2023 Acura TLX vs 2024 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 Acura TLX faced several challenges, including a consumer shift towards SUVs, pandemic-related supply chain issues, and fluctuating car prices, which made it difficult for Acura to offer attractive lease deals. Despite these hurdles, the TLX remained a rare sight on the road. The TLX Type S, with its striking Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance upgrades, was priced at approximately $67,500 in Canada. The TLX's design, inspired by a concept vehicle, featured a long, low, and lean profile with a rear-wheel-drive appearance, though this came at the cost of rear-seat headroom, legroom, and cargo space. Inside, the TLX's layered dashboard emphasized style over practicality, with a control layout that required drivers to relearn basic functions.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, despite its last redesign in 2019, maintained a modern and luxurious appearance. Its swooping lines and scalloped bodywork made it comparable to luxury vehicles, aligning with Mazda's aspirations. The Mazda3 was available in sedan and hatchback forms, with the hatchback offering more storage space and powertrain options. Our test car, similar to a 2024 Mazda3 Sport GT hatchback with AWD and a turbocharged engine, was priced at $41,031 in Canada. The interior featured an impressive red leather upgrade, with leather trimmings throughout, providing a premium feel. The Mazda3's design and materials impressed those comparing it to luxury brands like Audi or BMW.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered 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 TLX'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 Type S, the sportiest model, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It included performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive suspension, and Brembo brakes. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h. However, its brake-by-wire system, while effective in normal driving, was less satisfying on twisty roads.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and an optional turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine, paired with AWD, provided excellent performance, though power dropped slightly with regular fuel. Fuel economy varied depending on the configuration, with the turbocharged AWD hatchback achieving 10.1 L/100 km in the city, 7.5 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. The Mazda3 excelled on back roads, with precise steering and minimal body roll, despite its torsion beam suspension. Enthusiastic drivers appreciated its performance, even without the return of the Mazdaspeed name.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured an Ebony interior with Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The U.S.-spec test car had an Orchid interior with carbon fibre trim, unavailable in Canada. The Type S had a flat-bottom sport steering wheel and analog gauges, though the low-contrast red markings were hard to read. The front sport seats were 16-way power-adjustable with heating and ventilation, while the rear seat was cramped with limited legroom. The TLX's trunk offered 382 litres of cargo space, more akin to a compact car.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 hatchback provided 569 litres of cargo space, competitive with rivals like the Subaru Impreza. However, rear passenger space was limited, with tight legroom and headroom. The sedan's trunk held 374 litres, and the hatchback's design created significant blind spots. Despite these drawbacks, the Mazda3's interior was beautifully designed, with premium materials and a focus on driver comfort.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a 10.2-inch non-touch display controlled by a touchpad and buttons. The system's one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and display 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 lacked wireless smartphone connectivity.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a rotary controller for its infotainment system, which some drivers found safer than a touchscreen. The system included an 8.8-inch display, with a new 10.25-inch screen available. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity on upper trims. A wireless charging pad and Mazda Connect system with remote services were also available. The Bose stereo in higher trims provided good sound quality.

The 2023 Acura TLX came with standard driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers and a surround-view camera. 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 collision.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control available on higher trims.