2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL vs 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
$6,005 less and 7 mpg better vs 69 more hp and 126 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $6,005 price gap, 158 vs 227 hp, 34 vs 27 MPG.
The Jetta SEL leads on $6,005 less, 7 MPG better. The 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus leads on 69 more hp, 126 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL | 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $29,995 | $36,000 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.5L I4 Turbo | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 158 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 29 | 23 |
| Highway MPG | 40 | 32 |
| Combined MPG | 34 | 27 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal | 12.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,300/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,058 lbs | 3,395 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.7" | 107.3" |
| Length | 186.5" | 183.5" |
| Width | 70.8" | 70.7" |
| Height | 57.7" | 56.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | No published data |
| IIHS Award | No published data | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 4yr/50k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 12yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL and 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL starts at $29,995, $6,005 less than the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus at $36,000. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $106/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL is the stronger pick when you want to keep $6,005 in your pocket and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $321/year less on fuel.
Who should choose the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus?
The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is the stronger pick when the extra 69 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL or 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL rates 34 combined MPG, 7 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL or 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus?
The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus produces 227 hp, 69 more than the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL at 158 hp. The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus also leads in torque at 310 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft. The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL, AWD on the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.
Is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL bigger than the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL is 3.0″ longer at 186.5″ vs 183.5″. The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus has a 1.6″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL and 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus comes with AWD, while the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
How do the warranties compare?
The Volkswagen Jetta comes with 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. The Mazda 3 offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Jetta trims, Mazda trims, Mazda 3 trims
How the Jetta and 3 Stack Up
Two compact cars, two brands, and a decision that comes down to which one fits your commute and budget. The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL starts at $29,995; the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus at $36,000. The $6,005 gap adds up to $106/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
Powertrain: Jetta vs 3
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus has 69 more hp (227 vs 158). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus adds 126 more lb-ft of torque (310 vs 184), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus comes with AWD; the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL saves roughly $321/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,605. The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
Size, Space, and Daily Reality
The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus weighs 337 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL when you want to keep $6,005 in your pocket and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus when the extra 69 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $106/month more, the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Volkswagen or Mazda or any dealership.