2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

With the ubiquitous growth of the small SUV—including the Mazda3’s corporate cousin, the Mazda CX-30 subcompact crossover—the compact car segment might get overlooked when shopping for your next new car. But small cars can do many of the things that are asked of a small SUV—especially if that car is a hatchback. The 2023 Mazda3 is a stark reminder of just how great hatchbacks can be for everyday life.

Mazda’s approach with its vehicles has been simple, yet ambitious: to “deliver luxury-level performance and cabin quality without the luxury price,” according to the company. The Mazda3 is no different. It punches well above its weight and raises the bar for what a small car can be. The Mazda3 hatchback even offers SUV-like versatility thanks to added cargo space and a rear liftgate. But does the Mazda3 have the features and attributes that will have you reconsidering cars over crossovers?

The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI was introduced for the 2022 model year and enters 2024 essentially unchanged. The main news is that 2024 marks the last year a manual transmission will be available in this classic hot hatchback. Volkswagen is making a 380 special edition package standard on all stick-shift GTIs to commemorate that. A more substantial update is expected for the 2025 model year.

Verdict: The GTI is a great all-rounder held back by poor interior design choices and a staid personality.