2022 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, although redesigned, retained a familiar look that might not be immediately noticeable to those not well-versed in Volkswagen's design evolution. The eighth-generation GTI was longer and lower than its predecessor, yet maintained the same wheelbase, contributing to a stable silhouette while preserving its nimble handling. The styling was quintessentially GTI, with a smooth hood, a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, and the signature red accent line across the front. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling, while wheel sizes varied by trim, with options ranging from 17 to 19 inches. The GTI was available in staple colours like silver, black, and white, with additional vibrant options such as Atlantic Blue Metallic and King’s Red Metallic. Inside, the GTI featured plaid cloth seats as standard, with leather upholstery on higher trims, and retained the classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual transmission models.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, carrying over from its 2020 redesign, presented a modern, coupe-like exterior reminiscent of a downsized Altima. It was a significant improvement over earlier models, showcasing Nissan's current design language. The Sentra was available in bold colours like blue and burnt orange, with options for a contrasting black roof. Inside, the Sentra excelled with a modern and functional layout, featuring easy-to-use controls and a prominent touchscreen. The base S trim included standard features like a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered an 8-inch screen and additional amenities. The SR trim added sporty elements like 18-inch alloy wheels and unique LED headlights. Special editions, such as the Midnight Edition, provided dark accents and unique badging, enhancing the Sentra's visual appeal.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, an updated version of the EA888, featured integrated exhaust headers for improved heat management. The GTI's power was delivered to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel consumption was estimated at 9.3 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 on the highway with the automatic transmission. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension and various drive modes, allowing for a customizable driving experience. The Performance trim offered additional benefits like the DCC adaptive damping system, providing superior handling and comfort.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, with a CVT available. The Sentra's performance was consistent, offering satisfactory acceleration in both city and highway settings. The steering was well-weighted, and the suspension handled most road conditions adequately. While not a performance standout, the Sentra was reliable for daily commuting and occasional road trips.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 977 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior was driver-centric, with a centre stack angled towards the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for easy control of headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for family use.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 404 litres of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. The trunk could be opened remotely via the key fob or a button on the dash. The Sentra's interior featured spacious seating in both rows, with ample headroom and legroom. The front row included large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the centre console offered additional storage options.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 10.25-inch digital driver information display, customizable with various gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen in the base trim and a 10-inch screen with navigation in higher trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Performance trim offered a premium audio system, though the touch-capacitive controls were less user-friendly.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with easy menu navigation and conventional hard buttons. However, the system lacked wireless connectivity options, which were becoming more common in the segment.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was equipped with IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, these features were only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard across all trims, with additional parking assistance available on higher trims. The GTI had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor were available. The Sentra received high safety ratings, earning a five-star overall score from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.