2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 maintained its sleek design with no significant changes, continuing to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles. It was available in various models, including the affordable Mazda3 2.0 sedan, the popular Mazda3 2.5 S, and the sporty Mazda3 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S lineup provided the most variety, with five trim levels and options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The 2.5 S Premium hatchback was the only model offering a six-speed manual transmission. Prices ranged from $20,800 to $34,400, excluding the destination charge. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with its Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, had an MSRP of $35,810, including the destination charge.

The Mazda3's design was not universally appealing, with its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback shape drawing mixed reactions. However, its understated elegance and mature appearance were appreciated by those seeking a serious automobile. Inside, the Mazda3 featured refined materials and a sophisticated design, creating an upscale driving environment. It offered a compelling alternative to entry-level luxury cars, delivering more value for less, except in terms of perceived prestige.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, while affordable, faced competition from more stylish and utilitarian alternatives within its price range. Available in S, Sport, SE, SEL, and GLI trims, the Jetta's prices ranged from $20,665 to $31,585, excluding the destination charge. The GLI model, known for its sporty performance, was not part of this review. The test car, a Jetta SEL in Platinum Gray Metallic, had an MSRP of $29,480, including the destination charge. The Jetta's conservative design, while inoffensive, lacked the symmetry and balance of previous generations. However, its interior, especially in the SEL trim, channeled a touch of luxury with features like ambient lighting, leather upholstery, and advanced digital displays.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the base model, producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. While not particularly fast, it excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 31 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 S model, with its 2.5-liter engine, delivered 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy ranging from 27 to 30 mpg, depending on the trim and drivetrain. The 2.5 Turbo model, with its turbocharged engine, offered 227 horsepower on regular gas and 250 horsepower on premium fuel, with torque figures of 310 lb-ft and 320 lb-ft, respectively. However, real-world fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 23.1 mpg. Despite this, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was a joy to drive, with its smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. The brakes, however, struggled during demanding tests, indicating a need for improvement.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission in the S and Sport trims and an eight-speed automatic in the SE and SEL trims. The automatic transmission, while providing a Sport mode, exhibited a noticeable delay in response, leading to occasional surges in power. The Jetta SEL achieved an EPA rating of 33 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing averaged 30 mpg. Despite these quirks, the Jetta SEL delivered a rewarding driving experience, with accurate steering, reliable brakes, and predictable handling. The all-season tires impressed with their grip and communication.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, with small door openings adding to the difficulty. However, once inside, the front seats provided a snug yet comfortable fit, with excellent support and user-friendly controls. The back seat, while adequate for shorter passengers, lacked legroom and amenities for taller occupants. Storage space was sufficient, with large door bins, a spacious glove compartment, and a center console bin. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, on the other hand, offered a more spacious interior, accommodating four adults comfortably. The Jetta's trunk was generous, providing 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to some midsize sedans. The SEL trim featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, the Jetta's higher seating position made entry and exit easier. The back seat offered ample legroom and comfort, with heated rear seats as a notable feature. Interior storage was plentiful, with a large center bin, glove compartment, and door panel storage.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, with an 8.8-inch display integrated into the dashboard. While Mazda's approach aimed to reduce distractions, the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system posed challenges. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided alternatives for seamless connectivity. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access and emergency notifications, with a three-year complimentary subscription. The available Bose Centerpoint sound system and Active Driving Display added to the car's tech offerings.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL boasted a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system featured proximity sensing, volume knobs, and shortcut tiles for easy navigation. While the infotainment system had some quirks, such as a complex tuning process, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided convenient alternatives. Car-Net connected services offered a range of features, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, remote access, and emergency assistance. The Beats Audio premium sound system, while not exceptional, added to the Jetta's tech package.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a surround-view camera system. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a five-star overall rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL came equipped with the IQ.Drive package, offering advanced driving assistance systems like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience. Emergency Assist, a rare feature in this class, could safely stop the car if the driver became unresponsive. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but had room for improvement in frontal-impact protection and IIHS ratings.