2023 Acura TLX vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was a striking vehicle with its rakish headlights and large, menacing grille. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the sedan had conventional proportions, while the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The clean lines and forward-thinking aesthetics of the hatchback were among the most innovative in the market, excluding some electric vehicles. Inside, the cabin continued the theme of clean futurism, with a simple yet elegant design. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome choice. The climate controls were straightforward, and the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, had an elegant design.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX was a rarity on the road, partly due to supply chain constraints and a shift in consumer preference towards SUVs. The TLX Type S, with its Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance upgrades, was eye-catching and sporty. The TLX's design was based on a concept vehicle, featuring a long, low, and lean profile with a rear-wheel-drive look. However, the dramatic styling compromised rear-seat headroom, legroom, and cargo space. Inside, the TLX had a layered dashboard design emphasizing width, but the control layout required relearning how to operate the vehicle, causing unnecessary distraction.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four was optional on the GS and standard on the GT, delivering 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, available on the GT trim, produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The Mazda3's driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and a performance-oriented feel. The turbo engine provided moderate acceleration, shining in second gear and Sport mode. The handling was precise and refined, offering a perfect blend of agility and comfort.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured a turbo 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 SH-AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing power, grip, and control. The Type S model, with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivered 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It included 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. Despite its weight, the Type S was fun to drive, with excellent grip and handling. However, the brake-by-wire system lacked the satisfying feel of traditional brakes, and the adaptive suspension occasionally produced artificial responses.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 569 litres. However, the rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area had a decently sized centre console compartment, though the lid was frustrating to operate. The ergonomics were helpful, and the cupholders were sizable.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured an Ebony interior with premium Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel had analog gauges with low-contrast red markings, making them difficult to read. The front sport seats were 16-way power-adjustable, offering excellent comfort. However, the rear seat was small, with narrow doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk held 382 litres of cargo, comparable to a compact car, but the flat trunk floor and enclosed hinges maximized usability.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the centre console. The system was not a touchscreen, making menu navigation clumsy and unintuitive. The learning curve was steep, especially when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Our test model featured upgrades like navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which delivered excellent sound quality.

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, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The TTI's one-to-one relationship with the display screen proved distracting. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, 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, and the TTI occupied valuable centre console space.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's standard safety equipment in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features like forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The GT grade included adaptive headlights, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Mazda3 hatchback's massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, posing a safety risk. The IIHS rated the Mazda3 as a Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA awarded it five stars in front crash tests and rollover tests.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Type S included rain-sensing wipers, a wiper de-icer system, and a surround-view camera. The TLX's Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags enhanced safety. The IIHS gave the TLX a Top Safety Pick+ rating, and the NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall crash-test rating, with a four-star rating for the front passenger's seating position in a frontal-impact collision.