Volkswagen Golf vs Mazda MAZDA3
Overview | |
Years produced1974-2021 | Years produced2004-Present |
MSRP$17,995 | MSRP$24,150 |
Listings688 | Listings9553 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 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 SummaryLast redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Mazda 3 is getting old, yet aging gracefully. It still looks, feels, and drives better than some of its rivals. For 2025, Mazda adds value to the lineup, introducing a new base version of the 2.5 S. Moving one rung up the trim level ladder, the 2.5 S Select Sport gets Amazon Alexa Built-in for 2025, while the Premium and Premium Plus gain a cloud-based navigation system. Verdict: Available in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, there is a Mazda 3 to suit nearly anyone. Basic or upscale, turbocharged or not, and with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the common threads across all Mazda 3s are quality, refinement, sophistication, safety, and enjoyable driving dynamics. This is a terrific compact car. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.8L 170 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 191 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower170 hp @ 4500 rpm | Horsepower191 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City25 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway37 | MPG Highway37 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.8L 170 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 191 hp I4 |
Torque200 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | Torque186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower170 hp @ 4500 rpm | Horsepower191 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City25 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway37 | MPG Highway37 |
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 Weight3124 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 Payload955 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1974-2021 | 2004-Present |
MSRP | $17,995 | $24,150 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 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. | Last redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Mazda 3 is getting old, yet aging gracefully. It still looks, feels, and drives better than some of its rivals. For 2025, Mazda adds value to the lineup, introducing a new base version of the 2.5 S. Moving one rung up the trim level ladder, the 2.5 S Select Sport gets Amazon Alexa Built-in for 2025, while the Premium and Premium Plus gain a cloud-based navigation system. Verdict: Available in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, there is a Mazda 3 to suit nearly anyone. Basic or upscale, turbocharged or not, and with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the common threads across all Mazda 3s are quality, refinement, sophistication, safety, and enjoyable driving dynamics. This is a terrific compact car. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.8L 170 hp I4 | 2.5L 191 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 170 hp @ 4500 rpm | 191 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 25 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 37 | 37 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.8L 170 hp I4 | 2.5L 191 hp I4 |
Torque | 200 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 170 hp @ 4500 rpm | 191 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 25 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 37 | 37 |
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 | 3124 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 | 955 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 4 |
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