2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a subtle makeover, featuring an updated engine, minor exterior styling tweaks, and enhanced infotainment options. The Jetta was available in three trims in Canada: Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline, with the Highline being the focus of this review. The exterior changes were so understated that they were almost unnoticeable, akin to differentiating one black suitcase from another at baggage claim. The front fascia, bumper, and grille were redesigned with more chrome, and the rear bumper was made more square. New wheel designs and metallic colours were introduced, adding a touch of aggressiveness to the Jetta's profile. Inside, the Jetta's updates were subtle yet appealing, with new seat patterns and contrast stitching. The Highline trim offered a two-tone leather interior option and a standard heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster became standard across the lineup, with the Highline featuring a 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, showcased a modern and menacing design that had been heavily facelifted in 2015. While the exterior updates were significant, the cabin felt dated with its thick bezels and chunky buttons. Despite this, the Charger offered ease of use with its straightforward controls. The Charger was available in various trims, including SXT, GT, R/T, Scat Pack 392, Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak. The SXT trim featured a V6 engine, power-adjustable front seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims like the Hellcat and Redeye boasted supercharged V8 engines, advanced suspension systems, and premium features like Laguna leather upholstery and heated seats. The Hellcat Widebody variant, introduced in 2020, enhanced the Charger's performance capabilities, making it a well-rounded performance machine.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine replaced the previous 1.4-litre turbo-four, offering a slight increase in horsepower. The Jetta was available with a standard 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic transmission, exclusively in front-wheel drive. The Highline trim came with the automatic transmission as standard. 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 7.7 L/100 km city, 5.7 highway, and 6.8 combined for the automatic. On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. Despite its fuel efficiency, the Jetta's powertrain had some drawbacks, with a touchy throttle and turbo lag. The drive modes offered varying levels of responsiveness, but overall, the Jetta's dynamics were considered tepid.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque in the base SXT trim. The GT trim increased output to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. The Scat Pack 392 boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft. The Charger SRT Hellcat, with its supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, delivered 717 hp and 650 lb-ft, while the Redeye and Jailbreak variants pushed power to 797 hp and 807 hp, respectively. All engines were paired with a Torqueflite eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available on V6 models. The Hellcat's acceleration was remarkable, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h. The Widebody setup improved handling and traction, making the Charger a formidable performance vehicle.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the ability to accommodate five if needed. The front seats provided comfort, though the slightly inclined bottom cushion might not suit shorter individuals. The cabin was driver-centric, with easily accessible controls for climate, audio, and seat functions. Storage options included door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. However, the centre storage bin lacked a latch, which was an unusual omission.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, provided a more intimate experience due to its high centre console and performance bucket seats. Both rows offered generous legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The Charger had a smaller centre console bin and less accommodating door storage compared to modern sedans. The trunk offered 467 litres of space, but its small lid and high bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger combined sports-car performance with practicality, offering a usable trunk and four doors.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured an upgraded technology suite, with all models equipped with the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. Comfortline and Highline trims received an 8-inch infotainment system, while the Highline boasted a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The system allowed for customization, such as displaying navigation in the instrument cluster. The Jetta's infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with App-Connect for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration. Bluetooth, USB-C ports, and a premium Beats Audio sound system were also available.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. Higher trims featured an 8.4-inch version with larger icons. Both screens supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology offered a blend of modern features and conventional controls, providing a straightforward user experience.

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

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered limited standard safety features, including a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Charger received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but scored Marginal in the IIHS driver’s side overlap test.