2021 Toyota Camry vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to break away from its traditionally bland design by incorporating more dynamic styling elements. The flared wheel arches and slim headlights and taillights successfully broadened the car's appearance, while the SE and XSE trims added fake vents that cluttered the design. The LE and XLE trims featured a cleaner, albeit large, grille. Built on the TNGA-K platform, shared with other Toyota models, the Camry's front-fascia received minor updates for 2021. The TRD performance package and Nightshade Edition offered unique styling cues, with the latter featuring blacked-out trim and wheels. Inside, the Camry's interior mirrored the exterior's chaotic styling, with a mix of materials and trim elements that lacked a cohesive design theme, resulting in a low-rent feel.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale presence with its slightly longer and wider dimensions compared to its predecessor. The wide, angular grille, inspired by the VW Arteon, added drama to the design, although it might have been too bold for a compact sedan. Inside, the Jetta continued the angular design language, creating a spacious and functional cabin. The seats were notably comfortable, suitable for long drives, and the interior offered a premium feel with a mix of soft-touch surfaces. The Jetta's trim levels—Comfortline, Highline, and Execline—provided various features, with the base Comfortline trim impressively well-equipped, including 16-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque with FWD, and slightly less with AWD. The XSE trim's dual-exhaust system increased output to 206 hp and 186 lb-ft with FWD. A 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, was available, as was a hybrid option with a total system output of 208 hp. The Camry's chassis struck a balance between handling and ride quality, offering a surprisingly engaging driving experience. The TRD package, with its V6 engine and chassis upgrades, further enhanced performance. The AWD system, derived from the RAV4, could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta featured a single engine option: a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having slightly less power than its predecessor, the engine felt more responsive, aided by an 8-speed automatic transmission that improved power delivery and efficiency. A 6-speed manual transmission was available on the Comfortline and Highline trims. The Jetta's engine and transmission combination provided smooth acceleration and impressive performance at both low and high speeds. The steering was well-weighted and precise, offering a blend of smoothness and sportiness. The Jetta's ride quality was refined, handling rough roads with ease, and fuel efficiency was commendable, with minimal difference between manual and automatic transmissions.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was slightly compromised. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility. Cargo space was 428 litres, average for a midsize sedan, but less than the Honda Accord. In-cabin storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bottle holders. The Camry featured analog controls for key functions, enhancing usability, though some controls were a long reach from the driver's seat. Dual-zone automatic climate control was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta provided comfortable front seats, even on long trips, with adequate rear legroom and headroom. Trunk space was 399 litres, typical for the class. The touchscreen was positioned above the climate vents, improving usability, and the shifter's placement allowed for a larger centre tray. The Jetta's layout prioritized function, with a blend of touchscreen functions and real buttons and dials, making it highly practical.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. A 10-inch head-up display was available on the XSE and XLE trims. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout graphics. A single USB media port, two USB charge ports, and a 12-volt outlet were standard.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta's base model included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Execline trim featured Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable full-colour digital display that could project navigation information. This feature added a premium touch to the Jetta's technology offerings.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The TSS 2.5+ package included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. New features included enhanced adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning capabilities, as well as a Rear Seat Reminder. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available as options.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta included front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Highline trim added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Execline included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. The Jetta received a Good rating in IIHS crash tests but did not earn a Top Safety Pick due to its headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star safety rating.