2023 Acura Integra vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 Acura Integra was designed with a cohesive aesthetic that aligned with Acura's larger models, such as the TLX sedan and the RDX and MDX crossovers. Its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines contributed to a modern look that was both distinctive and familiar within the Acura family. The Integra replaced the ILX compact sedan, offering a five-door liftback design reminiscent of the third-generation Integra. This design choice, along with its wide track and long wheelbase, gave the Integra a solid and planted appearance. In Canada, the Integra was available in three trims: base, A-Spec, and Elite A-Spec, each with varying wheel sizes and performance all-season tires. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its unique identity with features like honeycomb grilles and a 9-inch colour touchscreen. The Elite A-Spec trim added microsuede inserts in the upholstery, although the lack of ventilated seats was a notable omission for a premium vehicle.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a striking design with rakish headlights and a large grille, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. While the sedan had conventional proportions, the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The interior continued this clean and modern aesthetic, with a simple yet stylish layout. The Mazda3 featured a conventional shifter design and easy-to-use climate controls, along with an elegant steering wheel. Canadian trims included GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, with various transmission and drivetrain options. Standard features on the GX included 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display. The GS trim added dual-zone climate control and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, while the GT offered 18-inch alloy wheels and a head-up display. The GT Turbo hatchback provided a more powerful engine, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Acura Integra marked a significant shift with the introduction of a turbocharged engine. The 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine delivered 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, providing a lively driving experience. The Elite A-Spec trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching technology, enhancing the driving dynamics. The Integra's suspension was firm yet comfortable, and its handling capabilities were impressive, even with front-wheel drive. The variable-ratio electric power-steering system provided a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra also featured three drive modes: Comfort, Normal, and Sport, with Sport mode noticeably enhancing the car's performance.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, available on GS and standard on GT, delivered 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available on the GT trim, provided 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque with regular fuel, or 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet with premium fuel. The Mazda3's steering was well-weighted, and its handling was precise and refined. The turbocharged engine offered moderate acceleration, with Sport mode enhancing the driving experience by holding gears longer and providing more forceful steering feedback. The Mazda3's brake feel was reminiscent of a sports car, and its handling balance was exceptional, offering agility without sacrificing comfort.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design offered practicality with 688 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the high lift-over height could be challenging for loading heavy items. The interior provided ample space for front passengers, with a logical dashboard layout and convenient storage options. Rear passengers had decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the sloped roofline. The rear seat cushions were notably comfortable.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 569 litres. The rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom, making it more suitable for occasional use. The front seating area featured a decently sized centre console compartment, although the lid's design was somewhat frustrating. The Mazda3's ergonomics were user-friendly, with sizable cupholders and a well-organized layout.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Elite A-Spec trim added a 9-inch colour touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display. The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers provided an exceptional audio experience. The Integra's technology offerings were impressive, especially in the Elite A-Spec trim.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the centre console. The system's menu navigation was clumsy, and the lack of a touchscreen made it less intuitive. The Mazda3 included standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. The GT trim added navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Acura Integra offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. The Elite A-Spec trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. The Integra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard safety features. The GS trim added forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The GT trim offered adaptive headlights, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating in front crash and rollover tests from the NHTSA.