Among compact cars, those who’d rather have a hatchback still have options. The 2021 Mazda3 and 2021 Volkswagen Golf are good examples. Here’s how they compare.
2021 Mazda3 Hatchback
2021 Mazda3 Starting Price: $22,650 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Available all-wheel drive; upscale interior; optional sedan body style; turbo engine.
Below Average: Large C-pillar blind spot; manual available only on non-turbo models.
Consensus: The 2022 Mazda3 hatchback blends a flexible cargo space with striking styling. In addition to an upscale appearance inside and out, the Mazda3 boasts road manners that put it on even footing with the best European sports models.
2021 Volkswagen Golf
2021 Volkswagen Golf Starting Price: $23,195 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Spirited handling; performance-oriented GTI trim; high-quality interior.
Below Average: No all-wheel-drive option; last year of this generation Golf; higher prices across the board.
Consensus: Unlike the Mazda, which comes in hatch and sedan versions, the 3-box version of the Golf is sold under the Jetta nameplate. The Golf offers a good blend of practicality and refined road manners. However, it’s the last of its breed, as VW concentrates on selling only GTI and Golf R performance versions in the future.
Mazda3 vs. Golf: A Cut Above the Econobox
Mazda3
The 2021 Mazda3 offers a little bit of something for everyone. Chief among these is handling. The Mazda3 is fun to drive, especially the hatchbacks with their choice of 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engines in both normally aspirated and turbocharged states of tune. The former packs 186 horsepower, the latter up to 250 horses when fueled with 93 octane. A base sedan offers a 155-horsepower 2.0-liter I4 for $2,000 less than the hatchback.
Non-turbo models are front-drive and come with a choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic, with all-wheel drive a $1,400 option on higher trims. All turbo models feature standard all-wheel drive and automatic transmissions.
The interior of the Mazda3 exudes a premium feel, including the base model with its cloth seats. It boasts plenty of soft-touch surfaces and a slick-looking 8.8-inch screen for the infotainment center. That display is not a touchscreen and instead uses a rotary control.
All models come with driver assists that include automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The 2.5 Turbo models add blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert with braking. Other standard amenities include a head-up display, power moonroof, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats.
Volkswagen Golf
Among affordable hatchbacks, the Golf name is legendary. However, it’s one that will soon pass from the scene as VW switches from the 7th to the 8th generation and concentrates on selling only the performance-oriented GTI and Golf R, both of which will sell for about $30,000 or more.
So for 2021, while you still can find one, the entry-level Golf TSI offers a more basic and affordable hatchback. This model employs a 147-horsepower turbo 1.4-liter engine that mates either to a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic. The step-up GTI boasts a 2.0-liter turbo I4 with 228 horsepower and either the manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The tasteful interior boasts plenty of space for people and cargo, with up to 52.7 cubic feet of load space when the back seat is folded down. Golf comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, a larger 8-inch display is standard on the GTI.
Other standard equipment on the TSI includes a power tilt/slide sunroof, 16-inch wheels, keyless ignition, and heated front seats. All Golfs benefit from forward-collision mitigation with emergency braking and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert.
Similarities
Hatchback flexibility; 5-passenger seating; sharp handling; NHTSA 5-star safety ratings.
2021 Mazda3 Advantages
More power; available all-wheel drive; lower pricing; sedan body style.
2021 Volkswagen Golf Advantages
Cargo space; rearward visibility; touchscreen infotainment.
Which One is Right for Me?
The 2021 Mazda3 offers a blend of handling, style, and comfort that sets it apart from other compacts in its class. The availability of all-wheel drive is a definite plus.
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf is a simple, yet refined hatchback that offers solid handling in an understated package.
Ready to buy a Mazda3 or Volkswagen Golf? Shop for one on sale now near you.
| 2021 Mazda3 Hatchback | 2021 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter I4 | 1.4-liter turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 186 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 147 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-spd automatic | 8-spd automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 31 mpg (28 city/36 hwy) | 32 mpg (28 city/35 hwy) |
| Also Available | 2.0-liter I4 (sedan); 2.5-liter turbo I4; 6-spd manual; AWD | 2.0-liter turbo I4; 6-spd manual; 7-spd DCT |
| Specs | ||
| Basic warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 inches | 103.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.5 inches | 167.6 inches |
| Width | 70.7 inches | 70.8 inches |
| Height | 56.9 inches | 58.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.3 feet | 35.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.0 inches | 38.4 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.2 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 35.1 inches | 35.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.7 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.5 inches | 53.9 inches |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 92.7 cubic feet | 93.5 cubic feet |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 20.1 cubic feet | 53.7 cubic feet |