2023 Acura TLX vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured rakish headlights framing a large, menacing grille and was available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. While the sedan had somewhat conventional proportions, the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design, with rear angles curving up around the rear window and doors. Inside, the clean and futuristic design continued with a simple yet elegant cabin. The infotainment system rose organically out of the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome choice. The climate controls were easy to use, and the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, had an elegant design.

The 2023 Acura TLX, redesigned for the 2021 model year, faced challenges due to the pandemic and supply chain constraints. Despite these issues, the TLX stood out on the road, especially the eye-catching TLX Type S with its Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance upgrades. The TLX's design was based on a concept vehicle, featuring a long, low, and lean look with a rear-wheel-drive appearance. However, the dramatic styling compromised rear-seat room and cargo space. Inside, the TLX had a layered dashboard design that emphasized width, but the control layout required relearning how to use the infotainment system and adjust driving modes, causing unnecessary distraction.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine, producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with an option for all-wheel drive (AWD). A manual transmission was available for front-wheel drive (FWD) Premium models. The test model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The turbo engine provided a fantastic sound and engaging driving experience, with well-weighted steering and impressive handling. The Mazda3's Sport mode enhanced the driving experience by holding gears longer and providing more forceful steering feedback.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX featured multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode. The TLX's SH-AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing power, grip, and control. The Type S model came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The Type S also featured performance enhancements such as a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front calipers. The TLX Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph, but its brake-by-wire system was less satisfying in performance driving.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet. However, the rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom, making it suitable for front-seat use only. The front seating area had a decently sized center console compartment, though the lid's design was frustrating. The Mazda3's ergonomics and cupholders were helpful.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured premium Milano leather with artificial suede inserts and contrast stitching. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel had analog gauges with low-contrast red markings, making them challenging to read. The front sport seats were 16-way power-adjustable with heating and ventilation, providing excellent comfort. However, the rear seat was small, with narrow doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more in line with a compact car than a midsize model.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the center console. The system was not a touchscreen, making menu navigation clumsy and unintuitive. The standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were also confusing to use. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. The test model featured upgrades such as navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a primary source of frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of the TTI touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition system. The TTI occupied valuable center console space, making the wireless smartphone charging pad difficult to use. Standard infotainment features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year subscription to AcuraLink connected services. The TLX did not support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system sounded terrific.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with numerous safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive headlights, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims added features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, the massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout presented a safety issue.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. The Type S included rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer system. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.