2022 Toyota Corolla vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, although boasting new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not have been immediately distinguishable from its predecessor to the casual observer. The eighth-generation model was longer and lower, maintaining a 103.6-inch wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while preserving the nimbleness characteristic of earlier models. The GTI's styling adhered to its traditional form, featuring a smooth hood, a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, and a signature red accent line between the LED headlights. Optional features like a light bar and standard LED fog lights added drama to its appearance. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling. The GTI offered a range of colors, including staple shades and vibrant options like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic. Inside, the GTI featured plaid cloth seats as standard, with leather upholstery available on higher trims, and retained the classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual transmission models.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, having been around since 2019 in hatchback form and 2020 as a sedan, aimed to shed its reputation for dullness with bold exterior styling, including scowling LED headlights and a wide grille. However, it couldn't match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesiveness of the Honda Civic. Different trim levels offered unique styling elements, such as aggressive front fascias for the SE and XSE models, blacked-out trim for Nightshade Editions, and bronze accents for Apex Editions. The Apex Edition, with its Cement gray color, exuded a "Fast and Furious" vibe. The Corolla's interior, while simple and appealing, lacked the imagination of its exterior. The fit and finish were up to Toyota's standards, but the piano black plastic trim was prone to dust and smudges. The SE Apex Edition shared its interior with the standard SE, featuring light gray upholstery that seemed susceptible to stains. Cloth upholstery was standard, with SofTex leatherette available on some trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a descendant of the 1983 model that debuted with 90 horsepower, saw its power increase to 241 horsepower in 2022, thanks to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This updated EA888 engine featured integrated exhaust headers for improved heat management. The GTI's 273 pound-feet of torque, available at a low 1,750 rpm, made it a joy to drive on winding roads. Power was sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined with the manual transmission, with a slight improvement for the automatic. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and various drive modes. The Autobahn trim offered an adaptive damping system for even better performance.

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 engine with 169 horsepower for the SE and XSE models. The Apex Edition featured a sport exhaust system. The smaller engine came with a CVT, while the 2.0-liter engine was available with a six-speed manual on SE and SE Apex Edition models. All Corollas were front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive expected in 2023. The Apex Edition's suspension, with unique coil springs and stabilizer bars, improved handling but compromised ride quality. The Apex Edition was fun in corners but lacked power for quick acceleration. The standard Corolla was comfortable but not exciting, and the Volkswagen Jetta was a better choice for a commuter car.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, known for its blend of performance and practicality, offered 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 34.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The GTI's driver-centric design included a center stack angled toward the driver and a "light and sight" panel for easy headlight and defogging adjustments. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for family use.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's interior felt roomy, aided by a low beltline for better visibility. However, the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard limited forward visibility. The driver's seat was positioned for optimal comfort, but long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. The Corolla's 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space was smaller than competitors, though a 60/40 split-folding rear seat was standard. The sleek interior design limited storage space for smaller items, with a thin center console and shallow cupholders.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen in the S trim and a 10-inch display with navigation in higher trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SE and Autobahn trims offered a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system provided various features, some at additional costs, such as remote access, emergency assistance, and WiFi capability.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system lagged behind competitors. A 7-inch touchscreen was standard on the base model, with an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A nine-speaker JBL audio system was available on select trims. The interface was user-friendly, but some tasks were cumbersome, and the graphics appeared dated. The Corolla lacked advanced tech features like Hyundai's Digital Key.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered advanced driver assistance systems through Volkswagen's IQ.Drive, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with Park Assist available on the Autobahn trim. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring was available but not standard on all trims.