2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Lexus IS was a testament to the art of automotive design, making a bold statement about its driver. Its athletic proportions and dynamic stance gave it an appearance of motion even when stationary. The elegance of the IS was evident in its design, with a fast roofline and a distinctive kick-up at the window base, enhancing its sporty and compact look. The signature "spindle" grille, filled with diamond mesh, and narrow headlights added to its assertive presence. Inside, the IS featured a tastefully simple dash with a retro hi-fi feel, aligning with the exterior's bold and modern aesthetic. However, the analog clock seemed outdated in this modern context.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta's exterior updates were subtle, requiring a keen eye to notice. The design changes, including a revamped front fascia with more chrome and redesigned grille inserts, were understated. The Jetta's overall design was likened to a suitcase—bland yet purposeful. Despite this, the 2022 model had a slightly more aggressive profile, thanks to its lower front fascia and new wheel designs. Inside, the Jetta offered subtle but appealing updates, such as a new rhombus pattern on cloth seats and contrast stitching for a premium look. The Highline trim featured a two-tone leather interior option, enhancing its appeal.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for the luxury sports sedan category, featuring the "Lexus Driving Signature" for a seamless driving experience. The IS 300 RWD was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The AWD version had a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350, available only with AWD in Canada, offered 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The IS boasted a top speed of 230 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD rated at 11.0 L/100 km city, 7.6 highway, and 9.5 combined.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It was available with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission, exclusively with front-wheel drive. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with the manual version rated at 8.0 L/100 km city, 5.5 highway, and 6.9 combined. The automatic version achieved 7.7 L/100 km city, 5.7 highway, and 6.8 combined. On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. However, its powertrain was criticized for being touchy and lagging, with dynamics that were tepid at best.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a driver-centred focus with a comfortable and supportive seat, easily adjustable for an optimal driving position. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat was standard in IS 350 models, featuring heating and ventilation. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which was eco-friendly and easy to clean. Storage space was ample, with various compartments and a trunk capacity of 305.8 litres.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided ample passenger space for four adults, with the ability to accommodate five. The cabin was driver-centric, with buttons for essential controls conveniently located. 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 2021 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with various connected services. Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote were included with trial subscriptions. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a recommended option for audiophiles.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade with the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Highline trim featured a 10.25-inch display with customizable views. Standard infotainment included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with App-Connect for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration. The Jetta also offered premium Beats Audio sound and a remote start system.

The 2021 Lexus IS was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. It came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The IS also featured a backup camera, LED lights, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition as standard. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were available from the Comfortline trim. The Jetta's Travel Assist and Emergency Assist provided additional safety features. However, it fell short of a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to an Acceptable score in the side crash test.