2023 Acura TLX vs 2024 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 Acura TLX faced several challenges, including a shift in consumer preference towards SUVs, supply chain constraints, and fluctuating car prices, which made it difficult for Acura to offer attractive lease deals. Despite these hurdles, the TLX stood out on the road, especially in Southern California, where a striking TLX Type S in Tiger Eye Pearl paint was tested. This model, with its performance wheel and tire package, had an MSRP of $59,100. The TLX's design, inspired by a concept vehicle, featured a long, low, and lean profile with a rear-wheel-drive appearance, though this impacted rear-seat and cargo space. Inside, the TLX's layered dashboard emphasized width but sacrificed practicality, with a control layout that required relearning basic functions.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, despite its last redesign in 2019, maintained a modern and luxurious appearance. Its swooping lines and sculpted bodywork made it comparable to luxury vehicles, aligning with Mazda's aspirations. The Mazda3 was available in sedan and hatchback forms, with the latter offering more storage space and better appointments. The Turbo Premium Plus trim, tested at $38,210, impressed with its material quality and value compared to luxury brands. The interior featured red leather upholstery, with leather trimmings extending across the dashboard and doors, creating a beautifully designed and furnished driver's seat.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim, it achieved 24-25 mpg in combined driving. The TLX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose from various driving modes, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode. The SH-AWD system, available on certain trims, provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing power and control. The Type S model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, offering a thrilling driving experience. However, the brake-by-wire system, derived from the NSX sports car, occasionally caused a mismatch between driver inputs and braking response, detracting from the overall driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo Premium Plus trim, with its AWD system, delivered an engaging driving experience. Fuel economy varied depending on the configuration, with the turbocharged powertrain achieving 23/32/27 mpg for the sedan and 23/31/26 mpg for the hatchback. The Mazda3 excelled on back roads, with its chassis and steering providing precise handling and minimal body roll. Despite a torsion beam suspension, the car managed corners well, offering a satisfying driving experience for enthusiasts.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured a premium interior with Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel and analog gauges added to the sporty feel, though the low-contrast red markings were difficult to read. The front sport seats offered excellent comfort with 16-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. However, the rear seat was cramped, with limited legroom and narrow doors. The trunk provided 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more akin to a compact car.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, while visually appealing, sacrificed rear passenger space for cargo capacity. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive with some rivals, but rear-seat legroom and headroom were tight. The sedan's trunk held 13.2 cubic feet, with similarly cramped rear quarters. The hatchback's design created significant blind spots, impacting rearward visibility.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration, with its non-touchscreen 10.2-inch display controlled by a touchpad and buttons. The system's layout proved distracting, and the TTI occupied valuable center console space. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with upgrades available for wireless charging and premium audio. However, the TLX lacked Alexa Built-In, relying on AcuraLink Remote for Alexa compatibility.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a rotary controller for its infotainment system, which some found safer than a touchscreen. The system included an 8.8-inch display, with a 10.25-inch screen available on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity on select trims. A wireless charging pad and Mazda Connect system with Wi-Fi and remote services were available. The Bose stereo in higher trims offered good sound quality.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for the front passenger in a frontal collision.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Turbo Premium Plus trim added Cruising and Traffic Support, enhancing adaptive cruise control with smart steering assistance.