2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, despite its new eighth-generation design, retained a familiar look that might not have been immediately distinguishable from its predecessor to the casual observer. It was longer and lower, maintaining the same wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while promising nimble handling. The styling was classic GTI, with a smooth hood, subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, and signature red accent line across the front. Optional features like a light bar added drama, especially at night. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling. The GTI came with red brake calipers and wheel sizes varied by trim, with 18-inch wheels on the S and SE trims and 19-inch wheels on the Autobahn trim. Color options ranged from traditional shades to more vibrant choices like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Pomelo Yellow Metallic. Inside, the GTI featured plaid cloth seats standard on lower trims, with leather available on higher trims, and a classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual transmission models.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the 2.5 S model being the most popular choice due to its variety of trims and drivetrain options. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with its Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, was priced at $35,810. The Mazda3's design was not universally appealing, with deeply sculpted flanks and a hatchback shape that some might call "hunchback." However, it exuded a mature and serious aesthetic, devoid of flashy spoilers or body kits. Inside, the Mazda3 was refined, with high-quality materials and a sophisticated design. The interior was driver-focused, with excellent support and padding in the seats and armrests. However, the back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, and storage space, while adequate, was not exceptional. The cargo area offered 20.1 cubic feet of space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, an updated version of the EA888, delivered peak horsepower at 5,000 rpm and maintained a strong torque curve from 1,750 rpm. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG), both sending power to the front wheels. The GTI's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined with the manual, slightly better with the automatic. The Mk8 GTI featured a retuned suspension with weight reductions and stiffer rear springs, enhancing its handling. Various drive modes and a limited-slip differential improved cornering performance. The Autobahn trim added adaptive damping for even better handling.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engines, starting with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, prioritizing fuel economy with 31 mpg combined. The 2.5 S model, with a 2.5-liter engine, delivered 186 horsepower and torque, with fuel economy between 27 and 30 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo model, with a turbocharged engine, offered 227 horsepower on regular gas and 250 on premium, with torque figures of 310 and 320 pound-feet, respectively. The Turbo's fuel economy was 26 mpg for the hatchback and 27 mpg for the sedan. The Mazda3's driving experience was engaging, with smooth power delivery and excellent handling. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving on challenging roads, though they performed well on less demanding routes.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance and practicality, offering 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 34.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior was driver-centric, with a center stack angled towards the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for easy control of headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for family use.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's low seating position made entry and exit challenging, but once inside, the front seats provided a snug and comfortable fit. The interior was driver-focused, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, and well-padded armrests. The back seat offered decent comfort for shorter passengers but was cramped for taller individuals. Storage was adequate, with large door bins and a sizable center console. The cargo area provided 20.1 cubic feet of space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen on the S trim and a 10-inch screen with navigation on higher trims, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system was user-friendly, though touch-capacitive controls could be frustrating. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered remote access and optional features like WiFi and navigation updates at low costs.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 used the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display and center console controls. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing them to be distracting, but the system's lack of physical tuning and voice recognition issues were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration mitigated some of these issues. Mazda Connected Services provided remote access and a Wi-Fi hotspot, with a standard eight-speaker audio system and an available 12-speaker Bose system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI came with IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard, with Park Assist available on the Autobahn trim. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

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