2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a subtle makeover, featuring an updated engine, minor exterior styling tweaks, and enhanced infotainment and features. Available in three trims in Canada—Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline—the Jetta Highline was 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 received more chrome, while the rear bumper became more squared. New wheel designs and metallic colours, such as Kings Red, Oryx White, and Rising Blue, were introduced. The interior updates were equally subtle, with new rhombus-patterned cloth seats and contrast stitching adding a premium touch. 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 Nissan Altima continued its evolution from its original bland design to a sharper, sportier look. Available in SE, SR Midnight Edition, and Platinum trims in Canada, the Altima featured Nissan's V-Motion grille, a low, wide stance, and a "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, with its gloss black accents and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, enhanced the Altima's sporty appearance. The interior boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, a well-laid-out instrument panel, and high-quality materials, although lower trims lacked the same premium feel. The Altima's dimensions placed it in the middle of its competitors, with a 437-litre trunk and a 61-litre fuel tank. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility, and the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items when closing the lid.

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. Transmission options included a standard 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic, with the Highline trim featuring the automatic 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 comfortable ride, the Jetta's powertrain was its weak point, with a touchy throttle, turbo lag, and tepid dynamics. The drive modes—Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom—offered limited engagement, with Sport mode providing only a slight improvement.

The 2022 Nissan Altima featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. While the VC-Turbo engine was not available in Canada, the Altima offered standard all-wheel drive, a rarity for a mainstream midsize sedan. The powertrain was completed by Nissan's Xtronic CVT, with paddle shifters on the SR trim. Performance was mixed, with mediocre acceleration and noticeable engine noise. However, the Altima excelled in ride quality, thanks to its excellent suspension and Active Ride Control, providing a smooth and quiet experience. The cabin was well-insulated from bumps and vibrations, offering a refined feel akin to Infiniti models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate five. The front seats provided comfort, although the slightly inclined bottom cushion might not suit shorter individuals. The driver-centric cabin featured 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 Nissan Altima, as a midsize sedan, provided comfortable seating for four, with the ability to fit five for short distances. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its competitors, with a 437-litre trunk and a 61-litre fuel tank. The Altima's high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility, while the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items when closing the lid. Despite these minor issues, the Altima remained a competent choice for commuters and families.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade, with all models featuring the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Comfortline and Highline trims included an 8-inch infotainment system, while the Highline offered a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro with additional widgets. The Jetta's infotainment system supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration, with Bluetooth, USB-C ports, and an SD card multimedia interface. The Highline trim also featured premium Beats Audio and a remote start system.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came equipped with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system. It offered Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SR trim added navigation and connected services, while the Platinum trim featured a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The Altima also offered ProPilot Assist, which helped with acceleration, steering, and braking tasks, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta included standard forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition. 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 updated side crash test.

The 2022 Nissan Altima boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, with high ratings in crashworthiness and crash avoidance.