2021 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale presence compared to its predecessor, with a slightly longer and wider body, maintaining the same height. Its design was inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan, featuring a wide, angular grille that added a dramatic flair to its appearance. This was a departure from the previous generation's simpler design, aiming to bring an upscale aura to the Jetta. Inside, the cabin mirrored the exterior's angular design language, offering a spacious and attractive environment with a premium feel, despite not all surfaces being soft-touch. The seats were notably comfortable, suitable for long drives, and the base Comfortline trim came well-equipped with features like 16-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Corolla aimed to shed its reputation for dullness with extroverted styling, including scowling LED headlights and a wide grille. However, it couldn't match the boldness of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesiveness of the Honda Civic. The Corolla offered different styling elements for various trims, with the SE and XSE models featuring an aggressive front fascia. The Apex Edition added a subtle body kit and model-specific wheels, enhancing its street-racer appeal. The interior, while less imaginative, maintained Toyota's high standards for fit and finish, though the piano black plastic trim was prone to dust and smudges. The Corolla's interior was simple yet functional, with cloth upholstery standard and SofTex leatherette available on higher trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having 3 fewer horsepower than its predecessor, the engine felt more responsive, thanks to its tuning for quick power delivery from a stop. The Jetta's 8-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous six-speed, offering better power management and efficiency across various speeds. A 6-speed manual transmission was available on the Comfortline and Highline trims, with all models being front-wheel drive. The Jetta excelled in both city and highway driving, with no hidden weaknesses at low or high speeds. Its steering was well-weighted and precise, providing a smooth yet sporty driving experience, akin to an entry-level BMW 3 Series. The ride was surprisingly soft over rough roads, offering a refined yet comfortable experience. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the manual transmission achieving 6.9 L/100 km combined and the automatic 7.1 L/100 km.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options: a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque for the L, LE, and XLE models, and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque for the SE and XSE models. The Apex Edition shared the latter engine but added a sport exhaust system. The smaller engine came with a CVT, while the 2.0-litre engine offered a six-speed manual with rev matching or a CVT with paddle shifters. All models were front-wheel drive, with AWD expected in 2023. The SE Apex Edition featured a sportier suspension, enhancing handling but compromising ride quality. While the Apex Edition was fun in corners, it lacked power for quick acceleration. The standard Corolla prioritized comfort over excitement, making the Jetta a better choice for those seeking a comfortable commuter car.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered comfortable front seats, even on long trips, with adequate rear-seat legroom and headroom. The trunk provided 399 litres of space, average for its class. The interior layout prioritized functionality, with the touchscreen positioned above the climate vents for easy access. The shifter's placement allowed for a larger centre tray, enhancing practicality. The Jetta combined touchscreen functions with real buttons and dials, emphasizing practicality and ease of use.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla had headroom and legroom similar to the Honda Civic, with a low beltline aiding visibility. However, the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard hindered forward visibility. The driver's seat was positioned for optimal comfort, but long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. The Corolla's 371 litres of cargo space was less than competitors, though it included a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. The sleek interior design limited storage space for smaller items, with a thin centre console and shallow cupholders.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display featuring Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. This allowed drivers to use navigation apps without upgrading to a higher trim. The Execline trim offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital display that could project navigation information.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system was starting to show its age, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM were standard, along with a six-speaker audio system. The XSE and XLE trims featured a nine-speaker, 800-watt JBL audio system. While the interface was user-friendly, some tasks were less intuitive, and the graphics appeared dated. The Corolla lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and didn't offer innovative tech features like Hyundai's Digital Key.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as 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 advanced driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The Jetta received a Good rating in all IIHS crash tests but didn't earn a Top Safety Pick due to its headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star safety rating.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla earned the IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” award, with top scores in all crash tests, though its headlights received lower ratings. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. The Corolla featured eight airbags and a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features under Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available and standard from the LE trim.