2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Acura TLX

The 2020 Acura TLX underwent a significant design update a few years ago, resulting in a more attractive, albeit somewhat nondescript, appearance. The A-Spec option package added sporty visual enhancements like 19-inch wheels, revised bumpers, side sill skirts, and large round exhaust outlets. The limited-edition TLX PMC Edition, hand-built in Ohio, featured a striking Valencia Red Pearl paint and unique exterior accents, priced at $50,945. Non-PMC models started at $33,995, with recommended upgrades like the Technology Package and A-Spec Package bringing the price to just under $40,000.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, won the World Car Design of the Year for 2020. The sedan version was more conservative, while the hatchback had a more aggressive stance. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, included AWD and Premium Plus trim, with the sedan starting at $29,900. Our test sedan, with Premium Plus trim and Machine Gray Metallic paint, was priced at $33,890. The interior offered black or greige leatherette, with Premium Plus models featuring Nappa leather. The sedan's white leather interior added a premium feel, despite some practical drawbacks like susceptibility to stains from dark jeans.

The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition featured the top-performing powertrain, a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD system. This setup provided a steady build-up of power, with peak torque of 267 lb-ft arriving at 4,500 rpm. The SH-AWD system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The TLX offered a comfortable and quiet ride, with sophisticated dampers and heavy steering contributing to a solid road feel. During testing, the TLX achieved 23 mpg, matching the EPA's combined driving estimate.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD, the turbocharged powertrain added only 120 pounds to the car's weight, significantly boosting performance. The Mazda3 Turbo's smooth and predictable engine and transmission response, combined with improved steering and suspension, delivered a thrilling driving experience. Despite averaging 20.4 mpg during testing, the car's dynamic tuning and engaging drive made it a standout performer.

The 2020 Acura TLX offered a luxurious interior with high-quality materials and comfortable front seats. Heated and ventilated seats, along with ample room, provided a pleasant experience for the driver and front passenger. Rear occupants benefited from air-conditioning vents and optional heated seats. However, the trunk space was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, more in line with compact cars than midsize sedans.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo featured a Nappa leather-lined interior with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The driver-focused cabin included an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, but the front passenger seat lacked power adjustment and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers faced cramped conditions without air conditioning vents or USB charging ports. In-cabin storage was adequate, though the optional wireless smartphone charger reduced center console storage capacity. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of space, while the hatchback provided more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2020 Acura TLX's dual-screen infotainment system was a major drawback, with a non-touch-sensitive top display and a touch-sensitive bottom display. The layout was confusing, with climate control functions split between physical buttons and the touchscreen. The lack of a tuning knob and outdated navigation graphics added to the frustration. However, the Acura/ELS premium audio system and smartphone charger were positives, and the car included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The system was not touch-sensitive, relying on a control knob and voice recognition, which proved unreliable. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system offered good audio quality, especially with FLAC files, but struggled with satellite radio. The Active Driving Display (HUD) was useful, showing speed, speed limits, and safety technology status.

The 2020 Acura TLX, designed in the early 2010s, showed its age in safety ratings. It received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test but earned 5-star ratings in all NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. However, the systems lacked the refinement of more modern vehicles, with noticeable braking and acceleration adjustments and exaggerated steering wheel movements.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense ADAS aimed to support rather than replace the driver. The system included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and an Adaptive Front Lighting System. Premium Plus trim added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.