2021 Toyota Corolla vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its SE and XSE trims, was noted for its appealing design, which included sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite metallic paint added a beautiful blue undertone, enhancing its attractiveness. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, were seen as detracting from its overall aesthetic. The Corolla offered a range of trims, including the more affordable L, LE, and XLE, as well as a hybrid version. The sporty SE and XSE trims featured a more powerful engine and sportier styling, with the XSE test car priced at approximately $30,771 Canadian, including destination and fees. The interior of the Corolla XSE was praised for its quality materials and minimalist design, though it lacked practical storage solutions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, while featuring all-new body panels, maintained a familiar look that might not have been immediately distinguishable from its predecessor to the casual observer. The Mk8 GTI was longer and lower, with a stable silhouette and nimble handling. Its styling included a smooth hood, a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, and a signature red accent line across the front. Aerodynamic improvements were made, including redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling. The GTI came with red brake calipers and varying wheel sizes depending on the trim. It offered a range of colours, including some vibrant options like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Pomelo Yellow Metallic. Inside, the GTI featured plaid cloth seats as standard, with Vienna leather upholstery on the Performance trim, and retained the classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual transmission models.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode. A six-speed manual gearbox was also available for the SE trim. The XSE's CVT was praised for its mechanical first gear, which improved initial acceleration and reduced the typical CVT droning. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its low centre of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE offered predictable handling and was engaging to drive. Fuel efficiency was rated at 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with real-world testing averaging 7.6 L/100 km.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm. This power was sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's retuned suspension, with lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs, improved handling. Various drive modes allowed for customization, and the electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhanced cornering performance. Fuel consumption was estimated at 8.3 L/100 km combined for the automatic and 8.5 L/100 km for the manual. The GTI's handling was praised for its smoothness and power delivery, especially in corners.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered upgrades over the SE trim, including SofTex leatherette seats, heated rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The interior provided good support and comfort, though rear headroom and legroom were tight. The trunk offered 371 litres of cargo space, with no interior handle for the trunk lid.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance and practicality, with 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 977 litres with the rear seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a centre stack angled toward the driver and a "light and sight" panel for easy adjustments. Rear legroom was generous, making the GTI suitable for family use.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth as standard, with an 8-inch touchscreen in the SE and XSE trims. The XSE also offered SiriusXM, navigation, and a year of free Safety Connect services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the radio knobs could be difficult to grasp.

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-inch touchscreen in the base trim and a 10-inch display in higher trims, with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. The Performance trim included a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, though the touch-capacitive controls were less intuitive.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS for 2020, and the NHTSA awarded it a 5-star overall rating. The 2021 model added rear side-impact airbags and a rear cross-traffic alert function.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured IQ.Drive, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and semi-autonomous driving capability. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with Park Assist available on the Performance trim. The GTI had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.