2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a subtle makeover, featuring an engine update, exterior styling tweaks, and improved infotainment. The Jetta Highline, the focus of this review, showcased these changes with a redesigned front fascia, bumper, and grille, now adorned with more chrome. The grille's chrome frame and horizontal pieces aligned with the LED headlights, directing attention to the VW logo. The rear saw standard LED lighting and a more squared bumper with a chrome feature. New wheel designs and metallic colours, including Kings Red, Oryx White, and Rising Blue, were introduced. The Jetta's interior updates were equally subtle, with new rhombus-patterned cloth seats and contrast stitching. The Highline offered a two-tone leather option in Volcano Brown and black, along with a standard heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster became standard, with the Highline featuring a 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while not dramatic in styling, presented a wider stance with a subtle front end, highlighted by its signature hood scoop. The hexagonal grille and sharp LED headlights remained, but the side profile was less busy, featuring black plastic cladding with a hexagonal pattern for improved aerodynamics. The rear fenders flared outward, and the taillights had a multifaceted design. The WRX's interior saw significant improvements, with better fit and finish, a D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and carbon-fibre-pattern trim accents. The sport seats, available in cloth, premium cloth, or Ultrasuede, were comfortable and supportive. The WRX's practicality shone with a cargo capacity increase to 354 litres, and the inclusion of standard AWD made it a compelling choice for performance-focused buyers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It offered a choice between a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with estimates of 8.0 L/100 km city, 5.5 highway, and 6.9 combined for the manual, and 7.7 L/100 km city, 5.7 highway, and 6.8 combined for the automatic. On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. While the Jetta provided a comfortable ride, its powertrain had some drawbacks, including a touchy throttle and turbo lag. The drive modes—Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom—offered varying experiences, with Sport mode providing a slight improvement in dynamics.

The 2022 Subaru WRX introduced a 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It came with standard all-wheel drive and a choice between a 6-speed manual or a CVT. The manual transmission was precise and satisfying, while the CVT offered faster shift points. The WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, provided a forgiving ride on rough roads. The stabilizer bar's new mounting reduced body roll, and the longer suspension strokes improved ride quality. Despite its performance focus, the WRX's power output felt slightly lacking compared to competitors like the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate five. The cabin was driver-centric, with easily accessible controls for climate, audio, and seat functions. Storage options included door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. The centre storage bin, though not large, was practical, albeit lacking a latch.

The 2022 Subaru WRX excelled in practicality, with a cargo capacity increase to 354 litres and a 60/40 split-fold function for the rear seats. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, available in cloth, premium cloth, or Ultrasuede. The WRX's standard AWD added to its appeal as a performance-focused sedan in its price range.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade, with all models featuring the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Comfortline and Highline trims had an 8-inch infotainment system, while the Highline offered a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The system allowed for customization, with navigation displayed in the instrument cluster. Standard features included a 6.5-inch MIB2 system, App-Connect, Bluetooth, USB-C ports, and premium Beats Audio sound.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, particularly in Sport trims, featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style multimedia touchscreen display. The system, shared with newer Subaru models, had physical controls for essential functions. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration was less seamless, with Android Auto displaying only on the top half of the screen. The base trim had a unique dual 7-inch display setup. An 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta offered forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition as standard. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist were available from the Comfortline trim. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an Acceptable score in the side crash test and Marginal to Poor headlight ratings.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT-equipped models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-tracing assist. Manual WRX models did not have EyeSight due to potential stalling issues. Blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on Sport and Sport-tech trims. The Subaru Global Platform improved crash energy absorption, and the WRX came with seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag.