2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs Mazda 3: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Volkswagen Jetta vs Mazda 3 – The Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 3 are two of the most popular small cars available, and both have their own unique features that make them stand out.

If you’re trying to decide between the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 3, then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll compare the two cars to help you decide which one is the better car for you.

We’ll look at things like performance, interior features, safety ratings, and more, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing between the Volkswagen Jetta vs Mazda 3.

What is The Main Difference Between Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 3?

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 3 are two popular compact cars with many similarities but also some notable differences.

The Jetta is larger and heavier than the Mazda 3, with a length of 183 inches and a curb weight of 3,047 pounds compared to the Mazda 3’s 176 inches and 2,976-pound curb weight.

When it comes to engine options, the Jetta GLI offers a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque while the Mazda 3 Turbo makes 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.

The Jetta has an 8-speed automatic transmission while the Mazda has a 6-speed automatic. When it comes to interior comfort, Jetta’s cabin is slightly larger than the Mazda’s but it is still comfortable for five passengers.

Both cars feature Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for infotainment purposes but the Jetta has a larger 8.25-inch touchscreen versus the Mazda’s 7-inch display.

Volkswagen Jetta vs Mazda 3 — 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

Pricing and Which One to Buy

When it comes to purchasing a vehicle, the price is often a major factor. The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta has an MSRP of $20,365, while the 2022 Mazda 3 has an MSRP of $21,150. So, when it comes to budget-minded shoppers, the Jetta is the better option.

In terms of size, the Volkswagen Jetta is a bit bigger than the Mazda 3. The Jetta offers more room for both passengers and cargo with an overall length of 182 inches compared to 180 inches for the Mazda 3.

Overall, when you compare the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 3, there are a lot of similarities between them.

Both offer good value for money and great performance, but the Jetta is slightly cheaper and offers more interior space. Ultimately, it will come down to personal preference when deciding which one to buy.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

When it comes to engine options, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta offers a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (GLI) and a 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder (SE), while the Mazda 3 also offers a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as well as a 2.5L 4-cylinder (Turbo).

The GLI engine in the Jetta produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the Mazda 3 Turbo produces 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.

This means that when it comes to power, the Mazda 3 is the clear winner, with more horsepower and torque than the Jetta.

However, when it comes to size, the Jetta is slightly bigger than the Mazda 3, which may be a deciding factor for some drivers.

Both cars offer a range of transmission options, including a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic for the Jetta and a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic for the Mazda 3.

In terms of performance, both cars are impressive, though the Mazda 3 may be the better choice for drivers looking for a sportier ride.

It’s worth noting that both cars have strong acceleration, though the Mazda 3 has been praised for its handling and agility. Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal preference and which car fits your lifestyle better.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 3 both boast impressive fuel economy, with the Jetta getting 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway and the Mazda getting up to 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

While there is a slight difference in their ratings, it is minimal and shouldn’t have a major effect on which model you choose.

In terms of size, the Volkswagen Jetta is slightly bigger than the Mazda 3, while the Jetta GLI has a more powerful engine compared to the Mazda 3 Turbo.

In real-world MPG, both cars are able to maintain their impressive fuel economy numbers. The Jetta GLI has been tested to get an average of 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving, while the Mazda 3 Turbo gets an average of 33 mpg combined.

Both cars are very efficient and should be considered when looking for an economical car. When comparing the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs Mazda 3, fuel economy and real-world MPG are two important aspects to consider.

Both models offer impressive fuel efficiency and should be considered when choosing which car is best for you.

Interior, and Comfort

When it comes to interior and comfort, both the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta and the Mazda 3 offer an array of features that are designed to make driving comfortable and enjoyable.

In terms of size, the Volkswagen Jetta is larger than the Mazda 3, offering more room for passengers and cargo alike.

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI has sportier styling than the Mazda 3 Turbo, so if you are looking for a sportier look and feel, the Jetta is the way to go.

In terms of convenience features, the Volkswagen Jetta offers a power driver’s seat and dual-zone climate control, whereas the Mazda 3 has a manual driver’s seat and single-zone climate control.

Both vehicles have infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Mazda 3 also has a heads-up display, which is not available on the Volkswagen Jetta.

In terms of comfort, both cars provide a comfortable ride and ample headroom, but the Volkswagen Jetta is better suited for longer trips due to its larger size and more comfortable seating.

Both cars also come equipped with modern safety features, such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide which vehicle is the better choice for you.

Both the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 3 offer great features for a comfortable ride and modern technology.

Whether you choose the Volkswagen Jetta or the Mazda 3, you can be sure that either car will give you an enjoyable ride.

Infotainment

When it comes to infotainment, both the Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 3 offer several features. Both cars come with an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is larger than average for a compact car.

However, the Volkswagen Jetta has a bigger 9.2-inch display, which is great for those looking for more screen real estate.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta also offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Mazda 3 only provides Apple CarPlay compatibility.

In terms of audio systems, the Volkswagen Jetta has an eight-speaker system while the Mazda 3 offers an impressive 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system.

This is great news for audiophiles who want the best sound quality possible. Overall, when it comes to infotainment, it depends on your needs and preferences.

If you are looking for a larger display and want both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, then the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is the better choice.

On the other hand, if audio quality is your main concern, then the Mazda 3 is the superior option with its impressive 12-speaker Bose audio system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

When it comes to safety, both the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 3 offer great protection for their drivers. The Jetta comes standard with a full suite of driver-assistance technologies, including:

Adaptive cruise control
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection

The Jetta also offers optional driver-assistance features such as lane-keep assist and automatic parking.

On the other hand, the Mazda 3 offers an advanced suite of driver-assistance features as standard, including:

Automated emergency braking
Adaptive cruise control
Lane departure warning
Automated lane centering

Both cars are equipped with multiple airbags and have achieved top ratings in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Ultimately, both the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 3 offer great safety and driver-assistance features, so the decision of which one to buy ultimately depends on personal preferences and budget.

The Jetta GLI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and has a price tag of around $31,295 while the Mazda 3 Turbo has a starting price of around $30,900.

Final Verdict

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs Mazda 3 offers different driving experiences and each has its strengths and weaknesses.

The Jetta offers a roomy cabin, a comfortable ride, and an advanced infotainment system. On the other hand, the Mazda 3 boasts a sporty design, a powerful engine, and great fuel economy.

Which one is right for you depends on your needs. If you prioritize interior space and convenience features, then the Jetta is the way to go.

However, if you’re looking for more of a sporty feel and great fuel economy, then the Mazda 3 may be the better choice.

Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference as both vehicles offer impressive value for their respective price points.

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