2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with base prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each version had a different powertrain, with the 330i and 330e featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 was the pinnacle of the lineup. The M340i test vehicle, priced at $67,390, featured Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-color SensaTec upholstery, and several optional packages, including the Driving Assistance Pro and Premium packages. The M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers, with 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance tires.

Inside, the M340i's perforated SensaTec upholstery convincingly mimicked leather, and the Cognac color provided a trendy contrast against the dark cabin. The 3 Series' interior featured quality materials in complementary tones and textures, with a design focused on driving enjoyment rather than plush elegance. The M340i's styling had undeniable appeal, offering plenty of performance while avoiding the controversial grille of the M3. The M double-spoke 19-inch wheels in Cerium Grey gave the car a perfect stance, and the overall design was technical rather than luxurious, in line with the car's history.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, priced between $20,665 and $31,585, offered a range of trims, including S, Sport, SE, SEL, and GLI. The test car, a Jetta SEL, was dressed in Platinum Gray Metallic paint with a Volcano Brown over Titan Black interior, priced at $29,480. The Jetta's conservative styling aimed for timeless appeal, but the current generation lacked the symmetry and balance of previous models. The SEL trim featured ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, an oversized power sunroof, and larger screens for digital instrumentation and infotainment, giving it an upscale feel for under $30,000.

The Jetta's interior was visually inoffensive, with a no-nonsense design that channeled the VW Group's Audi luxury brand. The SEL trim's features included a larger 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Jetta's interior storage space was generous, and the trunk was cavernous, accommodating the needs of a family of four. The Jetta's design aimed for practicality and comfort, with a focus on delivering emotional value at an affordable price.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, producing 382 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the M340i accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The car's M Sport differential, four-wheel ventilated-disc brakes, variable sport steering, and M Sport suspension contributed to its impressive driving dynamics. The test car's optional Adaptive M Suspension further enhanced its performance, making it a thrilling car to drive.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The SE and SEL trims came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the S and Sport trims offered a six-speed manual. The Jetta's automatic transmission had a noticeable delay in acceleration, but the manual transmission provided more control. The Jetta SEL's official EPA rating was 33 mpg in combined driving, but the test car averaged 30 mpg. The Jetta's light, responsive steering, and soft suspension made it nimble in urban environments, while its accurate steering and predictable handling earned trust on mountain roads.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with ample support, a perfect driving position, and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. The rear seat offered enough legroom for four relatively tall passengers, though the center rear seating position was likely to go unused. The M340i had a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available through the Premium package. The 17 cubic-foot trunk provided roomy cargo space, and the 40/20/40-split folding back seat added utility.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL accommodated four adults comfortably, with generous interior storage space and a cavernous trunk offering 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The SEL trim included an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster, but the Jetta's higher seating position made entry and exit easy. The back seat had plenty of legroom and featured heated rear seats, though rear air conditioning vents were absent. The Jetta's interior storage included a large bin under the center armrest, a sizable glove compartment, and door panel storage areas.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a navigation system. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The 3 Series included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro technology offered BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant. The optional Premium package added a head-up display, and the Driving Assistance Professional package included a surround-view camera system and autonomous parking capability.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with proximity-sensing, knobs for stereo volume, and shortcut tiles. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L premium satellite radio, and a Beats Audio premium sound system. The Car-Net connected service provided a Wi-Fi hotspot, SOS emergency calling, automatic collision notification, and remote engine starting. The Jetta's voice recognition system required an upgrade for natural language recognition, but pairing with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto offered a better experience.

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 optional Driving Assistance package added a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, evasive-steering assist, Extended Traffic Jam Assistant, and Emergency Stop Assistant. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL came with IQ.Drive, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist for semi-autonomous driving, while Emergency Assist identified unresponsive drivers and brought the car to a safe stop. The Jetta earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but received four-star ratings for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated the Jetta's safety as Poor in a new moderate overlap frontal-impact crash test.