2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a diverse lineup, including the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition, with base prices ranging from $44,990 to $93,500, excluding a $2,480 destination charge. Each variant featured a unique powertrain, with the 330i xDrive sedan and 330e equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter incorporating plug-in hybrid technology for an estimated 32 kilometres of electric driving range. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 and M3 Competition models catered to enthusiasts. The M340i xDrive, tested in Barbera Red special-order paint, featured Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery and options like the Advanced Driver Assistance package, Premium Enhanced package, and Adaptive M Suspension, bringing the price to just under $80,000. The M340i's M Performance exterior design, 19-inch wheels, and Shadowline trim contributed to its appealing styling, while the interior's SensaTec upholstery and technical design emphasized driving enjoyment over luxury.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a mild makeover, featuring an engine update, subtle exterior styling tweaks, improved infotainment, and additional features. Available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, the Jetta's design changes were subtle, with chrome accents on the grille and rear bumper, standard LED lighting, and new wheel designs. The Jetta Highline, with its 17-inch alloy wheels and aggressive profile, offered a more dynamic appearance. Inside, the Jetta received subtle updates, including a new rhombus pattern on Trendline cloth seats and contrast stitching across all trims. The Highline trim featured a two-tone leather interior option and a standard heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster became standard, with the Highline receiving the 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the evaluation route, slightly above the official rating of 9.2 L/100 km. The engine delivered 382 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control. The M340i's xDrive AWD system was standard, along with M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension. The car accelerated to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, offering thrilling performance and precise handling, making it a benchmark for sports sedans.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with a choice of a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with the manual version rated at 8.0 L/100 km city, 5.5 highway, and 6.9 combined, while the automatic achieved 7.7 L/100 km city, 5.7 highway, and 6.8 combined. On a 1,300-kilometre tour, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. Despite its fuel efficiency, the Jetta's powertrain was marred by a touchy throttle, turbo lag, and tepid dynamics. The Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom drive modes offered limited engagement, with Sport mode providing a slight improvement. The Jetta's eight-speed automatic performed well on the highway, but city driving was less smooth.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, despite its traditional sedan design, offered a balance of driving satisfaction and passenger comfort. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, though the centre rear seat was less practical. The 3 Series included a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. The 481-litre trunk and 40/20/40-split folding rear seats provided ample cargo space, though a sports wagon variant would have been ideal.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate five. The front seats' bottom cushion inclined slightly for thigh support, which might not suit shorter passengers. The driver-centric cabin featured easily accessible 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 its usability remained unaffected.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a navigation system. While the digital gauges lacked the charm of traditional analog ones, the iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options, including gesture control. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system available. The Connected Package Pro included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, offering conversational voice recognition. The M340i also featured a head-up display and advanced driver assistance systems.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade, with all models featuring the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. Comfortline and Highline trims included an 8-inch infotainment system, with the Highline offering the Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display. The system allowed for customization, including a full-screen navigation view within the instrument cluster. Standard infotainment in the Trendline included a 6.5-inch MIB2 system with capacitive-touch controls, App-Connect, Bluetooth, and USB-C ports. Comfortline models and above added a charge-only port, premium Beats Audio, and a remote start system.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Traffic Jam Assistant and Emergency Stop Assistant offered semi-autonomous driving and emergency response capabilities. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, with optional adaptive LED headlights required for the accolade.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured standard forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition. Comfortline trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, while Emergency Assist ensured driver attentiveness. 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 side crash test score and Marginal to Poor headlight ratings.