tech features.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received subtle exterior updates that were easy to miss. The redesigned front fascia, bumper, and grille featured more chrome, giving it a slightly more aggressive profile. The Jetta's interior updates included a new rhombus pattern on cloth seats and contrast stitching for a premium look. The Highline trim offered a two-tone leather interior option and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Jetta's cabin was driver-centric, with buttons for essential controls conveniently placed. Despite its compact size, the Jetta provided ample passenger space and practical storage solutions.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options, catering to different driving preferences. The standard 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. This engine was available on the SE, Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims. For those seeking more power, the 2.0-litre turbo-four engine delivered 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine was available on the Sport 2.0 and Touring 2.0 trims. The Accord's fuel economy varied between the two engines, with the smaller engine offering better efficiency. The Accord's driving dynamics were engaging, with smooth braking and pointed steering, although it lacked the athleticism of its Acura counterparts.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a single engine option: a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine replaced the previous 1.4-litre turbo-four, offering a slight increase in horsepower. The Jetta came with a choice of a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission, with the automatic standard on the Highline trim. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with the manual transmission rated at 6.9 L/100 km combined and the automatic at 6.8 L/100 km combined. While the Jetta's powertrain was adequate for city commuting, its throttle response and dynamics were less refined, with noticeable turbo lag and surge.

The 2021 Honda Accord excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable interior for daily driving. With seating for five, the Accord offered ample head-, hip-, and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Standard convenience features included dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and push-button start. The Accord's trunk boasted 473 litres of cargo space, surpassing most midsize sedans. The cabin layout was well-designed, with easy access to essential controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. While small-item storage was limited, the Accord's overall practicality made it a strong contender in its class.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided generous passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth. The front seats offered good support, although the slightly inclined bottom cushion might not suit everyone. The Jetta's cabin was driver-focused, with buttons for climate control, audio, and seat functions conveniently located. Storage options included door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. While the centre storage bin lacked a latch, it remained functional for keeping items out of sight. The Jetta's interior design prioritized ergonomics and practicality, making it a comfortable choice for daily commuting.

The 2021 Honda Accord was well-equipped with technology, featuring an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The Touring trims offered an onboard navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display, providing a comprehensive suite of tech features for a connected driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade, with all models featuring the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Comfortline and Highline trims came with an 8-inch infotainment system, while the Highline offered the Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display. The Jetta's infotainment system supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration. Standard features included Bluetooth, two USB-C ports, and an SD card multimedia interface. The Highline trim also offered premium Beats Audio sound and a remote start system, enhancing the Jetta's tech offerings.

The 2021 Honda Accord prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of features. Standard equipment included vehicle stability assist, traction control, brake assist, a rearview camera, and LED daytime running lights. The Honda Sensing suite added lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating. The Accord's safety features and ratings made it a reliable choice for families.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Comfortline trim, along with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. While the Jetta's safety features were comprehensive, it fell short of a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to an Acceptable score in the side crash test. The NHTSA awarded the Jetta a five-star overall safety rating, indicating solid crash protection.