Mazda 3 vs Volkswagen Golf
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 Volkswagen Golf
Overview
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 2.5 S | TSI |
| Body style | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,550 | $23,195 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $16,797 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $16,838 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $16,879 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 2 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG | 33 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 27 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 36 MPG | 39 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 186 hp (best) | 147 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft (best) | 184 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 1.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 5 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 13.2 cu ft | 25 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 915 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,111 lbs | 2,945 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 in (best) | 103.6 in |
| Length | 183.5 in (best) | 167.6 in |
| Width | 70.7 in | 70.8 in (best) |
| Height | 56.9 in | 58.2 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 1 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Mazda 3 | Volkswagen Golf |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5 S $24,550 MSRP(Currently comparing) | TSI $23,195 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 2.5 S $25,550 MSRP | TSI $23,995 MSRP |
| 3 | 2.5 S Select Sport $25,440 MSRP | — |
| 4 | 2.5 S Select Sport $26,740 MSRP | — |
| 5 | 2.5 S Preferred $27,090 MSRP | — |
| 6 | 2.5 S Preferred $28,440 MSRP | — |
| 7 | 2.5 S Carbon Edition $30,210 MSRP | — |
| 8 | 2.5 S Carbon Edition $31,360 MSRP | — |
| 9 | 2.5 S Premium $31,450 MSRP | — |
| 10 | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $36,740 MSRP | — |
| 11 | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $37,890 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Mazda 3 vs Volkswagen Golf FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Mazda 3 vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf starts lower at $23,195. Live Volkswagen Golf listings start at $16,797.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (23,195).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (33).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2026 Mazda 3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (227).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Mazda 3 vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Golf (5/5 NHTSA overall).