2023 Acura Integra vs 2024 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 Acura Integra was a testament to Acura's cohesive design language, seamlessly fitting into the brand's lineup with its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines. It replaced the ILX compact sedan, offering a more modern five-door liftback design reminiscent of the third-generation Integra. The vehicle's wide track and long wheelbase gave it a solid, planted look, while the embossed "Integra" name added a nostalgic touch. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic, but with enough unique features to maintain its premium feel. The Elite A-Spec trim level featured microsuede inserts, although the lack of ventilated seats was a notable omission.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, despite being last redesigned in 2019, maintained a modern and luxurious appearance with its swooping lines and scalloped bodywork. The vehicle's squinting headlights and stylish round lighting elements added to its dramatic design. Available in both sedan and hatchback forms, the Mazda3 offered a range of trim levels, with the hatchback providing more storage space and powertrain options. The interior was beautifully designed, with an impressive red leather option and high-quality materials throughout. The Mazda3's design and material quality made it a strong competitor against luxury brands, offering great value for its price.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The Elite A-Spec trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential, enhancing the driving experience with features like automatic rev-matching. The Integra's handling was impressive, with a firm suspension and a variable-ratio electric power-steering system that provided a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The car's three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowed for a customizable driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and an optional turbocharged version with 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine, paired with an intelligent AWD system, provided excellent performance in various driving scenarios. Fuel economy varied depending on the configuration, with the turbocharged powertrain offering 10.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.5 on the highway. The Mazda3's handling was exceptional, with a torsion beam suspension that managed corners well and a tight, precise steering system.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design offered practicality with 688 litres of cargo space, although the high lift-over height could be challenging for loading heavy items. The interior was spacious for front passengers, with a logical dashboard layout and smart storage solutions. Rear passengers had decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the steeply sloped roofline.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 hatchback provided 569 litres of cargo space, with a total of 1,333 litres when the rear seats were folded. However, rear passenger space was limited, with tight legroom and headroom. The sedan version offered even less trunk space at 374 litres. The vehicle's design created significant blind spots, affecting rearward visibility.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Elite A-Spec trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system with 16 speakers. The technology package made the Integra a strong contender in its segment.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a rotary controller for its infotainment system, with an 8.8-inch display standard and a new 10.25-inch screen available. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity on upper trims. The Mazda Connect system offered remote services and navigation, while the Bose stereo provided good sound quality.

The 2023 Acura Integra offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Elite A-Spec trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. The Integra received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 also received top safety ratings, with a range of safety features available. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, while additional features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist were available on higher trims. The GT trim included Traffic Jam Assist.