2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, despite its claim of having all-new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not be immediately distinguishable from its predecessor unless you were a dedicated Volkswagen enthusiast. The eighth-generation model was longer and lower, maintaining the same wheelbase of 2,631 millimetres, which contributed to a stable silhouette while preserving the nimbleness and quickness characteristic of earlier models. The styling adhered to the classic GTI form, featuring a smooth hood and a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake below the VW emblem, with a signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. Optional features like a light bar added drama to the front end, especially at night. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors, underbody paneling, and revised wheel-arch linings. The GTI came with red brake calipers and varying wheel sizes depending on the trim, with a range of staple and vibrant colours available. Inside, the GTI offered plaid cloth seats as standard on base and Autobahn trims, with Vienna leather on the Performance trim, and retained the classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual transmission models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a mild makeover, featuring an engine update, exterior styling tweaks, and improved infotainment. The design changes were subtle, requiring a keen eye to notice, akin to differentiating one black suitcase from another. The front fascia, bumper, and grille were redone with more chrome, aligning with the standard LED headlights and daytime running lights. The rear maintained the same taillight housing but now featured standard LED lighting, with a more squared-off bumper design. Chrome accents extended to the window trim, and new wheel designs and metallic colours were introduced. The Jetta's profile appeared more aggressive, with a lower front fascia resembling a smirk and 17-inch alloy wheels adding a dynamic touch. Inside, the Jetta received subtle updates, including a new rhombus pattern on cloth seats and contrast stitching for a premium look. The Highline trim offered a two-tone leather interior option, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel was standard. The Jetta's technology included an 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system on the Highline trim.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a significant power increase from its origins, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower. This updated EA888 engine featured integrated exhaust headers for better heat management and faster warm-up. The GTI delivered 273 pound-feet of torque at a low 1,750 rpm, providing exhilarating performance on curving 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 consumption was estimated at 9.3 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway, and 8.3 combined with the automatic transmission. The manual option offered slightly different figures. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and various drive modes, allowing for smooth cornering and limited traction loss. The Performance trim featured the DCC adaptive damping system for even more precise handling.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, with the latter standard on the Highline trim. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with estimates of 8.0 L/100 km city, 5.5 highway, and 6.9 combined for the manual, and slightly different figures for the automatic. On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. The Jetta offered a comfortable ride, though the powertrain exhibited some lag and surge, and the dynamics were considered tepid. Drive modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom, with Sport mode providing a slight improvement in responsiveness. The Jetta's eight-speed automatic performed well on the highway, but city driving could feel jumpy.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance and practicality, offering 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 977 litres with the seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a centre stack angled towards the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was generous, providing comfort for passengers, and the GTI was well-suited for transporting a family of four.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate five. The front seats offered slight thigh support, which might not suit everyone. The driver-centric cabin featured easily accessible buttons for climate control, audio, and seat controls. Storage options included door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. The centre storage bin lacked a latch, but this was not a significant issue.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 10.25-inch digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen on the base trim and a 10-inch version with navigation on higher trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Performance trim offered a premium Harmon Kardon audio system. The touch-capacitive controls for volume and climate were less user-friendly. Volkswagen's Car-Net system provided remote access features.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster. The Comfortline and Highline trims featured an 8-inch infotainment system, while the Highline offered a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The system allowed for navigation display within the instrument cluster and trip data on the centre display. Standard infotainment included a 6.5-inch MIB2 system with App-Connect, Bluetooth, and USB-C ports. The Comfortline and above added a charge-only port, premium Beats Audio, and remote start.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was equipped with Volkswagen's IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems like Travel Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with the Performance trim offering Park Assist. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition as standard. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist were available from the Comfortline trim. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, while Emergency Assist monitored driver attentiveness. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from IIHS due to an Acceptable side crash test score and Marginal to Poor headlight ratings.