2022 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 exceeding that of the BMW 3 Series by over 7.5 centimetres, and a length more than 22 centimetres longer. The TLX featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, contributing to its substantial appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. Inside, the TLX was compact, with impressive detailing and a snug fit. The interior boasted a Scandinavian vibe with ambient lighting and high-quality materials, offering a sense of well-spent money.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 maintained its design from previous years, available in both sedan and hatchback styles. It offered a range of trims and powertrain options, including a manual transmission for Canadian buyers. The Mazda3's appearance was not universally appealing, with deeply sculpted flanks and a hatchback design that some might find awkward. However, it exuded a mature and serious look, devoid of flashy elements. Inside, the Mazda3 provided a refined and sophisticated environment, with polished metallic finishes and a focus on driver-centric design. The interior was snug but comfortable, with excellent thigh and side bolster support, making it a pleasant place for driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the TLX came standard with Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing stability and handling precision. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-litre 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 provided consistent grip and balanced handling. However, the Type S's exhaust note was subdued, and its summer tires emitted extra noise on highways. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was moderate, with city and highway ratings of 12.3 and 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, respectively.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, prioritizing fuel economy with a combined rating of 7.6 L/100 km. The popular choice was the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel consumption between 7.8 and 8.6 L/100 km. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available with AWD, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. Despite its advertised efficiency, real-world consumption averaged 10.2 L/100 km. The Mazda3 Turbo offered a smooth and engaging driving experience, with nimble handling and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving, and the ride could feel floaty on uneven roads.

Inside the 2022 Acura TLX, space was tight despite its large exterior. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom, with a wheelbase slightly longer than a 3 Series. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable features on the Type S. The driving position was low, and controls were well-marked. The infotainment system used a touchpad interface, requiring acclimation, and trunk space was limited at 382 litres, less than a Honda Civic.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's low seating position made entry and exit challenging, but once inside, the front seats provided a snug and comfortable fit. The interior was driver-focused, with an eight-way power-adjustable seat and heated front seats standard in Canada. The back seat was less accommodating, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air vents and USB ports. Storage was adequate, with large door bins and a sizable centre console. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded, while the sedan's trunk held 374 litres.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small and hard to read. A head-up display was available only on the Platinum Elite trim. The ELS Studio premium audio system with 17 speakers was included on higher trims, along with features like a 360-degree camera and heated steering wheel. Standard technology included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features under AcuraWatch.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system used an 8.8-inch display with controls on the centre console. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing them to be distracting, but the system's voice recognition required specific commands and lacked a physical tuning function. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, offering alternative digital assistants. Mazda Connected Services provided remote access to vehicle functions for two years. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Acura TLX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 also received top safety ratings, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. In Canada, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, while other safety features were optional. GT grades offered adaptive headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, and a surround-view camera. The driver-assist features performed well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and reliable lane-keeping assist.