2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, with a variety of engine and powertrain configurations. It was available in three trim levels for both body styles, with options for front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Canadian buyers had the unique option of a six-speed manual transmission in certain trims. The price range for the lineup was from $21,400 to $31,000, excluding engine upgrades and a $1,750 destination charge. The top-of-the-line hatchback with a turbo engine and Polymetal Gray Metallic paint was priced at $38,981 in Canada, including the destination charge. The Mazda3's design 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 materials and a design that exuded an upscale feel. The Mazda3 was seen as a smart choice for those seeking value over perceived luxury cachet.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to a shift towards SUVs, supply chain constraints, and rising interest rates, making it a rare sight on the road. The TLX Type S, with its Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance upgrades, was priced at approximately $67,500 in Canada, including delivery and fees. The TLX's design was based on a concept vehicle, featuring a long, low, and lean look with a rear-wheel-drive appearance. However, this design compromised rear-seat headroom, legroom, and cargo space. Inside, the TLX had a layered dashboard design that emphasized width, but the control layout was not user-friendly, causing distractions. The Type S model, with its turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), was the most expensive version, while the base TLX A-Spec with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and SH-AWD was priced at $54,729 in Canada. The TLX offered various option packages, including A-Spec and Platinum Elite.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with the GX sedan's 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. While not known for speed, it excelled in fuel economy, consuming 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Most buyers opted for the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel consumption ranging from 7.8 to 8.6 L/100 km. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, paired with a six-speed automatic and AWD, offered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87-octane gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. However, real-world fuel efficiency was lower than advertised, averaging 10.2 L/100 km. The Mazda3 Turbo provided a thrilling driving experience with smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving, and an adaptive damping suspension would have been a welcome upgrade.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard SH-AWD in Canada. The engine's fuel economy was rated at 11.3 L/100 km in the city, 8.1 on the highway, and 9.8 combined. The TLX offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode. The SH-AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing power, grip, and control. The Type S model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, along with performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo brakes. The Type S accelerated to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was rated at 12.3 L/100 km in the city, 9.4 on the highway, and 11.0 combined. The TLX Type S offered an engaging driving experience, but the brake-by-wire system lacked the satisfying feel of traditional brakes.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low seating position, making entry and exit challenging, especially with small door openings. However, once inside, the front seats provided a snug and comfortable fit. The interior was driver-focused, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats as standard in Canada. The test vehicle featured leather upholstery and user-friendly controls, except for the Mazda Connect infotainment system. The back seat offered decent comfort and legroom for shorter passengers, but taller occupants would find it cramped. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins, a big glove compartment, and a centre console bin. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 1,334 litres with the seat folded. The sedan's trunk held 374 litres of cargo.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured an Ebony interior with premium Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The test car's Orchid interior, with optional carbon fibre trim, was not available in Canada. The Type S had a flat-bottom sport steering wheel with analog gauges, but the low-contrast red markings were difficult to read. The front sport seats were 16-way power-adjustable, with heating and ventilation. Rear seat comfort was compromised by narrow doors and limited legroom, a result of the TLX's design prioritizing aesthetics over practicality. The trunk offered 382 litres of cargo space, more in line with a compact car than a midsize model.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Bluetooth, and centre console controls. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing them to be distracting, but the lack of a physical tuning function and a voice recognition system that required specific commands were drawbacks. The system's shortcomings could be mitigated by using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Mazda Connected Services, complimentary for two years, provided remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield.

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. The TTI's one-to-one relationship with the display screen proved distracting. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, a wireless charging pad, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the TLX did not support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with faultless crash-test ratings. In Canada, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, while other features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking were optional. The GT trim added adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with a suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers, a wiper de-icer, and a surround-view camera. The TLX's Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags contributed to its safety. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.