A good battle all issues thought-about
Most of you recognize that Acura is the posh/efficiency model from Honda. Fascinating little bit of historical past: among the many spinoff manufacturers from Japan (Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura), Honda was the very first to determine Acura again in 1986. The others got here alongside about three years later. What many do not know is that Mazda wished the same extension of their model referred to as Amati a few years again. Whereas that by no means materialized, the model managed to maneuver a bit upmarket. Now, many Mazda merchandise are knocking on the door of higher-end Asian and European manufacturers. On the identical time, Acura is constructing extra automobiles just like the Integra and ADX which might be tempting value-conscious customers.
Mazda
Sure, each the Mazda 3 and the Acura Integra have hotter, costlier variations. Mazda gives a turbocharged 250 horsepower powertrain, which comes commonplace with all-wheel drive (AWD), whereas the Acura Integra Kind S has a turbocharged 310 hp engine and an aggressive suspension setup, which is much extra track-oriented. These fashions don’t compete towards one another, however the entry fashions actually do.
Mazda 3 Sedan ($24,150)
Mazda
The 2025 Mazda 3 comes commonplace with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automated transmission, except you get the top-of-the-line Mazda 3 front-drive hatchback, which has an optionally available 6-speed guide transmission. AWD is obtainable, however provided that you get the upper trims with the turbocharged engine. The non-turbo engine is rated at 27 mpg metropolis and 37 mpg freeway, however the hatchback (which has a $1,000+ premium) is barely decrease.
Many discover the outside and inside design of the Mazda 3 to be top-notch. Mazda’s KODO design is meant to evoke a way of movement and emotional stimulation. I’ll say that the minimalist design has a sense of Italian and hints of German in probably the most optimistic manner. It is placing, however it’s not everybody’s cup of tea. Nonetheless, it feels like a costlier car, inside and outside. I might most likely go along with the $26,540 Mazda 3 2.5 S Most well-liked sedan because it comes with heated entrance seats, sliding glass moonroof, nicer wheels, and extra security options, amongst different goodies. The AWD turbocharged Carbon S Turbo (which is the entry level for the AWD turbo) begins at $32,300.
The usual 10.25-inch infotainment display takes time to get used to, because it’s primarily managed by way of a dial situated south of the gear lever. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are commonplace, and even the bottom mannequin’s six-speaker sound system supplies good audio. Seating supplies are wonderful, with an excessive amount of care being put into the entire parts’ really feel and site. If there’s any weak level to the Mazda 3’s inside design, it is right down to rear area. Passenger area within the again seat is a bit tight, and the cargo area within the sedan is 13.2 cubic ft, which is ample. The hatchback has a most of simply over 47 cu-ft of cargo area, which is on the decrease facet for the category.
Acura Integra ($33,000)
Acura
The 2025 Acura Integra comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. It is linked to a repeatedly variable transmission (CVT), except you get the A-Spec w/Know-how 6MT, which (clearly) comes with a guide transmission. There is no such thing as a AWD choice, so all Integras include front-wheel drive. Those that need AWD ought to most likely take a look at the Acura ADX, because it’s considerably primarily based on the Integra. The EPA-estimated gasoline financial system for the Integra is 30 mpg metropolis and 37 mpg freeway. The Integra A-Spec with Know-how Package deal, with the guide transmission, is rated at 26 mpg metropolis and 36 mpg freeway.
Acura
Many really feel that the Acura Integra’s exterior design is a bit polarizing. The nostril is all Acura, however the rear may look a bit comfortable for some. When you step as much as the $52,900 Kind S, all the design turns into exhausting and street-aggressive. Nonetheless, that is a very totally different animal, and I might purpose for the $38,000 A-Spec w/Know-how 6MT in the event you prefer to row your personal gears. This provides you nice bang for the buck whereas nonetheless offering a nice every day commute.
Providing commonplace Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Integra gives a normal 7-inch digital infotainment touchscreen, which is certainly small. The optionally available 9-inch touchscreen comes with the Know-how Package deal, and it is higher. At the very least all fashions come commonplace with a ten.2-inch digital gauge cluster. The legroom within the again seating space is much extra beneficiant than the Mazda’s, whereas the cargo space measures 24.3 cu-ft behind the rear seats. The inside of the Acura Integra is nicer than the Honda it is primarily based on, however lacks the sophistication of the Mazda’s design.
Mazda
Driving each head-to-head
If you happen to drive the $30,850 Mazda 3 Hatchback 6-speed guide instantly towards the Acura Integra A-Spec w/Know-how 6MT, you is perhaps stunned how they each behave. The Acura prices about $8,000 extra, but it would not really feel prefer it needs to be that rather more costly. It’s extra athletic, and the engine tuning is extra aggressive, however it feels no extra subtle than the Mazda. In reality, the Mazda 3 has a smoother journey and a quieter inside.
Then again, the Acura is far more participating to drive, particularly in the event you’re searching for enjoyable. It is faster, and its 0 to 60 mph time of about 7 seconds is almost 1/2 a second sooner than the Mazda 3 guide. The Acura’s adaptive dampers improve dealing with and solidify the journey, one thing that may’t be stated for the Mazda. Steering response in each vehicles is on the high of their class, however the Acura feels extra dialed in, as if it is speaking higher.
Ultimate ideas
It is a powerful alternative. The Acura is a ton of enjoyable to drive, and it gives plenty of usable area together with a thrifty and keen engine. Then again, the Mazda is extra luxurious, offering a extra subtle expertise, and it is cheaper. Each are excellent, and it makes me marvel the place Mazda can be if they’d really gone forward with constructing their very own luxurious/efficiency model many years in the past.
