2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan that stood out in a crowded class. Its design featured an assertive stance, highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front grille, with its pattern radiating from the central Acura logo, was flanked by horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights, giving the TLX a bold face. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal, while high-quality paint and tasteful chrome accents enhanced its premium look. Inside, the TLX offered a "sport sedan cockpit" with authentic materials like metal, leather, and open-pore wood, creating a cohesive and visually engaging interior. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, contributing to the car's modern and intentional design.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles with a range of engine and powertrain options. The hatchback, in particular, had a unique design that some found less appealing due to its deeply sculpted flanks and "hunchback" appearance. However, the Mazda3's understated elegance and mature styling were appreciated by those who preferred a more subtle look. Inside, the Mazda3 featured refined materials and a sophisticated design, with polished metallic finishes creating an upscale atmosphere. The interior was driver-focused, with a snug fit and excellent support from the seats, making it a comfortable place to enjoy the driving experience.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a newly developed 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which was standard in Canada. The TLX offered a dynamic driving experience, with drive-by-wire and shift-by-wire systems enhancing its sporty character. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes, adjusting the car's performance accordingly. The TLX's adaptive dampers, available on the Platinum Elite grade, further refined the ride quality, making it nimble and enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the 2.5-litre non-turbocharged engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available with AWD, offered up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. The Mazda3 was praised for its smooth power delivery and engaging driving dynamics, with nimble handling and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving, indicating a need for improvement. Despite this, the Mazda3 remained a fun and capable car to drive.

The 2021 Acura TLX's design choices, such as the shift-by-wire transmission, allowed for a more streamlined centre console with easy-to-access controls. The interior featured comfortable sport bucket seats with power adjustability and available Ultrasuede or leather upholstery. The rear seat offered adequate space for two adults, while the trunk provided 382 litres of cargo space. The TLX's interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage options and a focus on driver comfort.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's interior was designed with the driver in mind, offering a snug but comfortable fit. The front seats provided excellent support, and the interior featured user-friendly controls, although the infotainment system had some limitations. The back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, and the hatchback's cargo space, while adequate, was limited by its shape. The sedan offered 374 litres of trunk space, while the hatchback provided up to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with advanced performance technologies, 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, enhancing the driving experience. The TLX also offered ambient interior lighting and the impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with a head-up display available on higher trims.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display and Bluetooth connectivity. Mazda's approach to infotainment avoided touchscreens, instead using a control knob and voice recognition, which had some limitations. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, providing alternative options for connectivity. The Mazda3 also offered Mazda Connected Services, allowing remote access to certain vehicle functions. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was available, along with an Active Driving Display for added convenience.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a full complement of airbags. The TLX received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for buyers.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 also offered a range of safety features, although many were not standard in Canada. Standard features included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional options like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist available. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.