2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid continued to uphold its reputation as a reliable family sedan, a status it had maintained since the mid-1990s. Despite minimal changes for 2022, the Camry Hybrid surprised with its futuristic and expressive exterior design, featuring a bold front end and a range of alloy wheel options. Inside, the Camry Hybrid offered a similarly modern and dynamic interior, with a sweeping dashboard design and a spacious second row that provided comfort even for the middle seat. Toyota's attention to detail was evident in the high-quality materials and finish throughout the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more conservative appearance, typical of Volkswagen's design philosophy. While the Jetta's styling was inoffensive, it lacked the symmetry and balance of previous generations. The interior of the Jetta Highline trim, however, offered a touch of luxury with features like ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and a large sunroof. The Jetta's cabin was designed to feel upscale, providing a sense of emotional value at a competitive price point.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was designed for fuel efficiency rather than performance, with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors producing a combined 208 horsepower. The hybrid system delivered impressive fuel consumption ratings, with the entry-level LE model achieving 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The Camry Hybrid's handling was commendable, benefiting from a lower centre of gravity due to the battery placement. However, maintaining EV mode was challenging, and the focus on efficiency sometimes compromised responsiveness.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, offered 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While not a sports sedan, the Jetta provided zippy acceleration and nimble handling, especially in urban settings. The eight-speed automatic transmission, however, exhibited a delay in response, which could be mitigated by using the Sport mode. The Jetta's fuel economy was rated at 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres combined, though real-world testing showed slightly higher consumption. Despite some quirks, the Jetta Highline delivered a rewarding driving experience with its accurate steering and predictable handling.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in providing a comfortable and versatile interior. The driving position was adjustable to suit various preferences, and the cabin offered ample storage options. The second row was spacious and easy to access, with generous trunk space of 428 litres, thanks to the low-mounted battery pack. The Camry Hybrid's warranty coverage was comprehensive, with extended protection for the hybrid battery and components.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, while traditionally considered compact, offered a surprisingly spacious interior that could accommodate a family of four comfortably. The Jetta Highline featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Jetta's trunk provided 399 litres of cargo space, nearly matching some midsize sedans. The 60/40-split folding back seat allowed for additional cargo flexibility, making the Jetta a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology features, including a premium JBL audio system on the XLE model and a standard 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The Camry Hybrid offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility across all models. Higher trims featured a 10-inch head-up display and additional luxury options, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta Highline boasted a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with proximity-sensing capabilities. While the system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it had some usability quirks, such as requiring multiple inputs for radio tuning. The Jetta's Car-Net service provided valuable features like remote engine starting and emergency assistance, though the native voice recognition system was limited without upgrades.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included a comprehensive suite of safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. The Camry Hybrid also featured 10 airbags and received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a highly secure choice for families.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta offered standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with additional safety features available on higher trims. The Jetta's Travel Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities, though it occasionally issued inaccurate warnings. While the Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, it had mixed results in specific crash tests and headlight evaluations.