Mazda 3 vs Volkswagen Golf
This page compares the Mazda 3 and the Volkswagen Golf across the 12 model years both appear in our data (2010–2021). Both are classed as Hatchback on this site. On its most efficient configuration the Volkswagen Golf averages about 38 mpg (UK) against 37 mpg for the Mazda 3. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Mazda 3 (3.0 against 6.4), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2010–2021
| Measure | Mazda 3 | Volkswagen Golf |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 37 | 38 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 178 | 187 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $2,171 | $2,575 |
| Average passenger volume (cu ft, EPA) | 95 | 93 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 7 of 10 | 6 of 6 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 3.0 | 6.4 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 157 | 107 |
| Engine options across these years | 3 | 4 |
Year by Year
| Year | Mazda 3 MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Volkswagen Golf MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 34 | — | 3 | 686 | 38 | — | 4 | 69 |
| 2011 | 34 | 4★ | 2 | 132 | 38 | — | 6 | 110 |
| 2012 | 38 | 4★ | 1 | 226 | 38 | — | 6 | 49 |
| 2013 | 38 | 4★ | 1 | 117 | 38 | — | 5 | 48 |
| 2014 | 40 | 5★ | 4 | 138 | 38 | — | 5 | 11 |
| 2015 | 40 | 5★ | 4 | 129 | 42 | — | 13 | 293 |
| 2016 | 40 | 5★ | 6 | 103 | 35 | 5★ | 12 | 219 |
| 2017 | 38 | 5★ | 2 | 83 | 35 | 5★ | 6 | 299 |
| 2018 | 37 | 5★ | 4 | 108 | 35 | 5★ | 10 | 58 |
| 2019 | 36 | — | 6 | 74 | 38 | 5★ | 7 | 99 |
| 2020 | 36 | 5★ | 2 | 32 | 38 | 5★ | 2 | 14 |
| 2021 | 37 | 5★ | 1 | 52 | 40 | 5★ | 1 | 11 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Mazda 3 · Volkswagen Golf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Mazda 3 or the Volkswagen Golf?
On its most efficient configuration the Volkswagen Golf averages about 38 mpg (UK) against 37 mpg for the Mazda 3. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Mazda 3 has 7 of 10 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Volkswagen Golf has 6 of 6. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Mazda 3 averages 3.0 recall campaigns and 157 owner complaints; the Volkswagen Golf averages 6.4 and 107. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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