Acura TLX vs. Mazda Mazda6

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Acura TLX and Mazda Mazda6 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Acura TLX and the Mazda Mazda6.

When comparing the Acura TLX's and the Mazda Mazda6's specifications and ratings, the Acura TLX has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Mazda Mazda6 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Acura TLX's and the Mazda Mazda6's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda6 is a better car than the Acura TLX.

Pricing: A used 2021 Acura TLX ranges from $25,999 to $38,048 while a used 2021 Mazda Mazda6 is priced between $18,276 to $28,457.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Acura TLX loses 47.9 percent of its value and the Mazda Mazda6 loses 37.9 percent of its value. This means the Mazda Mazda6 retains 10 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Acura TLX.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura TLX is 8.2 out of 10 while the Mazda Mazda6's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Acura TLX being ranked 8 out of 24 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Mazda Mazda6 being ranked 5 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura TLX is 7.2 out of 10. For the Mazda Mazda6 the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Mazda Mazda6 an advantage in reliability compared to the Acura TLX.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Acura TLX’s base engine makes 272 horsepower, and the Mazda Mazda6 base engine makes 187 horsepower. The TLX is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 491 miles. The Mazda6 is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 574 miles. This gives the Mazda Mazda6 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Acura TLX. The TLX uses premium unleaded, and the Mazda6 uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the Mazda Mazda6 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Acura TLX has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Acura TLX and the Mazda Mazda6 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.