2022 Volkswagen Passat vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

First came the Dasher in 1974, then the Quantum in 1982, then the Passat in 1990. None became household names like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, partly because the Passat and its progenitors appealed to a small contingent of Americans seeking European design, engineering, and driving dynamics in a car often characterized as a bargain-priced Audi. But in the midsize sedan segment, a reputation for reliability and efficiency, not design or handling, is king.

Tired of compromise, Volkswagen "Americanized" the Passat for the 2011 model year, moving production to a new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The car's blandly attractive design, huge interior, big trunk, and soft ride seemed to be just what U.S. customers wanted, along with a ”Made in the USA” label. But those potential buyers had moved on to SUVs, and the new Passat alienated some of the VW faithful. The Dieselgate scandal didn't help the Passat, either.

VW nailed the car's coffin shut when the family car segment began to wither rapidly. So now, the Passat departs the U.S. market, effectively replaced by the Tiguan and Atlas SUVs and leaving the Jetta to serve people who still want a sedan wearing a VW logo on its grille.

With the ubiquitous growth of the small SUV, the compact car segment might get overlooked when shopping for your next vehicle. But small cars can do many of the things that are asked of a small SUV—especially if that car is a hatchback. The 2023 Mazda3 is a stark reminder of just how great hatchbacks can be for everyday life.

Mazda’s approach with its vehicles has been simple, yet ambitious: to “deliver luxury-level performance and cabin quality without the luxury price,” according to the company. The Mazda3 is no different. It punches well above its weight and raises the bar for what a small car can be. The Mazda3 hatchback even offers SUV-like versatility thanks to added cargo space and a rear liftgate. But does the Mazda3 have the features and attributes that will have you reconsidering cars over crossovers?