2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, presented a bold and athletic exterior, a significant departure from its earlier, more conservative designs. The V-Motion grille, expressive headlights, and a choice of vibrant paint colors, including two-tone options, gave the Sentra a modern and dynamic appearance. Its design was further enhanced by a bulging hood, fast roofline, and muscular wheel arches, which housed various wheel options depending on the trim. Inside, the Sentra offered a spacious and well-organized cabin, with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The flat-bottomed steering wheel added a sporty touch, while the second row provided ample space for two passengers. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, although featuring all-new body panels, maintained a familiar silhouette that was longer and lower than its predecessor. The GTI's styling included a smooth hood, a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, and a signature red accent line across the front. LED headlights and fog lights were standard, and the car's aerodynamic enhancements, such as redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling, contributed to its sleek appearance. The GTI's wheel options varied by trim, with red brake calipers adding a sporty flair. Inside, the GTI was driver-centric, with a center stack angled toward the driver and innovative controls like the "light and sight" panel. The rear seats offered generous legroom, and the cargo space was practical, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanding the capacity to 34.5 cubic feet.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT, providing adequate performance for daily commuting. The Sentra's lightweight design, weighing between 3,036 and 3,084 pounds, contributed to its efficiency, with fuel economy ratings of 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models, and slightly lower for the SR trim. The Sentra's driving experience was enhanced by its four-wheel independent suspension and dual-pinion electric steering, offering tidy road manners and cornering capabilities.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This power was sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined with the manual transmission, with a slight improvement for the automatic. The GTI's performance was further enhanced by a retuned suspension, electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and various drive modes, allowing for a customizable driving experience. The top-tier Autobahn trim featured an adaptive damping system for even greater handling precision.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring well-placed controls and a traditional gear selector. It offered ample storage options, including a large glove compartment and roomy door pockets. The Sentra's Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long journeys, and optional features like a power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats added to the overall experience. The Sentra's interior was functional and comfortable, making it suitable for long-distance travel.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in combining performance with practicality. It offered 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 34.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GTI's interior was driver-focused, with a center stack angled toward the driver and innovative controls like the "light and sight" panel. Rear-seat legroom was impressive, providing comfort for passengers. The GTI's interior was well-suited for daily use, offering a balance of performance and practicality.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a range of audio options, starting with a basic AM/FM/USB system and upgrading to a premium Bose system in higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity. The Sentra's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen in the base model, with an 8-inch screen in higher trims. NissanConnect services offered additional features like a WiFi hotspot and remote access via a smartphone app, although some features were limited to higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI showcased advanced technology, with a fully digital driver information display and customizable gauge layouts. The infotainment system featured an 8.25-inch touchscreen in the base trim, with a 10-inch screen in higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity. The GTI's Car-Net system offered various features, including remote access and navigation updates, although some required additional subscriptions. The GTI's technology was comprehensive, providing a modern and connected driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, including an advanced airbag system, tire pressure monitoring with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. This suite included features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured Volkswagen's IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. Park Distance Control was standard across all trims, with additional parking assistance features available on higher trims. As a newly redesigned model, the GTI had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.