2023 Acura Integra vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 Acura Integra was a modern embodiment of Acura's cohesive design language, featuring a pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines. It seamlessly fit into the Acura family alongside the TLX sedan and RDX and MDX crossovers. With the Integra's introduction, Acura retired the ILX compact sedan, acknowledging the declining sedan market. The Integra distinguished itself with a five-door liftback design, a nod to its third-generation predecessor, and a wide track that gave it a solid, planted appearance. Available in three trims—base, A-Spec, and A-Spec with Technology—the Integra offered performance all-season tires and distinctive rear-end features like a decklid spoiler and dual exhaust outlets. Inside, it shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its unique identity with features like honeycomb climate control grilles and a 9-inch color touchscreen. The A-Spec trims boasted microsuede upholstery, though lacking ventilated seats, and while it didn't match the bespoke refinement of German rivals, it was well-constructed.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was a striking vehicle with rakish headlights and a large, menacing grille, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. The sedan had conventional proportions, while the hatchback's daring design was among the most forward-thinking, with rear angles curving around the rear window and doors. Inside, the clean, futuristic design continued with a simple, organic infotainment system rising from the dash. The conventional shifter design and easy-to-use climate controls were welcome features. The Mazda3 offered a range of trims, from the 2.5 S to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, each adding features like alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and leather upholstery. The top trim, 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus, included advanced driver assistance features and a powerful turbocharged engine. The Mazda3's design was both elegant and functional, though the rear seating area was cramped, and the infotainment system's dial operation was a weak point.

The 2023 Acura Integra marked a first with its turbocharged engine, a lively 1.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a six-speed manual transmission in the A-Spec with Technology trim. Lower trims featured a CVT. The Integra's powertrain, shared with the Honda Civic Si, delivered 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, offering a competitive and engaging driving experience. The manual transmission's rev-matching technology made downshifting smooth, and features like automatic stop/start and brake hold added convenience. The Integra's brakes and suspension provided a sporty yet comfortable ride, with a wide track and long wheelbase enhancing its handling. The variable-ratio electric power-steering system offered natural highway feel and sharp cornering. Three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowed for tailored driving experiences, with Sport mode notably enhancing steering and suspension.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, available with FWD and AWD. A manual transmission was an option for FWD Premium models. Our test model featured the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, producing 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel, paired with an automatic transmission and AWD. The turbo engine's sound and performance were engaging, with well-weighted steering and a responsive driving experience. Sport mode enhanced the transmission and steering, while the brakes provided a sports car-like feel. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, balancing precision and refinement, and absorbed road bumps with ease. The tap-shift function mirrored race-car sequential shifters, showcasing Mazda's performance focus.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design offered practicality with 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space, though the high lift-over height could be challenging for loading heavy items. The interior was spacious for front passengers, with a logical dashboard layout, smartly placed cupholders, and a decent center console cubby. Rear legroom was adequate for average-height passengers, but headroom was limited due to the sloped roofline. The rear seat cushions were notably soft, providing comfort despite the cramped space.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet, usable but not expansive compared to small SUVs. The rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline, making it suitable for occasional use. The front seating area featured a decently sized center console compartment, though the lid's sliding mechanism was frustrating. Ergonomics were well thought out, with sizable cupholders enhancing convenience.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Technology package upgraded the 7-inch touchscreen to a 9-inch unit, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, and a wireless charging pad. The A-Spec with Technology trim added a USB-C port for the front seats and two USB-A ports for the rear. The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers provided exceptional sound quality, making the Integra a technological standout in its segment.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a center console dial, which was a weak point due to its clumsy menu navigation and lack of touchscreen functionality. The system's learning curve was steep, and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was confusing. Standard features included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Our test model had navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which delivered excellent sound quality and aesthetic appeal.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a high standard for safety with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. The A-Spec with Technology trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. Notably, these features were available even with the manual transmission. The Integra received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing wipers. The Select trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the Turbo Premium Plus included traffic-sign recognition and a 360-degree parking camera. However, the massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout posed a distraction risk.