2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, with a variety of engine and powertrain configurations. It was available in three trim levels, with options for front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Canadian buyers had the unique option of a six-speed manual transmission in both sedan and hatch configurations. Prices ranged from $21,400 to $31,000, excluding engine upgrades and a $1,750 destination charge. The top-of-the-line hatchback with a turbo engine and Polymetal Gray Metallic paint cost $38,981 in Canada, including the destination charge. The Mazda3's design was not universally appealing, with its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback shape, but it had a certain artistry. The interior featured refined materials and a sophisticated design, offering an upscale driving experience. The Mazda3 was seen as a cost-effective alternative to entry-level luxury cars, delivering more value except in perceived cachet.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, while affordable, faced competition from alternatives offering more utility or style. In Canada, it was available in Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and GLI trims, with prices ranging from $23,295 to $34,495, excluding a $1,850 destination charge. The GLI model, with sport-tuned features, was not part of this review. The test car was a Jetta Highline with Platinum Grey Metallic paint and a Volcano Brown over Titan Black interior, priced at $31,295 with the destination charge. The Jetta's appearance was conservative, lacking the symmetry and balance of previous generations. Its interior, however, channeled the VW Group's Audi luxury brand, with ambient lighting, leather upholstery, a power sunroof, and larger digital screens. The Jetta Highline offered an upscale feel at a price below $32,000.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with the GX sedan's 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. It excelled in fuel economy, consuming 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Most buyers opted for the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel consumption between 7.8 and 8.6 L/100 km. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, paired with a six-speed automatic and AWD, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87-octane gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. However, real-world fuel efficiency was lower than advertised, averaging 10.2 L/100 km. The Mazda3 Turbo offered a thrilling driving experience with smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. The brakes, however, showed signs of fade during intense driving. Overall, the Mazda3 Turbo was praised for its driving dynamics, quality, and style, though a brake upgrade was recommended.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It offered a six-speed manual transmission in Trendline and Comfortline trims, while the Highline had an eight-speed automatic. The automatic transmission had a noticeable delay in acceleration, but the manual transmission provided more control. The Jetta's fuel consumption was rated at 7.1 L/100 km, but real-world testing averaged 7.8 L/100 km. The Jetta Highline delivered a nimble and predictable driving experience, with accurate steering and faithful brakes. The all-season tires provided excellent grip and communication. Despite some quirks with the automatic transmission, the Jetta Highline was a rewarding car to drive, especially on mountain roads.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low seating position, making entry and exit challenging. The interior was driver-focused, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats. The test vehicle featured leather upholstery and user-friendly controls, though the Mazda Connect infotainment system was less intuitive. The back seat offered decent comfort for shorter passengers, but taller occupants would find it cramped. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins and a sizable centre console bin. The hatchback provided 569 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded. The sedan offered 374 litres of trunk space.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta accommodated four adults comfortably, with generous interior storage and a cavernous trunk offering 399 litres of cargo space. The Jetta Highline featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but the Jetta's higher seating position made entry and exit easier. The back seat provided ample legroom and comfort, with heated rear seats but no rear air conditioning vents. The Jetta offered plenty of storage options, including a large centre bin and glove compartment. The trunk's shape and size made it easy to load luggage, and the 60/40-split folding back seat allowed for longer items.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Bluetooth, and a collection of controls on the centre console. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing them to be distracting. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and a voice recognition system that required specific commands were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided alternatives for music streaming and navigation. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions for two years. The car included an eight-speaker audio system, with a 12-speaker Bose system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta Highline featured a 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with proximity sensing, knobs for volume, and shortcut tiles. The system allowed for vehicle settings configuration and supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice recognition system required a subscription for advanced features, but Car-Net provided a Wi-Fi hotspot and four years of complimentary access to remote and safety features. The Jetta Highline included a Beats Audio premium audio system, though it was not as satisfying as previous Fender systems.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with faultless crash-test ratings. In Canada, standard safety features included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional features available as options. GT grades offered adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control exhibited a delayed response but was smooth once engaged. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta offered standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Comfortline added blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Travel Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. Travel Assist performed well, accommodating traffic and ignoring off-ramps. Emergency Assist could identify an unresponsive driver and bring the car to a safe stop. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but earned four stars for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated the Jetta's safety as Poor in a new crash test.