2022 Audi A4 vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2022 Audi A4 presented a clean and conservative aesthetic, serving as an ideal backdrop for its striking Tango Red paint and Black Edition package. The classic five-arm rotor-design wheels added a touch of automotive design perfection. Inside, the A4 maintained a restrained elegance with black interiors accented by aluminum trim and metallic highlights. The dashboard seamlessly integrated air vents, and controls were clearly marked, enhancing usability. High-quality materials, a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, and ambient lighting contributed to a sophisticated cabin, though the tablet-style touchscreen seemed somewhat out of place.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent subtle exterior updates that were almost imperceptible at first glance. The refreshed front fascia featured more chrome, aligning with the standard LED headlights and a redesigned grille. The rear bumper and taillight housing received minor tweaks, while new wheel designs and metallic paint colours were introduced. Inside, the Jetta offered a driver-centric layout with ergonomic controls and comfortable seating. The cabin updates included a new rhombus pattern for cloth seats and contrast stitching for a premium feel. The Highline trim boasted a two-tone leather option and a standard heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered two engine options. The 40 TFSI model featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro Ultra AWD. It achieved a fuel economy rating of 8.2 L/100 km combined and accelerated to 100 km/h in about 6.5 seconds. The 45 TFSI variant, tested here, delivered 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a sport suspension as part of the S-line package. It reached 100 km/h in approximately 5.4 seconds, with a combined fuel economy of 8.8 L/100 km. The A4's driving experience was engaging, with refined engine performance, responsive paddle shifters, and excellent braking. The Quattro Ultra AWD system provided stability, though it lacked the visceral feel of traditional Quattro systems.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It offered a choice between a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission, with FWD as standard. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with the manual version rated at 6.9 L/100 km combined and the automatic at 6.8 L/100 km. On a long highway trip, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km. While the Jetta's powertrain was adequate for city commuting, it exhibited turbo lag and a touchy throttle. The driving modes—Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom—offered varying levels of responsiveness, but overall dynamics were unremarkable.

The 2022 Audi A4's low stance made entry and exit challenging, but once inside, the front seats offered exceptional comfort with power adjustments and thigh support. The rear seats were less spacious, with limited legroom and hard plastic seatbacks. Interior storage was minimal, with the centre console housing the wireless charging pad, leaving little room for other items. The A4's 340-litre cargo space was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth. The cabin was driver-focused, with intuitive controls for climate, audio, and seat functions. Storage options included door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. The centre storage bin lacked a latch, but it remained functional for keeping items out of sight.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the MIB3 version of Audi's MMI, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen supporting smartphone-like functions. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Audi Connect services. The test car had a navigation system, wireless charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was intuitive, with separate climate controls and steering wheel buttons for audio adjustments. The voice recognition was accurate but slow, and the head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, with the Highline trim featuring a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with capacitive-touch sensors, supporting Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink. The Jetta Highline offered premium Beats Audio and a remote start system. The Digital Cockpit allowed for navigation display customization, enhancing safety by keeping hands on the wheel.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with the Technik trim including Audi Pre Sense, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. The A4 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition as standard. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Jetta's Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, while Emergency Assist ensured driver attentiveness. The Jetta received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA but fell short of top IIHS ratings due to side crash test results and headlight performance.