2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Lexus ES

The 2020 Lexus ES had evolved significantly from its earlier iterations, shedding its "boring" label for a more aggressive look. The introduction of the large spindle grille in 2016, which grew even larger in the 2020 model, was a bold move. This massive grille, which initially seemed out of place, blended well with the new car's larger proportions. The rear design was more subdued, featuring thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows, adding to the sedan's sleek appearance. Inside, the ES boasted a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen, seamlessly integrated into the dash. The 2020 ES came in various trims, including the base 350 FWD, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport, each offering a range of standard and optional features.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 offered both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the hatchback standing out for its unique curves and silhouette. The sedan, while more traditional, still looked special and aimed to compete with upmarket rivals. Our test vehicle, a sedan with the Premium Package and AWD, featured 18-inch alloy wheels, a blacked-out mesh front grille, and round running lamps. The side profile was sculpted without being angular, setting it apart from competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Inside, the Mazda3 embraced simplicity and minimalism, with creamy white leather and a driver-focused design. However, the sheet metal felt less sturdy, and the trunk and doors lacked the satisfying thud of more premium vehicles.

The 2020 Lexus ES came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. While not a performance machine, the ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride. The suspension absorbed road bumps well, and the steering was light yet precise. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with adjustable dampers and additional drive modes, including Sport+, which enhanced the driving experience with quicker steering response and livelier throttle and transmission mapping.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous generation's 2.0-liter engine. The Mazda3's engine was predictable but lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged motors. Mazda announced a turbocharged version for 2021. The Mazda3 also offered a six-speed manual transmission, but only in the FWD hatchback model with the preferred or premium package. Most models came with a six-speed automatic transmission. The switch from a multi-link rear suspension to a torsion beam setup in the 2020 model was a cost-cutting decision that affected ride quality, but the precise steering and minimal body roll remained.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The front seats could slide back significantly without compromising rear-seat legroom. Despite the exterior appearance, rear-seat headroom was improved in the 2019 redesign. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple retractable panels for storage. The ES had 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was mid-pack for the segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting the ability to carry larger items.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length on a 107.3-inch wheelbase, with the hatchback being even more compact at 175.6 inches. The interior provided plenty of room for the driver, with supportive front seats and soft front seatbacks that made the tight rear legroom more bearable. The materials held up well, even with over 10,000 miles on the odometer. The rear middle seat was compromised by a large transmission hump. The sedan offered 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, a touch-sensitive pad controlling the standard 8-inch or available 12.3-inch display. While not a touchscreen, the Remote Touch pad was intuitive once presets were set. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which took up the entire screen for easy navigation. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system. A head-up display was available, providing crisp graphics and customization.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's interior design placed the 8.8-inch infotainment display high on the dashboard, blending seamlessly into the design. Mazda eliminated touch functionality, opting for a rotary dial controller between the front seats. The system included dedicated buttons and a volume knob with additional controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM satellite radio were included. The new infotainment software was faster, with sharp graphics and thin fonts that complemented the minimalist cabin design. The head-up display now reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist for limited semi-autonomous driving. The ES also had a full array of front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, scoring Good in all crash tests and receiving a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Premium Package's LED headlights received a Good rating, while lower trims received an Acceptable score. The Mazda3 offered advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and dynamic brake support. These features were increasingly common in mass-market vehicles but often optional in luxury segments.