2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2024 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta presented a conservative design that aimed to age gracefully, though it lacked the symmetry and balance of previous generations. Despite its bland appearance, the Jetta's interior in the SEL trim offered a touch of luxury with features like ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and a large power sunroof. The digital instrumentation and infotainment systems provided an upscale feel, delivering emotional value at a price point under $30,000. However, the Jetta's visual appeal remained a personal preference, as it was generally considered visually inoffensive.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, despite being last redesigned in 2019, maintained a modern and luxurious appearance. Its swooping lines and scalloped bodywork made it comparable to luxury vehicles, aligning with Mazda's aspirations. The hatchback version was particularly praised for its aesthetics and practicality, offering more storage space and better appointments without requiring a turbo engine upgrade. The Turbo Premium Plus trim, with its red leather interior and Snowflake White Pearl Mica exterior, showcased impressive material quality and value, rivaling offerings from Audi or BMW.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided zippy acceleration and a nimble feel, especially in urban environments. However, the automatic transmission exhibited a noticeable delay in response, which could be mitigated by using the Sport mode, albeit at the cost of fuel economy. The Jetta SEL averaged 30 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA rating of 33 mpg combined. Despite these quirks, the Jetta's accurate steering, faithful brakes, and predictable handling made it enjoyable to drive, especially on mountain roads.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo Premium Plus trim, with its intelligent AWD system, delivered a delightful driving experience across various scenarios. Fuel economy varied depending on the drivetrain and engine choice, with the turbocharged powertrain achieving 23/31/26 mpg for the hatchback. The Mazda3 excelled on back roads, with its tight and precise steering and minimal body roll, offering a performance-oriented driving experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta straddled the line between compact and midsize sedans, comfortably accommodating four adults and offering generous interior storage space. The trunk provided 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, nearly matching some midsize sedans. The Jetta SEL featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered ample legroom and heated cushions, though rear air conditioning vents were absent.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, while visually appealing, sacrificed rear passenger space for cargo capacity. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 47.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, rear-seat legroom and headroom were tight, making it challenging for taller passengers. The sedan's trunk space was limited to 13.2 cubic feet. The hatchback's design also created significant blind spots, impacting rearward visibility.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the interface required multiple inputs for simple tasks like changing radio stations. The Car-Net connected services offered a range of features, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote engine starting, but the Beats Audio premium sound system was underwhelming compared to previous Fender systems.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 utilized a rotary controller for its infotainment system, which some drivers found safer than a touchscreen. The system included an 8.8-inch display on most trims, with a 10.25-inch screen available on higher trims. While the larger screen offered touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, its placement made it difficult to reach. The Mazda Connect system provided Wi-Fi, remote services, and navigation, and the Bose stereo in higher trims delivered satisfactory audio quality.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL came 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, performing well on challenging roads. However, the system occasionally issued inaccurate warnings. Emergency Assist could identify an unresponsive driver and safely stop the vehicle. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but earned four stars for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated its safety as Poor in a new frontal-impact crash test.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 received five stars from the NHTSA and was named a 2024 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. It came standard with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Turbo Premium Plus trim added Cruising and Traffic Support, enhancing adaptive cruise control with smart steering assistance for heavy traffic situations.