2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Lexus ES

The 2020 Lexus ES underwent a transformation from its earlier "boring" label, adopting a more aggressive design with a prominent spindle grille that integrated well with its larger proportions. The rear of the vehicle maintained a more subdued aesthetic, featuring thin taillamps and a distinctive kink in the side windows. Inside, the ES offered a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen, rivaling even Mercedes-Benz in interior execution. The 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 to enhance comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 was celebrated for its award-winning design, combining drama and sophistication. The sedan version, while more conservative, still captivated with its sleek lines. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, featured all-wheel drive and a choice of standard or Premium Plus trim. The interior, especially in the Premium Plus trim, boasted Nappa leather and a driver-focused layout, though it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. Despite these omissions, the Mazda3's attention to design detail and quality materials aimed to elevate the brand into the premium segment.

The 2020 Lexus ES was powered by 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. This setup allowed the ES to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 131 mph. While not a performance powerhouse, the ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension for enhanced driving dynamics, adding a Sport+ mode for a more engaging experience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel. With 87-octane, it delivered 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD, the Mazda3 Turbo offered a transformative driving experience. The Sport mode and G-Vectoring Control Plus enhanced cornering and responsiveness, making it a joy to drive. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda3 Turbo maintained a balance of smoothness and predictability, though its fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates during spirited driving.

The 2020 Lexus ES provided a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including deep door pockets and a well-designed center console. The trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of space, though the lack of folding rear seats limited its versatility for larger items.

In comparison, the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather, exuded luxury but lacked some premium touches. The driver-focused cabin offered adequate storage, though the optional wireless charging pad reduced center console space. The trunk measured 13.2 cubic feet, competitive for a compact sedan, while the hatchback variant provided significantly more cargo capacity.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlling either an 8-inch or optional 12.3-inch display. While not a touchscreen, the system was intuitive with practice, and included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ES also offered a 10-speaker audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system and a head-up display for added convenience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 utilized the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice recognition detracted from the experience. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose sound system, offering impressive audio quality, especially with high-quality files. A head-up display was standard on the Turbo model, providing useful driving information.

The 2020 Lexus ES came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. Additional safety features included a full array of airbags, traction control, and stability control.

Mazda's i-ActiveSense suite in the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 aimed to support rather than replace the driver, with features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Plus trim added exclusive features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in safety ratings, earning top marks from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS.