2022 head-to-head · Compact Car

2022 Mazda 3 vs Volkswagen GLI

MPG, range and what each one really costs you to fuel, from official EPA ratings and recalculated with your own gas and electricity prices.

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✓ Cheaper to run
$1,500/ year to fuel
31 MPG
✓ Cheaper to run
$1,550/ year to fuel
30 MPG

On fuel costs these two are nearly tied. Driving 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, the most efficient 2022 Mazda 3 (31 MPG) costs about $1,500 a year to fuel and the 2022 Volkswagen GLI (30 MPG) about $1,550.

Your numbers

Change these to match your driving and local prices. Every figure and chart on this page updates.

Fuel cost over 10 years

  • Mazda 3
  • Volkswagen GLI

Side by side

Mazda 3Volkswagen GLI
$1,500 Your annual fuel cost $1,550
31 MPG Combined efficiency 30 MPG
28 MPG City 26 MPG
36 MPG Highway 36 MPG
93 cu ft Passenger volume 94 cu ft
13 cu ft Cargo volume 16 cu ft
287 g/mi Tailpipe CO₂ (g/mi) 297 g/mi
7/10 EPA fuel economy score 6/10
7/10 EPA greenhouse gas score 6/10
Gas Powertrain Gas
Regular gasoline Fuel Regular gasoline
2.0L 4-cyl Engine / motor 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
6-speed automatic Transmission 7-speed dual-clutch
FWD Drivetrain FWD

✓ marks the better value. EPA scores run 1–10 (10 is best). Volumes come from the EPA interior volume index and aren't published for every body style.

Mazda 3 vs Volkswagen GLI across model years

  • Mazda 3
  • Volkswagen GLI

Annual fuel cost of the most efficient configuration of each model year, at your prices. Click a point to open that year.

How they differ

Per EPA interior volume figures, the Volkswagen GLI has more cargo space (16 vs. 13 cu ft).

Among 33 2022 compact cars, the Mazda 3 ranks 12th and the Volkswagen GLI 13th for lowest fuel cost.

Frequently asked questions

Which is more fuel-efficient, the 2022 Mazda 3 or the 2022 Volkswagen GLI?

Measured by cost to drive, the Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 is rated 31 MPG combined and the Volkswagen GLI 30 MPG (EPA, most efficient configuration of each).

How much does it cost to fuel the 2022 Mazda 3 vs. the Volkswagen GLI per year?

At 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, about $1,500 for the Mazda 3 and $1,550 for the Volkswagen GLI.

Which has more cargo space?

The Volkswagen GLI, with 16 cu ft of luggage volume versus 13 cu ft (EPA interior volume index).

Mazda 3 vs Volkswagen GLI in other years

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