2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Nissan Versa

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 pieces aligned with the LED headlights, directing attention to the VW logo. The rear maintained its taillight housing but introduced standard LED lighting and a more squared-off bumper with a chrome feature. New wheel designs and metallic colours like Kings Red, Oryx White, and Rising Blue were added to the palette. The Jetta's interior updates were subtle yet appealing, with new rhombus-patterned cloth seats and contrast stitching across all trims. The Highline 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 a 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

The 2023 Nissan Versa adopted the design language of its larger siblings, the Sentra and Altima, giving it a more upscale appearance. The Versa's exterior featured a V-Motion grille and a sleek profile, with wheel sizes ranging from 15-inch steel on the base S to 17-inch alloy on the SR. The 2023 updates included a more elaborate grille, a new wheel design for the SR, and the Grey Sky Pearl paint option. Inside, the Versa displayed creativity with large round air vents and an elaborate dashboard. While the materials were primarily plastic, the fit and finish were commendable. The SR trim added red stitching and upholstery inserts, reminiscent of the early 2000s Sentra SE-R. The SV and SR trims offered heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a centre console with an armrest. The SR also included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and LED headlights.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured 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 an 11-horsepower increase. Transmission options included a standard 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic, with the automatic being standard on the Highline. 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 1,300-kilometre tour, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. The Jetta offered a comfortable ride, though the cabin wasn't the quietest. The powertrain had some drawbacks, with a touchy throttle and turbo lag. The Jetta offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom drive modes, but the steering feedback was detached, and acceleration in stop-and-go traffic was jumpy.

The 2023 Nissan Versa was equipped with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. The Versa featured front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard, with the five-speed manual transmission discontinued. The Versa's handling was satisfactory, with notable grip despite body roll in corners. The steering was responsive, and the ride was comfortable, with the suspension effectively absorbing bumps. The Versa felt more substantial than typical subcompact cars, offering a refined driving experience.

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 comfort, though the slightly inclined edge of the bottom cushion might not suit shorter individuals. The cabin was driver-centric, with 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, which was unusual but not problematic.

The 2023 Nissan Versa, available only as a four-door sedan, offered 416 litres of trunk space in the base S trim and 425 litres in the SV and SR trims. The Versa provided more cargo space than the Kia Rio sedan. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat was available in the SV and SR trims. The front row felt spacious, with good visibility aided by a low dashboard and side glass. Power windows were standard. The centre console bin was small, and the shifter's raised platform wasn't the most efficient use of space. The optional wireless charging pad was conveniently tucked away.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received technology upgrades, with all models featuring the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Comfortline and Highline trims had an 8-inch infotainment system, while the Highline offered a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The Jetta Trendline had a 6.5-inch Volkswagen MIB2 system with capacitive-touch capabilities. App-Connect allowed for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration. Standard features included Bluetooth, two USB-C ports, and an SD card multimedia interface. Comfortline models and above added a charge-only port. The test vehicle featured premium Beats Audio sound and a remote start system.

The 2023 Nissan Versa's base S trim included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, three USB ports, and keyless entry. The SV and SR trims added Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and NissanConnect Services telematics. The SV featured a 7-inch driver-information display and a wireless phone charging pad, while the SR had an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system. The touchscreens were small by current standards, and the graphics on the 8-inch screen appeared outdated. The digital instrument cluster display added a touch of sophistication, showing a digital tachometer and other vital information.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian recognition in Canada. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Comfortline trim, along with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. 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 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 2023 Nissan Versa offered impressive standard driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and high beam assist. The SV trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention alert. The Versa received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact crash testing and four stars in the frontal and rollover categories. The IIHS hadn't published updated safety ratings for the 2023 Versa.