2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan in a competitive segment. It featured an assertive stance with a steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler. The front end was bold, with a grille pattern radiating from the central Acura logo and horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes and high-quality paint added to 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 well-placed, and the overall design had tight gaps and a cohesive flow.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued in both sedan and hatchback forms, with the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback being the top-tier model. The car's deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback design were not universally appealing, but it had a mature, serious look. Inside, the Mazda3 featured refined materials and a sophisticated design with polished metallic finishes. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. However, the back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, and the cargo space was limited to 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 47.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

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 front-wheel drive and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for FWD models, and slightly lower for AWD. The TLX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed for distinct driving modes, and the Advance package added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The car felt solid and balanced, with impressive torsional stiffness and rigidity.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engines, starting with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, focusing on fuel economy with 31 mpg combined. The 2.5 S model had a 2.5-liter engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, available with both FWD and AWD. The 2.5 Turbo model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. The Turbo model was fun to drive, with smooth power delivery and excellent handling, though the brakes showed signs of fade under extreme conditions. Fuel economy for the Turbo was lower, averaging 23.1 mpg in real-world driving.

The 2021 Acura TLX's shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console, featuring a control panel inspired by the NSX. The center console housed the infotainment interface, a mini touchpad, and two cupholders. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustability and available Milano leather. The rear seat was adequate for two adults, and the trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space with a wide opening.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low seating position, making entry and exit challenging. The front seats were snug but comfortable, with excellent support and user-friendly controls. The back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, and there were no rear air conditioning vents or USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

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 audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Advance Package added a head-up display and a G-Meter and Turbo Boost Indicator.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display and center console controls. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing them to be distracting. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and Mazda Connected Services offered remote access via a smartphone app. The car also had an eight-speaker audio system, with a 12-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assistance technologies, 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, and a full complement of airbags. The TLX also offered rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The 2021 TLX had not yet been tested by IIHS or NHTSA, but previous models received high ratings.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS.