Volkswagen Golf vs Mazda MAZDA3
Overview | |
Years produced1974-2021 | Years produced2004-Present |
MSRP$17,995 | MSRP$24,550 |
Listings741 | Listings9511 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryThe Volkswagen Golf practically defines the hatchback, and the latest version is no exception. With a refined interior and an engaging, let’s-take-the-back-road driving demeanor, the new Golf is a fun yet practical little car. Don’t expect it to be cheap, though, especially if you want modern creature comforts. | |
Reviews SummaryCompact sedans are some of the most affordable vehicles today, which often leads to cheaper interiors, disappointing performance, and uninspired styling. The 2026 Mazda 3 bucks that trend with a cabin that could easily be mistaken for entry-level luxury fare, a spirited driving experience, and head-turning style. The current-generation Mazda 3 debuted as a 2019 model, but despite its age few updates are expected for 2026. Verdict: The Mazda 3 proves that small cars don’t have to be boring. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.8L 170 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 186 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower170 hp @ 4500 rpm | Horsepower186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City25 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway37 | MPG Highway36 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.8L 170 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 186 hp I4 |
Torque200 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | Torque186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower170 hp @ 4500 rpm | Horsepower186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City25 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway37 | MPG Highway36 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space22.8 cu ft | Cargo Space13.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight2901 lbs | Curb Weight3111 lbs |
Height57.2 in | Height56.9 in |
Length167.5 in | Length183.5 in |
Width70.5 in | Width70.7 in |
Wheelbase103.8 in | Wheelbase107.3 in |
Maximum Payload1083 lbs | Maximum Payload970 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1974-2021 | 2004-Present |
MSRP | $17,995 | $24,550 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 6.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | The Volkswagen Golf practically defines the hatchback, and the latest version is no exception. With a refined interior and an engaging, let’s-take-the-back-road driving demeanor, the new Golf is a fun yet practical little car. Don’t expect it to be cheap, though, especially if you want modern creature comforts. | Compact sedans are some of the most affordable vehicles today, which often leads to cheaper interiors, disappointing performance, and uninspired styling. The 2026 Mazda 3 bucks that trend with a cabin that could easily be mistaken for entry-level luxury fare, a spirited driving experience, and head-turning style. The current-generation Mazda 3 debuted as a 2019 model, but despite its age few updates are expected for 2026. Verdict: The Mazda 3 proves that small cars don’t have to be boring. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.8L 170 hp I4 | 2.5L 186 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 170 hp @ 4500 rpm | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 25 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 37 | 36 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.8L 170 hp I4 | 2.5L 186 hp I4 |
Torque | 200 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 170 hp @ 4500 rpm | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 25 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 37 | 36 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 22.8 cu ft | 13.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2901 lbs | 3111 lbs |
Height | 57.2 in | 56.9 in |
Length | 167.5 in | 183.5 in |
Width | 70.5 in | 70.7 in |
Wheelbase | 103.8 in | 107.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 1083 lbs | 970 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 4 |
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