2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update marked the first major design change for the Passat in nearly a decade. The car maintained its basic body shell, with modifications to every panel except the roof, resulting in a strong familial resemblance to the smaller Volkswagen Jetta sedan. This gave the Passat a more understated appearance compared to its more radically styled competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. The Passat's smooth, rounded-off corners contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28. However, this did not translate into significantly improved fuel efficiency. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and, on Execline models, 19-inch wheels with an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS).

Inside, the Passat's design was clean and functional, with a focus on analog controls rather than large digital screens. This approach enhanced forward and side visibility, avoiding the bunker-like feel of many modern cars. However, some buyers might have found the interior a bit plain, with limited brightwork and materials primarily consisting of plastic and leatherette upholstery. Despite this, the fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat's market positioning as a value option.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a mild makeover, featuring subtle exterior styling tweaks and an engine update. The changes were so subtle that they required a keen eye to notice, akin to differentiating one black suitcase from another at baggage claim. The front fascia, bumper, and grille were redesigned with more chrome, and the rear bumper was made more square. Standard LED lighting was introduced for both the headlights and taillights. New wheel designs and metallic colours, including Kings Red, Oryx White, and Rising Blue, were added to the paint palette. The Jetta's profile appeared more aggressive, with the lower front fascia resembling an angry Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle's smirk.

Inside, the Jetta's updates were equally subtle but appealing. The Trendline trim featured a new rhombus pattern on the cloth seats, and all interiors benefited from contrast stitching for a premium look. The Highline trim offered a new two-tone leather interior option in Volcano Brown and black. An 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster became standard across the lineup, with the Highline receiving the 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system. The Jetta's interior was driver-centric, with buttons for quick access to essential functions, and ample storage space for small items.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine produced 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While the horsepower was slightly below average compared to rivals' base powertrains, the torque output was impressive, providing enough power to spin the wheels when pulling away from a stop. However, power delivery felt uneven at higher speeds, with slower response during highway overtakes. Switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved the experience, but a manual transmission option was not available. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort offered by competitors like the Honda Accord, Mazda 6, and Toyota Camry. Ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but not exceptional.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 1.4-litre turbo-four. This engine produced 158 horsepower, an increase of 11 horsepower from the previous model, while torque remained at 184 lb-ft. Transmission options included a standard 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic, with the automatic being standard on the Highline trim. The Jetta's increased horsepower made it feel quicker, and its fuel economy was impressive, with estimates of 8.0 L/100 km city, 5.5 highway, and 6.9 combined for the manual transmission. During a 1,300-kilometre tour, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. The Jetta's ride quality was comfortable, with well-cushioned seats and competitive cabin noise levels. However, the powertrain was a drawback, with a touchy throttle and turbo lag. The Jetta offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom drive modes, but the steering feedback was detached, and acceleration in stop-and-go traffic was jumpy.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered 993 millimetres of rear legroom, slightly less than the Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy, and front legroom was below average for the segment. Front headroom was also less than most midsize sedans. The driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and seats lacking thigh support. The Passat had 450 litres of cargo space, more than the Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, or Nissan Altima, but less than the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, with improperly shaped door bottle holders and a small smartphone cubby. The layout of controls was a highlight, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided ample passenger space for four adults, with the ability to accommodate five. The front seats had a slightly inclined bottom cushion for thigh support, which might not suit shorter drivers. The cabin was driver-centric, with buttons for quick access to climate control, audio, and seat controls. Storage space was available in the form of door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. The centre storage bin lacked a latch, but this was not a significant issue.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Execline models included built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. A single USB-A port was standard, and the touchscreen included pinch-to-zoom capability. The Passat lacked the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and the newer MIB3 infotainment system available in other VW models, and its driver aids were basic.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade, with all models equipped with the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. Comfortline and Highline models featured an 8-inch infotainment system, while the Highline received the Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display. The Jetta's infotainment system included App-Connect for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration, Bluetooth, two USB-C ports, and an SD card multimedia interface. Comfortline models and above added a charge-only port. The Jetta also offered premium Beats Audio sound and a remote start system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not published crash-test ratings for the 2021 Passat. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Execline grade added lane-keep assist and lane departure warning. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition as standard in Canada. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Comfortline trim, along with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, while Emergency Assist monitored driver attentiveness. The Jetta's driver aids could be customized via the touchscreen menu. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an Acceptable score in the updated side crash test and Marginal to Poor headlight ratings.