2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its design was bold, with a width surpassing that of the BMW 3 Series by over three inches, and a length extending nine inches longer. The TLX featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, creating a substantial yet understated appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. Inside, the TLX was snug, with impressive detailing and a Scandinavian-inspired vibe in upper trims. The Type S offered daring interior options, such as creamy white leather with black suede stripes, showcasing Acura's bold design choices.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a sleek and modern design, particularly in its hatchback form, which was noted for its clean and futuristic lines. The sedan version maintained more conventional proportions. Inside, the Mazda3 continued its minimalist theme with a simple yet stylish cabin. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome touch. The Mazda3's trim levels ranged from the 2.5 S to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, each adding features like alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and advanced driver assistance systems. The top trim, 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus, included premium features like a surround-view parking monitor and reverse automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the option for Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) for enhanced stability and handling. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine, delivering 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, showcasing its track-developed capabilities. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers contributed to its balanced and predictable handling, while the Brembo brakes provided strong stopping power. However, the exhaust note was considered too subdued for some enthusiasts.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, available with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The turbo engine was paired with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Mazda3's steering was well-weighted, and its handling was precise and refined, making it a joy to drive. The Sport mode enhanced the driving experience by adjusting the transmission and steering feedback. The Mazda3's brake feel was likened to that of a sports car, requiring careful modulation.

Inside the 2022 Acura TLX, space was tight despite its large exterior dimensions. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom, while the front seats were comfortable with adjustable side bolsters. The TLX's infotainment system used a touchpad interface, which required acclimation, and the trunk space was limited at 13.5 cubic feet. The TLX's design prioritized the double-wishbone suspension, which impacted interior space.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet. However, rear seat legroom was limited, and the sloping roofline reduced headroom. The front seating area was ergonomically designed, with a decently sized center console and sizable cupholders. The Mazda3's interior was best suited for front-seat occupants, with the rear seats being more of a secondary option.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though the small typefaces were difficult to read. The head-up display was a highlight, but only available with the Advance Package. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included, along with standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and heated front seats. The Technology Package added climate control linked to navigation and other premium features.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial, which was considered a weak point due to its clumsy menu navigation. The system's learning curve was steep, especially when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth, and voice control, with available upgrades like a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, which offered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It came with standard safety features like 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.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 included standard safety features such as forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Select trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Turbo Premium Plus offered traffic-sign recognition and a 360-degree parking camera. However, the large C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout posed a potential safety issue.