2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Acura TLX

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 offered both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the hatchback standing out due to its unique curves and silhouette. The sedan, however, was more popular among U.S. shoppers aiming for an upmarket feel. The test vehicle, a sedan with the Premium Package and AWD, featured 18-inch alloy wheels, a blacked-out mesh front grille, and round running lamps. The side profile was sculpted without angular lines, unlike its competitors. However, the rear of the sedan felt disproportionate, unlike the more naturally rounded hatchback.

Inside, the Mazda3 aimed for a premium feel with a minimalist design. The test vehicle had creamy white leather, slim steering wheel buttons, and a cockpit-style feel due to the air vents' placement. While the materials were padded and leather-clad, they didn't match the sturdiness of more expensive luxury sedans. The trunk and doors felt light and hollow, lacking the solid construction found in brands like Volvo.

The 2021 Acura TLX was a sporty sedan with a distinctive, assertive stance, highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler. The front grille, with its exploding pattern from the Acura logo, and the jewel eye LED headlights added to its bold look. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes and top-notch paint quality further enhanced its premium appearance.

Inside, the TLX featured a "sport sedan cockpit" with clustered functions and authentic materials. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was neatly mounted, and the design had a good flow with tight gaps and matching fonts. The materials used were genuine, whether metal, leather, or wood, contributing to a high-quality feel. The overall design was intentional and cohesive, providing a visually appealing and functional interior.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's redesign included a cost-cutting torsion beam rear suspension, replacing the previous multi-link setup. While this decision affected the ride quality, the precise steering and minimal roll through corners remained. The 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine produced 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous generation. However, the engine lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged motors. A six-speed manual transmission was available only in specific hatchback models, while most cars came with a six-speed automatic.

The 2021 Acura TLX featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission included technologies like Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control, enhancing performance. The TLX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed for distinct driving modes, and the Advance package added adaptive dampers. The TLX felt nimble and balanced, with improved torsional stiffness and rigidity. During a test drive in Michigan, the TLX demonstrated its sporty character and handling, particularly in Sport mode.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was 175.6 inches long. Despite compact dimensions, the interior offered ample headroom and supportive front seats. The rear seat was tight on legroom, but the soft front seatbacks mitigated discomfort. The trunk provided 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the sedan and 20.1 cubic feet in the hatchback, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2021 Acura TLX's shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console, housing the infotainment interface and cupholders. The rear seat was comfortable for two adults, with adequate head- and legroom. The front sport bucket seats offered 12-way power adjustability and were available with perforated Milano leather. The second row folded down in a 60/40 split, providing access to the 13.5 cubic feet trunk with a wide opening.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display positioned high on the dashboard, controlled via a rotary dial. The system eliminated touch functionality, which Mazda argued was safer. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Sirius XM were included. The head-up display reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2021 Acura TLX was loaded with technology, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured several control technologies for enhanced performance. The TLX also offered ambient interior lighting, a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system, and a comprehensive infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Advance Package included a head-up display and additional performance indicators.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a full complement of airbags. The TLX also offered rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The 2021 model aimed for top safety ratings, following the previous generation's five-star NHTSA rating.