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.
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 3 | Volkswagen 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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