Volkswagen Jetta vs. Mazda Mazda3 Sedan
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda Mazda3 Sedan 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 Volkswagen Jetta and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan.
When comparing the Volkswagen Jetta's and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. The Mazda Mazda3 Sedan has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Jetta's and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2025 Volkswagen Jetta ranges from $19,997 to $27,587 while a used 2025 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan is priced between $22,542 to $29,876. For a new model, the Volkswagen Jetta's price is between $22,865 and $30,186, with the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan priced between $25,372 and $33,509.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Jetta loses 40.2 percent of its value and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan loses 38.2 percent of its value. This means the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan retains 2.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Jetta.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Jetta is 8.0 out of 10 while the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 9 out of 29 Best Small Cars and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan being ranked 3 out of 29.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Jetta is 7.5 out of 10. For the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Jetta.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Jetta’s base engine makes 158 horsepower, and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan base engine makes 191 horsepower. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 499 miles. The Mazda3 Sedan is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 488 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mazda Mazda3 Sedan has the advantage in the areas of front leg room and rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Volkswagen Jetta and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
22865 - 30186
Starting MSRP:
22995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
28470
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
21590 - 47100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
25372 - 33509
Starting MSRP:
24150
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
28470
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
21590 - 47100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
23083
Price Range:
19997 - 27587
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
30314
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
22070 - 52316
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
24722
Price Range:
22542 - 29876
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
30314
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
22070 - 52316
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
9380
Depreciation %:
0.40791786
Resale Value $:
13615
Residual Value %:
0.59208214
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
0.3979908
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
0.31796157 - 0.42854561
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
9364
Depreciation %:
0.3877575
Resale Value $:
14786
Residual Value %:
0.6122425
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
0.3979908
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
0.31796157 - 0.42854561
Volkswagen Jetta Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Mazda Mazda3 Sedan Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Jetta
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
12.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
8.8 - 16.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.067
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda Mazda3 Sedan
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
12.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
8.8 - 16.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.152
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.0292701540362343
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.8 - 28.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.2706111340684245
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.8 - 28.7
Volkswagen Jetta Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
25 out of / 29Mazda Mazda3 Sedan Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
13 out of / 29Ranking
14 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
27 out of / 29Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Hatchback, Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels
S, SE, SEL, Sport
Mazda Mazda3 Sedan Trim Levels
2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2.5 S, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
158 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
186 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 39 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
371 / 499 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 37 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
356 / 488 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
14.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.5 inches
Cargo Space:
13.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
92.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3012 lbs
Width:
80.2 inches
Height:
57.7 inches
Length:
186.5 inches
Wheelbase:
105.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3124 lbs
Width:
70.7 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
183.5 inches
Wheelbase:
107.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Monterey Blue Pearl
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Gray
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Storm Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
