2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, having been around since its 2019 hatchback debut and 2020 sedan introduction, aimed to shed Toyota's "boring" image with bold exterior styling. It featured scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, though it didn't quite match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesiveness of the Honda Civic. The Corolla offered different styling elements across its trim levels, with the SE and XSE models sporting an aggressive front fascia, while the Nightshade and Apex Editions added unique touches like blacked-out trim and bronze accents. Despite its sporty exterior, the interior remained simple and functional, with standard cloth upholstery and optional SofTex leatherette on higher trims. The fit and finish were up to Toyota's standards, though the piano black plastic trim was prone to dust and smudges.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more conservative and timeless design, typical of Volkswagen's approach. While its appearance was considered bland by some, it was visually inoffensive and aimed to age gracefully. The Jetta SEL, in particular, offered an upscale feel with features like ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and a large sunroof. The interior channeled the luxury of VW's Audi brand, providing a comfortable and spacious environment for passengers. Despite its understated design, the Jetta's interior was well-equipped, delivering a sense of emotional value at a competitive price point.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE models, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower for the SE and XSE models. The Apex Edition featured the same engine with a sport exhaust system, enhancing its sporty appeal. The Corolla's manual transmission option, available on the SE and SE Apex Edition, added to its sporty character, while the CVT was standard with the smaller engine. The Apex Edition's suspension modifications improved handling but compromised ride quality, making it a fun choice for driving enthusiasts on a budget.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, delivered 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It offered a six-speed manual transmission for the S and Sport trims, while the SE and SEL trims came with an eight-speed automatic. The Jetta's turbocharged engine provided zippy acceleration, though the automatic transmission exhibited a noticeable delay in response. The Jetta's suspension was soft and compliant, offering a comfortable ride, while its steering and brakes provided a nimble and predictable driving experience. Despite some quirks, the Jetta SEL's performance was rewarding, especially on winding roads.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's interior felt roomy, though specific headroom and legroom measurements were unavailable. The low beltline improved outward visibility, but the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard hindered forward visibility. The Corolla's 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space was smaller than some competitors, but it featured a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat for added versatility. Interior storage was limited, with a thin center console and small phone tray.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, on the other hand, offered a spacious interior that comfortably accommodated four adults, with the option to fit a fifth passenger for short trips. The Jetta's trunk provided 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, nearly matching some midsize sedans. The interior featured ample storage options, including a large center armrest bin, glove compartment, and door panel storage. The Jetta SEL's eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats added to its comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system lagged behind more recently redesigned competitors. It featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the interface was less intuitive than some rivals, and the graphics appeared dated. The Corolla lacked wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and didn't offer advanced tech features like a digital key.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL boasted a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with proximity-sensing and shortcut tiles. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as SiriusXM 360L premium satellite radio. While the infotainment system had some quirks, such as requiring multiple inputs to change radio stations, it offered a range of features, including Car-Net connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot and various safety and remote features. The Jetta SEL's Beats Audio premium sound system, however, was not particularly satisfying.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla received top safety ratings, earning an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL featured the IQ.Drive package, which included advanced driving assistance systems like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience. Emergency Assist could identify an unresponsive driver and bring the car to a safe stop. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but earned four stars for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated its safety as Poor in a new moderate overlap frontal-impact crash test.