2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Acura Integra

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a subtle makeover, featuring an updated engine, minor exterior styling tweaks, and enhanced infotainment. The Jetta Highline trim, which was the focus of this review, showcased these changes with a redesigned front fascia, bumper, and grille, now adorned with more chrome. The grille's chrome frame and horizontal chrome pieces aligned with the standard LED headlights, directing attention to the VW logo. The rear maintained its taillight housing but introduced standard LED lighting, and the bumper was reshaped to be more square. New wheel designs and metallic colours, such as Kings Red, Oryx White, and Rising Blue, were added to the palette. Inside, the Jetta's updates were subtle yet appealing, with new rhombus-patterned cloth seats and contrast stitching across all interiors. The Highline trim offered a two-tone leather option in Volcano Brown and black, along with a standard heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster became standard, with the Highline featuring the 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

The 2023 Acura Integra presented a cohesive design language, seamlessly fitting into Acura's lineup with its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines. Replacing the ILX compact sedan, the Integra adopted a five-door liftback design, reminiscent of the third-generation Integra. The vehicle's wide track and long wheelbase gave it a solid, planted look. In Canada, the Integra was available in three trims: base, A-Spec, and Elite A-Spec, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches. The rear featured a distinctive look with a decklid spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and large taillights. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its unique identity. The dashboard layout was logical, with honeycomb grilles covering the climate control vents. The Elite A-Spec trim included microsuede inserts in the upholstery, although they lacked breathability. The Integra's interior offered a sporty feel, though it didn't match the bespoke refinement of its German competitors.

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. While the Jetta offered a comfortable ride, its powertrain had some drawbacks, including a touchy throttle and turbo lag. The vehicle featured Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom drive modes, but the steering feedback was detached, and acceleration in stop-and-go traffic was jumpy.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged engine for the first time, featuring a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. The Elite A-Spec trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential, while lower trims came with a CVT. The Integra's manual transmission included automatic rev-matching technology, making downshifting smooth and easy. The vehicle also featured automatic stop/start and brake hold, enhancing the driving experience. The Integra's brakes and suspension provided a sporty ride, and its wide track and long wheelbase contributed to its impressive handling. The variable-ratio electric power-steering system offered a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra included Comfort, Normal, and Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing the car's adaptive dampers and steering feel.

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 cabin was driver-centric, with easily accessible buttons for climate control, audio, and seat functions. Storage options included door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. The centre storage bin, while not large, was functional, though it lacked a latch.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design highlighted its practicality, offering 688 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the lift-over height made loading heavy items challenging. The interior provided comfort for both driver and passengers, with a logical dashboard layout, cupholders, and a centre console cubby. Rear passengers had decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the sloped roofline. The back seat cushions were notably soft.

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 the Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display. The system allowed for customization, such as displaying navigation in the instrument cluster. Standard infotainment included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with App-Connect for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration. Additional features included Bluetooth, USB-C ports, and a premium Beats Audio sound system.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Elite A-Spec trim upgraded the 7-inch touchscreen to a 9-inch unit, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The top-tier trim also added a USB-C port and two USB-A ports for rear passengers. The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, with 16 speakers, provided an exceptional audio experience.

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. 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 2023 Acura Integra offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, and more. The Elite A-Spec trim added low-speed braking control, parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers. The Integra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.