Compact cars, typically sedans, are still prevalent in the United States. They represent dependable and comfortable transportation for those who don’t want an SUV or crossover. Models such as the 2024 Mazda3 and the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta also straddle the line between luxury and mainstream. They bring some luxury features to the segment while retaining a value-packed outlook.
In this Mazda vs. Volkswagen compact car comparison, we’ll compare the interior, performance, and safety specs of the 2024 Mazda3 and the 2024 Jetta. But if you want to check out the 2024 Mazda range in person, contact the Keffer Mazda team. They’re experts on everything to do with Mazda cars. They’ll tell you everything you need to know and even organize a test drive session so that you can enjoy the 2024 Mazda3.
The 2024 Mazda3 and the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta offer similarly sized passenger cabins. They can seat up to five adults. They also provide similarly-sized trunks and come with split-folding rear seats.
However, buyers can get more trunk space and practicality if they choose the 2024 Mazda3 hatchback. The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta doesn’t have a hatchback body style on offer. Regarding amenities, both vehicles are outfitted with dual-zone climate control on higher trims, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and wireless phone charging pads.
The 2024 Mazda3 and the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta support Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ on all trims. The 2024 Jetta may have a digital instrument cluster, but its biggest infotainment screen is only 8 inches. Lower trim levels get a 6.5-inch unit. Meanwhile, the 2024 Mazda3 range starts with an 8.8-inch screen. Higher trims get a 10.3-inch unit and a heads-up display. The 2024 Mazda3 also offers a 12-speaker Bose sound system upgrade.
The 2024 Mazda3 range comes with two engine choices. Buyers can pick between naturally aspirated or turbocharged versions of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Lower trims get the naturally aspirated variant. This one develops 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque.
Higher trims get a turbocharged variant that can deliver 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on 87-octane gas. Switching to 93-octane premium gas gives you 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2024 Mazda3 variants can do 0-60 in only 5.6 seconds.
The 2024 Mazda3 is available in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive guises. Front-wheel-drive variants can pick between a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive variants, however, can only pair with the six-speed automatic transmission. Independent testers have praised the sporty ride characteristics and sharp steering of the 2024 Mazda3. They’ve also noted that either engine has plenty of power for city and highway driving.
The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta range has a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an estimated 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Lower trims come with a six-speed manual gearbox. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is optional on lower trim levels and standard on higher ones. The 2024 Jetta takes over seven seconds in the 0-60 benchmark. Testers have noted that the 2024 Jetta’s ride is a bit softer.
The 2024 Mazda3 and the 2024 Jetta have comprehensive safety specifications. They have autonomous emergency braking, airbags, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The 2024 Mazda3 also includes a blind spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear seat alert.
Further standard features include stability control, brake assist, tire pressure monitoring systems, and child safety locks. Adaptive cruise control is optional on both cars.
The 2024 Mazda3 is an excellent compact car to consider. It upstages the 2024 Jetta across all three of our criteria. There’s no question why it’s so highly rated, coming in at number two in Car and Driver’s best compact car list. The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta isn’t far behind at number five.
That’s why you should come to Keffer Mazda in Huntersville, NC, and explore this Mazda compact car further. You can also go on a test drive to experience it yourself.
