2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD stood out with its striking Cavalry Blue paint, a new addition exclusive to the performance-tuned model. This bold colour, along with the aerodynamic body kit and matte-black 19-inch wheels, drew unexpected attention from onlookers, a rarity for the typically understated Camry. The TRD model featured a sporty design with red brake calipers, accent stripes, and a gloss black grille, making it a visually distinct choice. Despite its aggressive styling, the Camry's interior maintained a unique dashboard layout and driver-oriented centre console, though the red gauge illumination and accents were considered a design misstep.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received subtle exterior updates, including a redesigned front fascia with more chrome and standard LED lighting. The changes were so understated that they were easily overlooked, maintaining the Jetta's reputation for a practical, if somewhat bland, design. The interior updates were similarly subtle, with new seat patterns and contrast stitching adding a touch of refinement. The Jetta's cabin was driver-centric, with easily accessible controls and a comfortable layout, though the powertrain dynamics left something to be desired.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD was equipped with a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, the Camry TRD offered a spirited driving experience, enhanced by a Sport mode and paddle shifters. Despite its performance focus, the Camry TRD achieved a commendable fuel consumption rating of 9.4 L/100 km in combined driving. The car's track-tuned dynamics, including stiffer suspension and larger brakes, contributed to a solid and engaging ride, though the lack of all-wheel drive was noted as a drawback.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided adequate power for city commuting. The Jetta excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive 5.0 L/100 km on the highway during testing. However, the powertrain's throttle response was inconsistent, and the driving dynamics were less engaging compared to the Camry. The Jetta offered multiple drive modes, but the overall experience was marred by a lack of refinement in stop-and-go traffic.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD offered a sporty driving position with comfortable front seats, though they lacked additional bolstering. The cabin was not the most spacious in its class, but it accommodated two adults comfortably in the rear. The TRD model sacrificed some practicality with a fixed rear seatback, limiting cargo flexibility. The trunk space was modest at 428 litres, but the Camry compensated with ample in-cabin storage options.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided generous passenger space for four adults, with the option to seat five. The cabin was ergonomically designed, with intuitive controls and ample storage solutions, including door pockets and a centre console bin. The front seats offered good support, though the inclined edge of the seat cushion might not suit everyone. The Jetta's interior was practical and well-organized, with a focus on driver convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims, including the TRD, received a 9-inch display with additional subscription services and a JBL premium audio system. While the sound quality was decent, the lack of dynamic navigation and voice recognition in the TRD was a limitation. The Camry offered a straightforward and user-friendly interface, with physical buttons and knobs for easy access.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta boasted a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, with the Highline trim featuring a 10.25-inch display and advanced customization options. The infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration and multiple connectivity options. The Jetta's technology suite was comprehensive, with features like navigation and premium audio available on higher trims. The system was intuitive, with steering wheel controls enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Camry was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Camry TRD also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the safety systems were generally effective, some features, like lane-departure warning, could be overly sensitive. The Camry received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta offered standard forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition. Higher trims included additional features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Jetta's safety systems were customizable, though some required touchscreen navigation for adjustments. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of top marks from the IIHS due to certain limitations in crash test performance.