2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2021 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to break away from its past reputation of being a bland, textbook example of a sedan. Designers infused the Camry with a variety of styling details to make it more exciting. Some elements, like the flared wheel arches and slim headlights, successfully broadened the car's appearance. However, trims like the SE, XSE, and TRD were criticized for their excessive use of fake vents, adding unnecessary visual clutter. The LE and XLE trims featured a slightly cleaner, yet still large, grille. The Camry's design updates for 2021 were subtle, with the TRD model boasting unique features like a larger rear spoiler. The Nightshade Edition, based on the SE trim, continued with its blacked-out exterior accents. Inside, the Camry's chaotic styling persisted, with a mix of contrasting materials and a lack of cohesive design, leading to a somewhat low-rent feel.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a staple in the hot hatch category, maintained its performance-oriented design while sharing its basic structure with the regular Golf. Subtle enhancements like red GTI badges, a red strip across the grille, and red brake calipers distinguished it as a performance model. The GTI's lowered stance, stainless-steel exhaust tips, and gloss black accents added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the GTI built on the Golf's solid foundation with sporty touches like red ambient lighting, a race-inspired steering wheel, and aluminum-look pedals. The interior materials were high-quality, and the overall fit and finish were impressive, providing a premium feel that matched its performance credentials.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, known as the Dynamic Force, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in most trims with FWD, and slightly less with AWD. The XSE trim featured a dual-exhaust system, increasing output slightly. A naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 was also available, producing 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with electric assist for a total of 208 horsepower. The SE Nightshade Edition, with its base four-cylinder and AWD, surprised with its eager-to-rev nature and sporty sound. The Camry's chassis struck a balance between handling and ride quality, offering a fun driving experience without sacrificing comfort. The TRD model, introduced in 2020, added performance upgrades like a lowered suspension and bigger brakes.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was all about performance, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GTI's handling was a standout feature, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and DCC adaptive damping in the Autobahn model. Variable-ratio steering provided excellent turn-in and feel, while Golf R front brakes ensured strong stopping power. The GTI's ride could be harsh on rough roads, but its performance-oriented setup shone on the right roads. The DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission was an option, though the standard six-speed manual was preferred for its engaging driving experience. The GTI's fuel economy was respectable, with regular unleaded fuel sufficing, though premium fuel was needed to achieve peak performance figures.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was slightly compromised. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility. Cargo space was average at 15.1 cubic feet, and in-cabin storage was limited. Toyota included analog controls for key functions, enhancing usability, though some controls were a long reach from the driver's seat. Dual-zone automatic climate control was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, with its hatchback design providing versatility for passengers and cargo. It measured 168.0 inches long, 70.8 inches wide, and 57.8 inches tall, with a 103.6-inch wheelbase. The GTI offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Front-row space was ample, while the rear was adequate for two adults. The GTI's compact dimensions and sharp steering made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Inside, clever storage options included large door pockets and well-sized cupholders, though the mechanical handbrake interfered slightly with access.

The 2021 Toyota Camry's standard infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims offered a 9-inch screen, WiFi, navigation, and a JBL audio system. A 10-inch head-up display was available on XSE and XLE trims. The system was functional but lacked standout graphics. USB ports and a 12-volt outlet were standard, with no additional ports on higher trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured the VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system, with S models using a 6.5-inch screen and SE and Autobahn models an 8-inch screen with navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, with Bluetooth and USB ports standard. Volkswagen Car-Net offered additional connectivity features, including remote access and hotspot capabilities. The GTI also included LED lighting, keyless access, and rain-sensing wipers, with more advanced features on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned top safety ratings, including a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Camry came with the TSS 2.5+ package, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New for 2021 was the Rear Seat Reminder, designed to prevent leaving children or pets unattended. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available as options.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests. It included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The GTI's sharp handling was also a safety asset, potentially helping to avoid collisions.