VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
186hp @ 6000
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
186lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
26 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Acura Tlx and the Mazda Mazda3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Tlx delivers 272hp @ 6500 while the Mazda Mazda3 produces 186hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Tlx returns 26 mpg est. while the Mazda3 uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $37,500 for the Tlx and $31,450 for the Mazda3. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Acura TlxFWD 2021 - From $37,500
Mazda Mazda32.5 S Premium Manual FWD 2026 - From $31,450
Performance
Power Output (hp)
272hp @ 6500
186hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
186lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
25 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
34 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
13.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
194.6in
175.6in
Width (in)
75.2in
70.7in
Height (in)
56.4in
56.7in
Wheelbase (in)
113in
107.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3709lbs
3058lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda Mazda3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tlx
Fuel Economy
Mazda3
Value
Mazda3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Acura Tlx
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Mazda Mazda3
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($31,450)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tlx or Mazda3?
The Tlx gets 26 mpg est. and the Mazda3 gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Mazda3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Tlx or Mazda3?
The Tlx produces 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Mazda3 delivers 186hp @ 6000 and 186lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The Tlx is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tlx and Mazda3?
The Tlx starts from $37,500 and the Mazda3 from $31,450. The Mazda3 is cheaper by $6,050 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Tlx or the Mazda3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider