How Does the Mazda3 Compare to the Acura ILX for Jacksonville Drivers?

The Mazda3 competes head-to-head with Acura's ILX in the premium compact car class, and it comes out on top in several ways. At Tom Bush Mazda, we believe that when you take a close look at the features and capabilities of each model, the Mazda3 is more likely to be the right fit for you.

Mazda3 vs ILX Performance Comparison

The Mazda3 Touring and Grand Touring trims match the ILX's 2.4L engine in terms of horsepower, and you can hit 60 mph from a dead stop in a little under seven seconds in both cars. The ILX offers an automatic transmission as a standard feature, while the Mazda3 features a manual transmission and clutch for drivers who prefer better control.

The Mazda3 edges out the ILX in terms of handling and maneuverability on the streets of Saint Augustine and beyond. The Mazda3's wheelbase is two inches longer than the ILX, making it more stable and smooth on rough roads. The wheels are also set wider than the ILX. The result is that the Mazda3 also has a tighter turning radius by about two feet, which makes a difference in tight quarters like Jacksonville Beach parking garages. The Mazda3 comes with an all-wheel drive option that increases its stability and handling during inclement winter weather. The ILX doesn't offer all-wheel drive.

The Mazda3's engine options are more fuel-efficient than the ILX's standard 2.4L engine. While the ILX is rated at 24 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the freeway, the Mazda3's engines are rated between 25-27 mpg in the city and 33-36 mpg on freeways. That edge translates to savings over the long-term for Riverside, FL drivers.

Interior Comfort of the Mazda3 and Acura ILX

Passenger comfort is another selling point for the Mazda3. With about 3.5 cu. ft. more space in the cabin, it's a noticeably more comfortable compact car for Brunswick, GA motorists. The wider chassis allows the passengers generous hip room, and the longer wheelbase yields an inch more legroom for back seat passengers.

The bigger cabin also provides the Mazda3 with more cargo space. The trunk has an additional cubic foot of room and the back seats are split to give you flexible seating and cargo options. The ILX back seats fold down but they aren't split, making it impossible for a third passenger to ride with oversized cargo.

Acura and Mazda Safety Feature Comparison

The Mazda3 offers advanced safety features that go beyond protective airbags and chassis design for your Gainesville adventures. Many of the smart technologies it includes aren't offered by the ILX. An example is Mazda's Rear Smart Brake Support that automatically stops the vehicle when a pedestrian or vehicle collision is imminent. It does this by monitoring the rear of the Mazda3 with sensors. Mazda adds a driver alertness monitor to the package as well that detects signs of inattentive driving and that a break may be needed. You'll also get a 360-degree monitor that gives you camera views in all directions when you buy the Mazda3.

The Mazda3 also offers a sedan and hatchback body style to suit different car owners in the Ponte Vedra Beach area. The ILX doesn't have a hatchback trim. Another feature you won't get as an option with the ILX is adaptive headlights that help you see around sharp turns at night. The Mazda offers smart wipers that automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on the amount of water hitting the windshield. Both the rear view and side mirrors on the Mazda3 are designed to automatically dim when you have headlights behind you, too. The ILX is missing these conveniences.

Drive Home in a New Mazda3 From Tom Bush Mazda

According to J.D. Power and Associates in 2018, three-year-old Mazda vehicles rank 14th in terms of reliability, while Acura vehicles of the same age rank 20th overall. That translates to an average of 15 more problems per 100 vehicles. When problems do arise, you'll have less trouble locating a Mazda dealer to handle warranty work because there's twice as many Mazda dealers in the country than Acura dealer locations.

Acura's ILX is certainly a comparable model to the Mazda3 and has its own selling points. When you add up all the extra features available with the Mazda3, though, it's clearly a better choice for many car buyers. Come to Tom Bush Mazda to test drive the Mazda3 and explore your Mazda finance options.