Compare the2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLIVS 2021 Mazda 6

The Jetta GLI has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Mazda 6 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Compared to metal, the Jetta GLI’s plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Mazda 6 has a metal gas tank.

Both the Jetta GLI and the Mazda 6 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Volkswagen Jetta GLI is safer than the Mazda 6:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Volkswagen Jetta GLI is safer than the Mazda 6:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Jetta GLI comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car. The 6’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Jetta GLI’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Mazda 6’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Jetta GLI for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the 6.

There are over 16 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Jetta GLI’s warranty.

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the Mazda 6’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

The Jetta GLI’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 41 more horsepower (228 vs. 187) and 72 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 186) than the Mazda 6’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Volkswagen Jetta GLI is faster than the Mazda 6 (automatics tested):

On the EPA test cycle the Jetta GLI gets better mileage than the Mazda 6:

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the Jetta GLI Auto’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Mazda 6 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Jetta GLI higher (7 out of 10) than the Mazda 6 (3 to 7). This means the Jetta GLI produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Mazda 6 every 15,000 miles.

The Jetta GLI offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and fuel economy. The Mazda 6 doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

A seven-speed automatic (SMG) is optional on the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Mazda 6.

The Jetta GLI offers an optional sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The Mazda 6 doesn’t offer an SMG.

For better stopping power the Jetta GLI’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Mazda 6:

The Jetta GLI’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Mazda 6 are solid, not vented.

The Jetta GLI stops much shorter than the Mazda 6:

The Jetta GLI’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Mazda 6 Sport’s standard 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Jetta GLI has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Mazda 6 Sport.

The Jetta GLI has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Mazda 6’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Jetta GLI’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (58.6% to 41.4%) than the Mazda 6’s (60% to 40%). This gives the Jetta GLI more stable handling and braking.

The Jetta GLI handles at .95 G’s, while the Mazda 6 Signature pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Jetta GLI is 5.8 inches shorter than the Mazda 6, making the Jetta GLI easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the Jetta GLI Autobahn is quieter than the Mazda 6 Grand Touring (77 vs. 80 dB).

The Jetta GLI has .1 inches more front headroom and .1 inches more rear headroom than the Mazda 6.

The power windows standard on both the Jetta GLI and the Mazda 6 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Jetta GLI is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Mazda 6 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the Jetta GLI the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows with the driver’s door power window switch. The driver of the Mazda 6 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Jetta GLI’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Mazda 6’s power lock and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Jetta GLI’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the Mazda 6 Grand Touring/Signature/Carbon Edition.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Mazda 6 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Jetta GLI was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2 of the last 2 years. The Mazda 6 hasn’t been picked since 2015.

The Volkswagen Jetta outsold the Mazda 6 by over four to one during the 2021 model year.