2021 Toyota Camry vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to break away from its past reputation of being a bland, textbook example of a sedan. Designers infused the model with a variety of styling details to make it more exciting. Some elements, like the flared wheel arches and slim headlights, successfully broadened the car's appearance. However, the SE and XSE trims were criticized for their fake vents, which added unnecessary visual clutter. The LE and XLE trims featured a cleaner, albeit still large, grille. The interior mirrored the exterior's chaotic styling, with a mix of contrasting materials and elements that lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite the low-rent feel of the materials, the Camry's interior offered a decent amount of adjustability and comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, although claiming all-new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not be immediately distinguishable from its predecessor. The Mk8 GTI was longer and lower, maintaining its nimble character. The styling was classic GTI, with a smooth hood and a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake. The signature red accent line extended between the LED headlights, adding drama, especially with the optional light bar. Aerodynamic improvements were subtle but effective, and the GTI's colour palette included both staple and vibrant options. Inside, the GTI offered plaid cloth seats as standard, with Vienna leather for the Performance trim, and retained its iconic golf-ball shifter knob.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque with front-wheel drive (FWD), and slightly less with all-wheel drive (AWD). The XSE trim's dual-exhaust system increased output slightly. A 3.5-litre V6 engine was also available, providing 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with electric assist for a total of 208 horsepower. The SE Nightshade Edition, with its base four-cylinder and AWD, surprised with its sporty nature and responsive handling, offering a balance between ride quality and cornering ability. The TRD package, available since 2020, enhanced performance with chassis upgrades and a V6 powertrain.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's fuel consumption was estimated at 9.3 L/100 km city and 7.0 L/100 km highway with the automatic, slightly higher with the manual. The Mk8 GTI benefited from a retuned suspension and advanced technology, including a limited-slip differential and electronic stability control, enhancing its cornering capabilities. The Performance trim offered adaptive damping for even more precise handling.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was less impressive. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility. Cargo space was average at 428 litres, with limited in-cabin storage. The Camry featured analog controls for ease of use, though some were awkwardly placed. Dual-zone climate control was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in practicality with 564 litres of cargo space, expandable to 977 litres with the rear seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a centre stack angled towards the driver and an innovative "light and sight" panel for easy control of headlights and defogging. Rear legroom was surprisingly ample, making the GTI suitable for family use.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a JBL audio system. A 10-inch head-up display was available on select trims. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a 10.25-inch digital driver display, customizable with various gauge layouts and ambient lighting. The infotainment system included an 8-inch or 10-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Performance trim featured a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system provided remote access and vehicle monitoring.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It featured the TSS 2.5+ package with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more. New for 2021 was the Rear Seat Reminder, designed to prevent leaving children or pets unattended. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI included IQ.Drive, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more, though only on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard, with Park Assist available on the Performance trim. As a new model, it had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.