2021 Acura TLX vs 2021 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan in a competitive class. It featured an assertive stance with a steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler. The front grille, with its explosive pattern radiating from the Acura logo, and the jewel eye LED headlights added to its bold appearance. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes and high-quality paint further enhanced its premium look. Inside, the TLX showcased a "sport sedan cockpit" with authentic materials like metal, leather, and wood. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was neatly integrated, and the overall design exuded quality and attention to detail.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, especially the 2.5 Turbo sedan, was a visual delight with its dramatic and sophisticated bodywork. The sedan version, while more conservative than the hatchback, still offered plenty of visual appeal. The 2.5 Turbo came with AWD and Premium Plus trim, with a base price of $29,900 for the sedan. The interior featured high-contrast two-tone leather, metallic accents, and clear gauges, aiming to elevate Mazda into premium territory. Despite some hard plastic, the design and execution were top-notch, with a driver-focused cabin that revolved around the person in control.

The 2021 Acura TLX featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered both FWD and SH-AWD options. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for FWD models. The TLX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed for distinct driving modes, and the Advance package added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The TLX felt solid and balanced, with impressive torsional stiffness and rigidity. During a test drive in Michigan, the TLX demonstrated eager handling and a sprightly character, especially in Sport mode.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight but significantly boosted performance, making the Mazda3 Turbo feel transformative. The car's G-Vectoring Control Plus software and improved steering and suspension enhanced its sporty character. Despite lacking a summer tire option, the Mazda3 Turbo was delicately calibrated for maximum driving pleasure, delivering smooth, predictable, and consistent performance. During testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg combined.

The 2021 Acura TLX's shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console with a control panel inspired by the NSX. The center console housed the infotainment interface, a mini touchpad, and two cupholders. The rear seat was comfortable for two adults, with adequate head- and legroom. The front seats offered 12-way power adjustability and optional Milano leather. The second row folded down in a 60/40 split, providing access to the 13.5 cubic feet trunk with a 47.6-inch-wide opening.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior featured Nappa leather, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, it lacked front seat ventilation and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. In-cabin storage was adequate but limited, especially if opting for wireless smartphone charging. The trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of space, while the hatchback version provided more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2021 Acura TLX was packed with technology, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control. The TLX also offered ambient interior lighting and the impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker premium audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, SMS Text Messaging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Advance Package added a head-up display, G-Meter, and Turbo Boost Indicator.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, which sounded best with FLAC files. The Active Driving Display (HUD) was standard and visible with polarized sunglasses, showing speed, speed limits, and safety technology status.

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, ultra-high-strength steel front door stiffener rings, airbags, adjustable head restraints, three-point seatbelts, LATCH connectors, ABS, vehicle stability assist, auto-high beam headlights, and a multi-angle rear-view camera. New features for 2021 included a next-generation front-passenger airbag, passenger knee airbag, pedestrian sensing, autonomous emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a driver attention monitor. The TLX had not yet been tested by IIHS or NHTSA but aimed for top ratings.

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. The Premium Plus trim added a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top five-star ratings from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS.