2023 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite the automaker's overall sales decline due to various global issues, remained a steadfast performer. It accounted for more than 61 percent of Volkswagen's U.S. car sales in the previous year, and this figure rose to 70 percent in the first quarter of 2022. The Jetta received a mild makeover for 2022, including an engine update, exterior styling tweaks, improved infotainment, and more features. The design changes were subtle, with minor updates to the front fascia, bumper, and grille, which now featured more chrome. The interior also saw subtle but appealing updates, such as a new rhombus pattern on the standard cloth seats and contrast stitching across all upholstery types. The 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster became standard across the lineup, with the Jetta SEL receiving a 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, once badged as the Impreza WRX, had evolved significantly from its Impreza roots. The current-generation WRX featured distinct front- and rear-end styling, a wide-body look, and functional hood scoop feeding air to an intercooler. The WRX's exterior styling clearly conveyed its performance car nature, with a tuner aesthetic that fit Subaru's design theme. The interior was basic but durable, with GT models featuring Recaro Performance Design front seats with red contrast stitching and Ultrasuede upholstery. The WRX's well-mannered character made it a pleasant daily driver, with a quiet and comfortable cabin, although the driving experience was somewhat muted.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous model year's 1.4-liter turbo-four. Transmission options included a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with the stick-shift model estimated at 29 mpg city, 43 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. Automatic transmission models had slightly different ratings, with S and Sport models at 31 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined, while SE and SEL models were rated at 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The Jetta offered a comfortable ride, although the powertrain had some drawbacks, such as a touchy throttle and turbo lag. The vehicle's dynamics were tepid, with numb steering and a jumpy feel in stop-and-go traffic.

The 2023 Subaru WRX featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, generating 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This placed it between the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R in terms of power. The WRX came with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), branded as the Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT). The SPT/CVT was optional on base, Premium, and Limited trims, but standard on the GT model. The WRX's AWD system provided excellent grip, and the electronically controlled dampers and drive mode select system offered multiple settings for steering, engine, AWD system, driver aids, and climate control. The WRX's driving experience was competent but lacked exuberance, with a quiet exhaust and laid-back steering.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the ability to accommodate five if needed. The cabin was driver-centric, with buttons for climate control, audio, and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was adequate, with door pockets, a center console bin, and a sunglass holder. The center storage bin, while usable, lacked a latch, which was an unusual omission.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, as a compact sedan, provided a practical alternative to traditional sports cars. It offered slightly more front headroom and legroom than a Honda Civic Si, but the Civic had more rear-seat space. The WRX's trunk space was 12.5 cubic feet, less than the Civic Si and Volkswagen Jetta GLI. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat was standard, but Subaru did not provide a cargo-space number with the seat folded. The WRX maintained good outward visibility, with low window-sill lines and thin forward roof pillars. However, the cabin lacked a proper place to store a smartphone, which was a surprising ergonomic flaw.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received an upgrade in technology, with all models equipped with the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Jetta SEL featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro with three views and additional widgets. The standard infotainment system in S, Sport, and SE trims was a 6.5-inch Volkswagen MIB2 system, while the Jetta SEL got an 8-inch MIB3 system with navigation, wireless App-Connect, and enhanced voice recognition. The MIB3 system had some issues with voice activation and navigation commands, but the touchscreen was fast and responsive.

The 2023 Subaru WRX's Subaru Starlink infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Base models had two 7-inch touchscreens, while higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The larger screen was appreciated for its legibility, but physical buttons and knobs would have been preferred for some functions. The interface for SiriusXM satellite radio required too many steps, and the system took a long time to load on startup.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came standard with IQ.Drive, Volkswagen's suite of driver-assistance tech. The Jetta S and Sport included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian recognition. The Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The 2022 Jetta had not yet received crash safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but the 2021 model received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and mostly "Good" grades from the IIHS.

The 2023 Subaru WRX featured Subaru's EyeSight safety system, which used stereo cameras for adaptive cruise control, automated lane-centering, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Other available safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and steering-responsive headlights. The WRX received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.