2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent 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 received more chrome accents, while the rear bumper was redesigned to be more squared. New wheel designs and metallic colours were introduced, adding a touch of aggressiveness to the Jetta's profile. Inside, the updates were equally subtle, with new rhombus-patterned cloth seats and contrast stitching enhancing the premium feel. 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 the 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, received a mid-cycle refresh for the model year. The lineup included the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid 330e. The exterior design modifications were subtle yet sporty, maintaining the narrow kidney grille shape and introducing redesigned full-LED headlights with inverted L-shaped daytime running lights. The lower air intakes were reshaped, and the character lines led to flared rear-wheel arches, creating an impactful first impression. Standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys were offered, with an optional 19-inch upgrade. Inside, the real design drama unfolded with the introduction of BMW iDrive 8, featuring a 27.2-inch BMW Curved Display. The minimalist dashboard approach resulted in fewer buttons, creating a genuinely driver-centric cockpit. The 3 Series interior was compact but not claustrophobic, offering ample room for average-sized adults and a mix of standard and optional features for comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 1.4-litre turbo-four. It delivered 158 horsepower, an increase of 11 hp, and maintained 184 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a standard 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic, with front-wheel drive being the only drivetrain choice. 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 and turbo lag. The drive modes—Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom—offered varying levels of responsiveness, but overall, the dynamics were tepid.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series carried over its powertrains from previous years. The 330i featured a twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The 330e plug-in hybrid combined an electric motor with the engine for a total of 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering up to 35 km of electric-only range. The M340i, with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Fuel economy ratings were close across trims, with the 330i xDrive at 9.8 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway, and 8.6 combined. The 330e had a gas-only rating of 8.8 L/100 km and an electric efficiency of 3.2 Le/100 km combined. The M340i achieved 10.3 L/100 km city, 7.4 highway, and 9.0 combined. The 330i offered a quiet ride with precise steering, while the M340i and M3 provided elevated performance options.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the possibility of accommodating five. The front seats provided comfort, though the slightly inclined edge of the bottom cushion might not suit shorter legs. 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, though the centre storage bin lacked a latch.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series provided a compact yet comfortable interior, with headroom of 982 mm and legroom of 1,066 mm in the front, and 955 mm and 894 mm in the rear. Standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats offered support, though the seat bottom cushion was somewhat stiff. The leather steering wheel provided a good grip, and ergonomics were well thought out. Storage options included cup holders, rubberized trays, and a 481-litre cargo space, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split for larger items. Standard features included a power moonroof and heated front seats, with optional upgrades available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster as standard, with Comfortline and Highline models receiving an 8-inch infotainment system. The Highline trim offered the Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display and additional widgets. The system allowed for customization, such as displaying navigation in the instrument cluster. Standard infotainment included a 6.5-inch Volkswagen MIB2 system with capacitive-touch functionality, App-Connect for smartphone integration, Bluetooth, and USB-C ports. Premium Beats Audio and remote start were available on higher trims.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series introduced BMW iDrive 8, featuring a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system allowed for easy customization and voice control via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a 10-speaker HiFi audio system. Optional upgrades included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came with standard forward-collision warning, 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 side crash test score and Marginal to Poor headlight ratings.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series earned a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was not rated. The 2022 model received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, missing the "Plus" distinction due to Poor headlight ratings. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, and Active Guard. Additional safety features were available in packages, including active blind spot detection, lane-departure warning, and semi-autonomous driving systems.