2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. The sedan version, while more conservative, still exuded a sense of drama and sophistication. The 2.5 Turbo model, especially in Premium Plus trim, showcased Mazda's commitment to luxury with its high-quality materials and attention to detail. The interior, adorned with white Nappa leather, provided a premium feel, although it lacked some features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta maintained its status as a best-seller for the brand, even amidst various challenges. The 2022 model received subtle exterior updates, including a redesigned front fascia and new wheel designs. The interior also saw improvements, with new seat patterns and contrast stitching adding a touch of elegance. The Jetta's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with user-friendly controls and ample storage options, making it a practical choice for daily commuting.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was a standout in terms of performance. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the Mazda3 Turbo offered a thrilling driving experience. The car's handling was precise, with improved steering feel and response, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. However, its fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 20.4 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, produced 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While not as powerful as the Mazda3, the Jetta excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving up to 46.9 mpg on the highway during a long road trip. The Jetta's ride quality was comfortable, but its powertrain exhibited some lag and surge, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. The Jetta offered multiple drive modes, but its overall dynamics were less engaging compared to the Mazda3.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior was lined with Nappa leather and featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, giving it a luxurious feel. However, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The cabin was driver-focused, with limited storage options and a trunk space of 13.2 cubic feet. The hatchback version offered more utility with 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta provided ample passenger space for four adults, with comfortable seats and a driver-centric cabin. The front seats had a slight incline for thigh support, which might not suit everyone. The Jetta's interior featured practical storage solutions, including door pockets, a center console bin, and a sunglass holder. The trunk space was generous, making it a practical choice for daily use.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice recognition technology were significant drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, which delivered excellent audio quality, especially with FLAC files. The car also included a head-up display, which remained visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster. The Jetta SEL featured a 10.25-inch display with customizable views and widgets. The infotainment system included an 8-inch MIB3 touchscreen with navigation, wireless App-Connect, and enhanced voice recognition. However, the voice activation system was not intuitive, often misinterpreting commands. The Jetta also offered premium Beats Audio sound and a remote start system.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 came equipped with the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), designed to support the driver. The Premium Plus trim added features like a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured IQ.Drive, Volkswagen's suite of driver-assistance technologies. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The Jetta's safety ratings for 2022 were not yet available, but the 2021 model received high marks from the NHTSA and mostly "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with some shortcomings in headlight performance and LATCH use.