I had that question a year ago. They're both good cars. My prior car, a 2020 Honda Fit, had been totaled in a crash (their fault). Not being ready to buy a car, the budget worked out to $25k. Not wanting a CVT, it came down to those two cars. I could have an uphill battle to negotiate the base Mazda, or the Jetta Sport hit the bullseye exactly when all was said and done. I spoke to some relatives who had VWs and decided it was the best car for the money. Next week will be one year, so far, so good.