2024 Acura Integra vs 2025 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S stood out with its widebody design and aggressive detailing, which were complemented by a complete hardware upgrade. This model shared several components with the Honda Civic Type R, including the drivetrain, suspension, steering, and brakes, which contributed to its serious performance modifications. The redesigned front end, featuring a 3.1-inch increase in front track width and 19-inch wheels, was a distinguishing feature. The rear track was also wider by 1.9 inches, and the car's visual appeal was enhanced by a lower body kit, rear fender flares, a rear lip spoiler, and a substantial rear diffuser panel. The triple-outlet exhaust system added a distinctive sound, especially in Sport+ mode.

The interior of the Integra Type S was similar to the Integra A-Spec, with Type S emblems and Ultrasuede seat inserts. The dashboard trim matched the interior color options of Black, Red, or Orchid. Despite the high price, the material quality was comparable to a standard Integra, which might not meet expectations for a vehicle of this cost. The rear seats lacked the premium feel, leaving passengers questioning the value. The car was available in a single specification level, with various dealer-installed accessories, and the as-tested MSRP was $53,785, including destination charges.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 Hatchback was characterized by its organic shape, long hood, and tapered greenhouse, which gave it a unique appearance. The Polymetal Gray paint over red leather added to its visual appeal. The interior was driver-oriented, with a clean design and high-quality materials, although the gloss black plastic trim on the center console showed wear easily. The test vehicle featured metal speaker grilles, analog climate controls, and clear gauges, contributing to a calming atmosphere.

The Mazda 3 Hatchback was available in 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo model series, with various trim levels. Prices ranged from $25,150 to $37,150, excluding the destination charge. The test car was a 2.5 S Premium hatch, the only version with a manual transmission, and included extra-cost paint, a rear bumper scratch guard, and a rear hatch spoiler. The as-tested MSRP was $33,045 with destination charges. The Mazda 3's interior was snug, with comfortable seats and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Forward visibility was excellent, but rear visibility was compromised by the design. The cargo space was practical, with 20.1 cubic feet behind the back seat, expandable by folding the rear seat.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S was powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 320 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque between 2,600 rpm and 4,000 rpm. It shared many components with the Honda Civic Type R, including a six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev matching, a helical-type limited-slip differential, and a dual-axis front strut and multi-link rear suspension with adaptive damping. The Integra Type S also featured dual-pinion variable-ratio steering, 13.8-inch two-piece ventilated front disc brakes with Brembo four-piston calipers, and 12-inch solid rear discs. The car offered four driving modes and sat on 19-inch wheels with 265/30 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance summer tires.

Acura tuned the Integra Type S suspension for a softer ride compared to the Civic Type R, making it more comfortable in everyday driving. The car weighed 31 pounds more than the Honda but offered slightly more power. During testing, the Integra Type S demonstrated impressive performance on California roads, with minimal torque steer and a thrilling driving experience. However, it was loud on highways, and the small 12.4-gallon fuel tank limited its range. The car averaged 21.7 mpg, with a real-world range of about 269 miles.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 S models were equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Turbo models offered a turbocharged version of the engine, generating 250 hp at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The standard engine provided smooth and refined power, making it enjoyable to drive.

Most Mazda 3s featured a six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode and manual shift control, while the Premium trim offered a six-speed manual gearbox. The manual version had an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 29.1 mpg. The Mazda 3's clutch required some acclimation, but shifting gears was effortless. The car's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced handling and stability, although the torsion-beam rear suspension magnified road imperfections. The steering response was excellent, but the steering-wheel rim felt thin. The Mazda 3 also experienced elevated road noise at highway speeds.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S featured front sport seats with aggressive lower bolsters, providing comfort in everyday driving. The driver's seat offered 12-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat lacked power adjustment. The rear seats provided decent legroom but lacked thigh support and had a slouch-promoting backrest angle. Storage was limited, with cupholders in the rear seat and no air conditioning vents or USB ports. The sportback body style offered a 24.3 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable by folding the back seats.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 felt compact, with snug seating and limited stretch-out room. The seats were comfortable, and the test car's eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat allowed for a perfect driving position. The red leather upholstery was soft, and the heated front seats provided warmth. Forward visibility was excellent, but rear visibility was compromised. The rear seats had tight legroom and lacked air vents, USB ports, and storage space. The cargo space was practical, with 20.1 cubic feet behind the back seat, expandable by folding the rear seat.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S was equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and a 9-inch infotainment screen. The system was user-friendly, with a touchscreen, volume knob, tuning buttons, and a Home button. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system was standard, but the audio quality was affected by the car's loudness. A 5.3-inch head-up display was also available.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, with an 8.8-inch or 10.25-inch display. The system relied on physical controls and voice recognition, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be used with a touchscreen. The test car's 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium audio system provided excellent sound quality. Other features included Wi-Fi hotspot access, mobile 911 automatic emergency notification, and a one-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S came with AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The car had ten airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, automatic high-beam headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. The standard Integra received top safety ratings, but the Type S had not been tested.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five stars in all NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The test car had adaptive cruise control, but lane centering assist was unavailable. The safety features generally performed well, with some minor issues.