2021 Mazda3 vs. 2021 Acura ILX Comparison
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Style Cars
The 2021 Mazda3 has upscale ambitions, but how does it match up against the 2021 Acura ILX? Let’s see how they compare.
2021 Mazda3
2021 Mazda3 Starting Price: $20,650
Above Average: Engaging to drive; available all-wheel drive; deluxe interior; choice of body styles; powerful turbo engine option.
Below Average: Limited rear-seat space; hatchback’s rear visibility.
Consensus: The 2021 Mazda3 is a premium offering, particularly at the high end of its model range. That range encompasses three engines, automatic or manual transmissions, available AWD, and sedan or hatchback body styles.
2021 Acura ILX
2021 Acura ILX Starting Price: $26,100
Above Average: Nimble handling; strong resale value.
Below Average: Just one engine choice; base infotainment system lacks smartphone mirroring; all-wheel drive not available.
Consensus: The Acura ILX wears a luxury nameplate but is priced closer in line with mainstream brands. Bolstered by strong resale value and a low 5-year cost to own, that makes the ILX a good value. But there’s just one powertrain, and features are limited.
Mazda3 vs. ILX: Upscale Compacts
Mazda3
The sporty and fun-to-drive 2021 Mazda3 offers superior handling and a wealth of upscale features. Sedan and hatchback body styles are available. The hatch is the more versatile cargo carrier but suffers from large rear blind spots.
The cabin is upscale in its design and features, however, and can be had with a head-up display, navigation, power seat with memory, and leather. All trims include a slate of active-safety features, although blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert arrive at the mid-grade level.
Unusual for this segment, Mazda offers all-wheel drive as an option. Even more rare is the available stick shift, but it’s reserved for a single body style and trim level. Three engines are available: The base 2.0-liter four with 155 horsepower serves as the price leader. Most trims use a 186-hp 2.5-liter engine paired with a 6-speed automatic.
At the top is a 2.5-liter turbo, making as much as 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with AWD and can be had with either body style.
Acura ILX
The ILX is Acura’s entry model, a compact sedan based on a transverse-engine/front-drive architecture. All ILX models are powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder making 201 horsepower and paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel economy is 24/34 mpg city/highway.
Acceleration is adequate and handling is responsive, but the engine must be revved to get the most out of it since the peak torque of 180 lb-ft doesn’t arrive until 3,600 rpm. The driving position is comfortable but the ILX rear seat is on the small side, as is the trunk at just 12.4 cubic feet.
The ILX is a multi-year class winner of KBB’s 5-Year Cost to Own award. It’s available in four trim levels: base, Premium, A-Spec with Premium, and A-Spec with Technology. The base car includes a sunroof, power seats, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The Premium adds leather, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, satellite radio, and 8-inch touchscreen.
The A-Spec gets dark chrome and black exterior elements, rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels, and leather and Ultrasuede upholstery with contrast stitching. The Technology Package adds navigation and ELS premium audio among other features. The base infotainment system is just a 5-inch display and lacks Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Similarities
Responsive handling; compact dimensions; NHTSA 5-star safety.
Fuel economy; optional turbo engine’s horsepower; available all-wheel drive; superior infotainment system; low starting price.
More powerful standard engine; longer warranty; resale value
Which One Is Right for Me?
The 2021 Mazda3, particularly in its turbo-powered upper trims, convincingly competes with other upscale compacts. It offers a choice of body styles, engines, and AWD.
The 2021 Acura ILX boasts sporty handling, sharp looks, and optional packages like the A-Spec variant. However, it comes with just one drivetrain in front-drive only.
Ready to buy a Mazda3 or an Acura ILX?
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