2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. The sedan version, which was tested, showcased a blend of drama and sophistication, with its sleek bodywork and refined details. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, featured all-wheel drive and a range of trims, with the Premium Plus trim offering luxurious touches like Nappa leather. The interior, especially with the white leather option, exuded a premium feel, supported by meticulous design details and high-quality materials, despite some use of hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX presented a bold and substantial exterior, with a wide and long stance that made it appear larger than its competitors. The Type S model added unique visual elements like exclusive paint colors and sporty design features, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the TLX offered a snug but well-detailed cabin, with high-quality materials and a Scandinavian-inspired design in the upper trims. The seats, especially in the Type S, provided excellent comfort and support, though the touchpad interface for the infotainment system required some acclimation.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo delivered an exhilarating driving experience, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. With 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane, the Mazda3 Turbo offered impressive power. The six-speed automatic transmission, paired with Mazda's advanced i-Activ AWD system, ensured smooth and predictable performance. The car's dynamic tuning, including stiffer front suspension springs and improved steering feel, made it a joy to drive on twisty roads. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda3 Turbo managed to maintain a balance between performance and comfort, though fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates during spirited driving.

The 2022 Acura TLX, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, produced 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SH-AWD system, available for an additional $2000, enhanced the car's handling and stability, especially in tight corners. The Type S model, with its 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine generating 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, excelled on the track, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers. The TLX's broad torque range and minimal turbo lag made it a capable performer, though the exhaust note was subdued. Fuel economy for the Type S was average, with 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, felt luxurious. However, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The driver-focused cabin offered adequate storage, though the placement of the wireless smartphone charger in the center console bin was impractical. Trunk space was competitive at 13.2 cubic feet, with the hatchback version providing more utility.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, had a tight interior for four passengers. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats, especially in the Type S, were comfortable and supportive, with adjustable side bolsters and a low driving position. The touchpad interface for the infotainment system required practice, and the trunk space was mediocre at 13.5 cubic feet. The TLX's design prioritized the double-wishbone suspension, which impacted interior space.

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 significant drawbacks. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system offered good audio quality, though satellite radio performance was lacking. The Active Driving Display (HUD) was a useful feature, providing essential information without distraction.

The 2022 Acura TLX's infotainment system, while quick and simple, had small typefaces that were hard to read. The head-up display, available only with the Advance Package, was excellent, allowing interaction with various functions from the steering wheel. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers provided high-quality sound, and standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Technology Package added advanced climate control linked to navigation and other premium features.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense ADAS aimed to support rather than replace the driver, with features like adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and Traffic Jam Assist. The car earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though the latter had not yet carried over the "Top Safety Pick+" rating from 2020.

The 2022 Acura TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall score from NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.