2022 Lexus IS vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale presence compared to its predecessor, with a slightly longer and wider body, maintaining the same height. Its design featured a wide, angular grille inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan, offering a more dramatic look than the previous generation's staid appearance. Inside, the Jetta continued the angular design language, creating a cabin that was both spacious and attractive, with a premium feel despite not all surfaces being soft-touch. The seats were notably comfortable, suitable for long drives, and the base Comfortline trim came well-equipped with features like 16-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance retained the essence of the original IS F with its powerful 5.0-litre V8 engine, delivering 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. The exterior styling was subtly enhanced with a raised hood and quad exhaust outlets, while the interior offered a snug yet comfortable space for four, constructed with quality materials. The IS 500 featured a wide touchscreen display for infotainment, and despite the presence of a touchpad on the centre console, the overall control layout was intuitive. The trunk space was limited at 305 litres, but the car's climate control system excelled in maintaining comfort in varying temperatures.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having slightly less horsepower than its predecessor, the engine felt more responsive, aided by an 8-speed automatic transmission that replaced the previous six-speed version. This setup allowed the Jetta to handle both city and highway driving with ease, offering smooth acceleration and precise steering. The Jetta's ride quality was refined, providing a soft yet controlled experience over rough roads, and its fuel efficiency was commendable, with a combined consumption of 6.9 to 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, with its 5.0-litre V8 engine, delivered a thrilling driving experience, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The car featured an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential, with driving modes including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+. The adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper contributed to a comfortable ride and stable handling. Despite its weight, the IS 500 felt capable on public roads, offering a dynamic and engaging drive. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.3 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered a comfortable and spacious interior, with front seats that were supportive even on long trips. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were adequate, and the trunk provided 399 litres of space. The layout was practical, with a touchscreen positioned for easy access and a blend of real buttons and dials for controls, enhancing usability.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 featured snug front seats with excellent support and a driving position that encouraged engagement with the controls. Rear seats were suitable for average-height adults, and the car included rear air conditioning vents. However, trunk space was limited at 305 litres. The control layout was clear and intuitive, with a touchscreen infotainment system that improved the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, offering Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The Execline trim featured Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital display that could project navigation information.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. The dynamic voice command system was particularly impressive, handling queries accurately and efficiently.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, including front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Highline trim added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Execline included advanced driver-assistance features. The Jetta received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to its headlights.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a suite of safety technologies including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision-prevention systems. While some features were helpful, others could be intrusive in certain situations. The IS earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received a four-star rating for frontal-impact collisions.