Compare the2022 Acura TLXVS 2021 Mazda 6

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Acura TLX have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Mazda 6 doesn’t offer pretensioners for the rear seat belts.

The Acura TLX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Mazda 6 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The TLX offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Mazda 6 doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the TLX and the Mazda 6 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Acura TLX is safer than the Mazda 6:

	TLX	Mazda 6
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	20%	23%
Neck Stress	175 lbs.	266 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	32%	53%
Neck Compression	66 lbs.	107 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Acura TLX is safer than the Mazda 6:

	TLX	Mazda 6
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	128	154
Chest Movement	.8 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	188 lbs.	256 lbs.
Hip Force	279 lbs.	437 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	181	356
Spine Acceleration	53 G’s	64 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	14 inches
Spine Acceleration	33 G’s	36 G’s
Hip Force	484 lbs.	671 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the TLX, with its five-star roll-over rating, is 1.3% less likely to roll over than the Mazda 6, which received a four-star rating.

Warranty

The TLX comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The 6’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Acura’s powertrain warranty covers the TLX 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Mazda covers the 6. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Mazda 6 ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Reliability

The battery on the TLX is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the TLX’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Mazda 6’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the TLX’s reliability 12 points higher than the Mazda 6.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Acura vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Acura 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 14th.

Engine

The TLX’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 85 more horsepower (272 vs. 187) and 94 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 186) than the Mazda 6’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The TLX’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 22 more horsepower (272 vs. 250) than the Mazda 6 Grand Touring/Signature/Carbon Edition’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The TLX Type S’ standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 105 more horsepower (355 vs. 250) and 34 lbs.-ft. more torque (354 vs. 320) than the Mazda 6 Grand Touring/Signature/Carbon Edition’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Acura TLX is faster than the Mazda 6:

	TLX turbo 4 cyl.	TLX Type S	6 4 cyl.	Mazda 6 Grand Touring/Signature/Carbon Edition
Zero to 60 MPH	5.9 sec	4.9 sec	7.3 sec	6.4 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6.5 sec	5.5 sec	7.5 sec	6.7 sec
Quarter Mile	14.5 sec	13.6 sec	15.8 sec	14.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	97 MPH	103 MPH	89 MPH	97 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the TLX’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Mazda 6 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The TLX has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Mazda 6 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Acura TLX higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Mazda 6 (3 to 7). This means the TLX produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Mazda 6 every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Acura TLX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Mazda 6.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the TLX’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Mazda 6:

	TLX	TLX Type S	Mazda 6	Mazda 6 Turbo
Front Rotors	13 inches	14.3 inches	11.7 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13 inches	10.9 inches	10.9 inches

The TLX stops much shorter than the Mazda 6:

	TLX	Mazda 6
70 to 0 MPH	165 feet	184 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	112 feet	124 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the TLX has larger standard tires than the Mazda 6 (235/50R18 vs. 225/55R17). The TLX Type S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Mazda 6 (255/35R20 vs. 225/55R17).

The TLX’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Mazda 6 Sport’s standard 55 series tires. The TLX Type S’ tires have a lower 35 series profile than the Mazda 6 Touring/Grand Touring/Signature/Carbon Edition’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the TLX has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Mazda 6 Sport. The TLX Type S’ 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels on the Mazda 6 Touring/Grand Touring/Signature/Carbon Edition.

The TLX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Mazda 6 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

The TLX offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Mazda 6’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the TLX’s wheelbase is 1.6 inches longer than on the Mazda 6 (113 inches vs. 111.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the TLX is 1.4 inches wider in the front and 2.4 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Mazda 6.

The TLX Type S handles at .96 G’s, while the Mazda 6 Signature pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The TLX Type S executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.6 seconds quicker than the Mazda 6 Touring (25 seconds @ .75 average G’s vs. 27.6 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

Passenger Space

The TLX has .3 inches more front legroom, 2.3 inches more front hip room, 2.3 inches more front shoulder room and 1.1 inches more rear hip room than the Mazda 6.

Cargo Capacity

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the TLX offers cargo security. The Mazda 6’s non-lockable remote release defeats cargo security.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the TLX. The Mazda 6 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Servicing Ease

The TLX uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Mazda 6 uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Acura service is better than Mazda. J.D. Power ranks Acura 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 25% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 23rd.

Ergonomics

The TLX’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Mazda 6 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

If the windows are left open on the TLX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Mazda 6 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The TLX’s power window, power lock and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Mazda 6’s power lock switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The TLX’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the Mazda 6 Grand Touring/Signature/Carbon Edition.

When the TLX is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Mazda 6’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

Both the TLX and the Mazda 6 offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the TLX has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Mazda 6 doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Acura TLX A-Spec/Advance/Type S has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Mazda 6 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Acura TLX and the Mazda 6, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Acura TLX outsold the Mazda 6 by 60% during the 2021 model year.