2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Acura TLX had a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a luxury sedan from a larger class. It was notably wider than the BMW 3 Series, with a track width nearly three inches wider at the rear and almost two inches at the front. The TLX featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and a front bumper with V-shaped curves, giving it a substantial yet sleek appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like Tiger Eye Pearl paint, Performance Red Pearl, and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels inspired by the Acura NSX. The interior, though snug, boasted impressive detailing, with upper trims offering a Scandinavian airport lounge vibe through thin LED strips and light matte wood.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued in both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim standing out. The car's deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback design were not universally appealing, but it had a mature and serious look. Inside, the Mazda3 featured refined materials and sophisticated design, creating an upscale environment. The front seats were snug but comfortable, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. However, the back seat was less accommodating, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with a cargo capacity of 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with the seat folded down.

The 2022 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SH-AWD system, available for an extra $2000, enhanced stability and handling precision by varying torque at either rear wheel. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, excelling on the track with its double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers. The TLX's fuel economy varied, with the Type S achieving 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the regular TLX with SH-AWD reached 21/29/24 mpg.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engines, starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, achieving 31 mpg combined. The 2.5 S model had a 2.5-liter engine with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy ranging from 27 to 30 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo variant featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, producing 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel, with a combined fuel economy of 26-27 mpg. The Mazda3 excelled in driving dynamics, offering a smooth and supple ride, nimble handling, and excellent steering. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving on challenging roads.

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 were comfortable, with adjustable side bolsters and a low driving position. The touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, and the trunk space was mediocre at 13.5 cubic feet.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low seating position, making entry and exit challenging. The front seats were snug but comfortable, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. The back seat was less accommodating, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with a cargo capacity of 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with the seat folded down.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, but the small typefaces were difficult to read. The head-up display, available only with the Advance Package, allowed interaction with various functions. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and 12-way heated front seats. The Technology Package linked climate control to navigation and included standard driver assistance features.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system used an 8.8-inch display and center console controls. The lack of a physical tuning function and a voice recognition system that required specific commands were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, along with Mazda Connected Services for remote access and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system and an Active Driving Display were also available.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, auto high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors were included in higher trims.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had standard safety features such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. 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 the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.