Mazda 3 vs Volkswagen GTI
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen GTI
Overview
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 2.5 S | Golf GTI S |
| Body style | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,550 (best) | $34,590 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $4,599 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $4,599 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $4,599 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 27 MPG |
| City MPG | 27 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 36 MPG (best) | 32 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal (best) | 13 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 186 hp | 241 hp (best) |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.2 cu ft (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,111 lbs (best) | 6,366 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in (best) | 5 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 in (best) | 104 in |
| Length | 183.5 in (best) | 169 in |
| Width | 70.7 in (best) | 70 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 58 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
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 GTI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5 S $24,550 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Golf GTI S $34,590 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 2.5 S $25,550 MSRP | SE $39,080 MSRP |
| 3 | 2.5 S Select Sport $25,440 MSRP | Autobahn $42,480 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 GTI FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Mazda 3 vs 2026 Volkswagen GTI 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 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Mazda 3 starts lower at $24,550. Live Volkswagen GTI listings start at $4,599.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- The 2026 Mazda 3 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (24,550).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- The 2026 Mazda 3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (30).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- The 2026 Volkswagen GTI leads on horsepower in this comparison (241).