2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer no significant changes from its previous model year. It was available in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, with options ranging from the affordable Mazda3 2.0 sedan to the popular Mazda3 2.5 S and the speedy Mazda3 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S lineup provided the most variety, offering five trim levels and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2.5 S Premium hatchback was the only model to offer a six-speed manual transmission. Prices ranged from $20,800 to $34,400, excluding the $1,015 destination charge. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with extra-cost Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, had an MSRP of $35,810, including the destination charge.

The Mazda3's appearance was not universally appealing, with its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback design, but it had a certain artistry that some appreciated. The interior was refined, with sophisticated design and polished metallic finishes, creating an upscale and elegant driving environment. The Mazda3 was seen as a smart choice for those looking for value, offering more for less compared to entry-level luxury cars, except in terms of perceived cachet.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to the consumer shift to SUVs, supply chain constraints, and rising interest rates, making it a rarity on the road. The TLX Type S, tested in Southern California, featured eye-catching Tiger Eye Pearl paint, a performance wheel and tire package, and premium floor mats, bringing the MSRP to $59,100, including the $1,195 destination charge. The latest TLX design, based on a concept vehicle, introduced a new design language to the brand. Despite its FWD platform, the TLX had a rear-wheel-drive look, but the dramatic styling impacted rear-seat room and cargo space.

Inside, the TLX had a layered dashboard design emphasizing width, but the control layout prioritized style over practicality, causing unnecessary distraction. The Type S test car, with a turbocharged V6 engine and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), was the most expensive version, while the base TLX with a turbocharged four-cylinder and FWD started at $41,045. Option packages included the Technology Package, A-Spec Package, and Advance Package, with varying drivetrain options.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options. The most affordable 2.0 sedan had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, with a fuel economy of 31 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 S model, the most popular choice, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy ratings between 27 mpg and 30 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model had a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with power output depending on the fuel type: 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with 87-octane gas, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with 93-octane fuel. The turbo models had a fuel economy of 26 mpg (hatchback) or 27 mpg (sedan) in combined driving.

The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was praised for its stealthy appearance and fun driving experience. The turbocharged engine provided a gradual build-up of power, and the car's smooth ride, nimble handling, and excellent steering made it enjoyable to drive. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving on Deer Creek Canyon Road, although they performed well on less demanding roads. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was considered a brilliant automobile with exceptional quality, style, and price, but it needed a brake upgrade for more demanding driving conditions.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a paddle-shifted 10-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy ranged between 24 mpg and 25 mpg in combined driving. The TLX featured several software enhancements to limit unwanted transmission shifts and offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode.

The TLX Type S, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, was the sportiest model. It included performance enhancements such as a sport automatic transmission with rev-matching downshifts, adaptive dampers, thicker stabilizer bars, and Brembo front calipers. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the Type S averaged 20 mpg.

The TLX Type S was fun to drive, with excellent performance modifications, but the brake-by-wire system was a drawback. The lack of a physical connection between the brake pedal and the master cylinder caused a mismatch between driver inputs and braking response, leading to momentary distractions. Despite this, the TLX Type S was fast, sounded great, and handled well, with good steering and grip. The adaptive suspension occasionally produced artificial responses, and the car allowed road noise into the cabin at highway speeds.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low seating position, making it difficult to enter and exit, with small door openings adding to the challenge. However, once inside, the front seats provided a snug but comfortable fit. The interior was driver-focused, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and leather upholstery in higher trims. The controls were user-friendly, except for the Mazda Connect infotainment system. The back seat was less comfortable, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured premium Milano leather with artificial suede inserts and contrast stitching and piping. The test car's Orchid interior looked great with optional carbon fiber trim. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel had analog gauges with low-contrast red markings, making them hard to read. The front sport seats were 16-way power-adjustable with heating and ventilation, providing excellent comfort. However, the rear seat was cramped, with narrow doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more in line with a compact car than a midsize model, but the flat trunk floor and enclosed hinges made the best use of the space.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, controlled by a center console knob, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing they were distracting, but 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, and Mazda Connected Services provided remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available in higher trims. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a touchpad and buttons on the center console, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The TTI's one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and display was distracting and occupied valuable center console space. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a three-year subscription to AcuraLink connected services. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging, navigation, and premium audio systems. The TLX did not support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice recognition system was not conversational.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard features including 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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Type S included rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer system. 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-impact collision.