2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 scores 7.7 out of 10. Both vehicles offer compelling features and have their unique strengths, but the Volkswagen Golf GTI edges out slightly in the overall evaluation. If you are looking for a blend of performance heritage, sporty aesthetics, and efficient technology, the Golf GTI might be the better choice based on these ratings.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI if:
Shop Now- You prioritize traditional performance features like a mechanical handbrake and an engaging manual transmission.
- You prefer driving a car with a legacy of setting the standard in the hot hatch segment.
- You value a higher degree of exterior and interior sport-focused design elements and a compact footprint for city driving.
Choose the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 if:
Shop Now- You desire a refined and mature look with an emphasis on interior comfort and driver-centric design.
- You seek a versatile vehicle with more extensive storage capacity and a sophisticated, high-quality feel.
- You value perfect safety ratings and comprehensive standard safety equipment.
Overview | |
MSRP$28,695 | MSRP$20,800 |
Average price$26,248 | Average price$23,255 |
Listings57 | Listings283 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews SummaryNow in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice? | |
2022 Mazda MAZDA3 Reviews SummaryWith the departure of the grossly underappreciated Mazda6 midsize sedan, Mazda has just two cars left in its lineup: the iconic MX-5 Miata and the compact 2022 Mazda Mazda3. Good thing for Mazda they’re both highly desirable. This year, a Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition debuts with Polymetal Gray paint, black 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system with aluminum speaker grilles. The Mazda3 Turbo models have a standard wiper de-icer system, and a new Platinum Quartz Metallic paint color is available. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 228 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 155 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower228 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City23 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway36 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 228 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 155 hp I4 |
Torque258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower228 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City23 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway36 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space17.4 cu ft | Cargo Space13.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight3133 lbs | Curb Weight2984 lbs |
Height57.8 in | Height56.9 in |
Length168.0 in | Length183.5 in |
Width70.8 in | Width70.7 in |
Wheelbase103.6 in | Wheelbase107.3 in |
Maximum Payload915 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 scores 7.7 out of 10. Both vehicles offer compelling features and have their unique strengths, but the Volkswagen Golf GTI edges out slightly in the overall evaluation. If you are looking for a blend of performance heritage, sporty aesthetics, and efficient technology, the Golf GTI might be the better choice based on these ratings.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI if:
Shop Now- You prioritize traditional performance features like a mechanical handbrake and an engaging manual transmission.
- You prefer driving a car with a legacy of setting the standard in the hot hatch segment.
- You value a higher degree of exterior and interior sport-focused design elements and a compact footprint for city driving.
Choose the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 if:
Shop Now- You desire a refined and mature look with an emphasis on interior comfort and driver-centric design.
- You seek a versatile vehicle with more extensive storage capacity and a sophisticated, high-quality feel.
- You value perfect safety ratings and comprehensive standard safety equipment.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $28,695 | $20,800 |
Average price | $26,248 | $23,255 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice? | With the departure of the grossly underappreciated Mazda6 midsize sedan, Mazda has just two cars left in its lineup: the iconic MX-5 Miata and the compact 2022 Mazda Mazda3. Good thing for Mazda they’re both highly desirable. This year, a Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition debuts with Polymetal Gray paint, black 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system with aluminum speaker grilles. The Mazda3 Turbo models have a standard wiper de-icer system, and a new Platinum Quartz Metallic paint color is available. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 228 hp I4 | 2.0L 155 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm | |
MPG City | 23 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 36 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 228 hp I4 | 2.0L 155 hp I4 |
Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | |
Horsepower | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 23 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 36 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 17.4 cu ft | 13.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3133 lbs | 2984 lbs |
Height | 57.8 in | 56.9 in |
Length | 168.0 in | 183.5 in |
Width | 70.8 in | 70.7 in |
Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 107.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 915 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.