2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a nod to its predecessor, the 2008 Lexus IS F, maintaining the essence of a powerful, naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine. This engine delivered an impressive 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, channelled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The IS 500 F Sport Performance was a blend of thrilling performance and everyday comfort, offering a dynamic driving experience with its adaptive suspension and robust braking system. Despite its high price tag, the IS 500 was a compelling choice for those seeking a balance of power and luxury, albeit with a significant premium over its IS 350 sibling.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline presented a more subtle exterior update, with minor tweaks to its front fascia and grille, adding a touch of chrome for a refreshed look. The Jetta's design was understated, yet it offered a more aggressive profile with its new wheel designs and metallic paint options. Inside, the Jetta provided a comfortable and spacious cabin, with ergonomic controls and a focus on practicality. The interior updates included a new rhombus pattern on the cloth seats and contrast stitching for a premium feel. The Jetta Highline also featured a two-tone leather interior option, enhancing its appeal for those seeking a touch of luxury in a compact sedan.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a powerhouse, boasting a 5.0-litre V8 engine that produced 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This rear-wheel-drive sedan was equipped with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential, offering a thrilling driving experience. The IS 500 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, thanks to its adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper, which provided a comfortable ride and excellent stability. Despite its impressive performance, the IS 500 was not particularly fuel-efficient, averaging 13.3 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, on the other hand, was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard. The Jetta's performance was adequate for city commuting, with impressive fuel economy ratings of 7.7 L/100 km city and 5.7 highway for the automatic transmission. However, the Jetta's powertrain was not without its flaws, as the throttle was touchy, and the turbocharged engine exhibited some lag and surge. Despite these issues, the Jetta offered a comfortable ride and decent acceleration on the highway.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance offered a comfortable interior with effective climate control and seat ventilation systems, making it suitable for both hot and cold climates. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, providing excellent support and a driving position that encouraged engagement with the vehicle. However, the rear seats were only moderately accommodating for adults, and the trunk space was limited to 305 litres. The IS 500's control layout was intuitive, with buttons and knobs for easy access to essential functions, although the touchpad controller took up valuable space in the centre console.

In comparison, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta provided ample passenger space for four adults, with comfortable seats and a driver-centric cabin layout. The front seats featured a slight incline for thigh support, which might not be ideal for shorter individuals. The Jetta's interior was equipped with buttons for quick access to climate control, audio, and seat functions, ensuring ease of use. Storage space was practical, with door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder, although the centre storage bin lacked a latch.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system, addressing previous ergonomic issues. The system 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, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, offering impressive sound quality. The dynamic voice command system was a standout feature, providing accurate and efficient voice recognition for various queries and commands.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade with the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Jetta Highline featured an 8-inch infotainment system with customizable views and widgets, while the Digital Cockpit Pro offered a 10.25-inch display with additional features. The infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with App-Connect for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration. The Jetta also offered Bluetooth, USB-C ports, and premium Beats Audio sound, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus IS came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and collision-prevention technologies. The system was generally effective, although some features, such as the low-speed automatic braking, could be overly sensitive in certain situations. The IS received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating, respectively.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta offered standard forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition. Additional safety features, such as 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 systems provided driver assistance, although they required extra guidance on highway curves. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to an Acceptable score in the updated side crash test.