Mazda Mazda6 vs. Volkswagen Jetta

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda Mazda6 and Volkswagen Jetta contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mazda Mazda6 and the Volkswagen Jetta.

When comparing the Mazda Mazda6's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda6 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Mazda Mazda6's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda6 is a better car than the Volkswagen Jetta.

Pricing: A used 2021 Mazda Mazda6 ranges from $18,276 to $28,457 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is priced between $15,750 to $23,477.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda Mazda6 loses 37.9 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Jetta loses 36 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Jetta retains 1.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda Mazda6.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda Mazda6 is 8.8 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Jetta's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Mazda Mazda6 being ranked 5 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 18 out of 37 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda Mazda6 is 8.3 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Jetta the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Mazda Mazda6 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Jetta.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda Mazda6’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Jetta base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Mazda6 is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 574 miles. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 554 miles.This gives the Volkswagen Jetta the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Mazda Mazda6 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Mazda Mazda6, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Volkswagen Jetta, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear head room. The Mazda Mazda6 and Volkswagen Jetta are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Mazda Mazda6 and the Volkswagen Jetta have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.