2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement about its driver with its athletic proportions and great stance. Its design captured motion even while standing still, with an elegant distance between the front axle and dashboard. The fast roofline and the kick-up of the window base at the back of the passenger door added to its sporty and compact look. The new spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive squint. Inside, the dash was tastefully simple, with a retro hi-fi feel to the center stack. The interior matched the exterior with bold, assertive choices and modern aesthetics, although the analog clock felt outdated.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued in both sedan and hatchback body styles, offering a variety of trims and powertrains. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with its Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, had an MSRP of $35,810. While its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback design were not universally appealing, the car's mature and serious appearance was appreciated. Inside, refined materials and sophisticated design created an upscale environment. The Mazda3 was seen as a smart choice for those seeking value over perceived luxury cachet.

The 2021 Lexus IS was developed with a focus on the "Lexus Driving Signature," ensuring linear operation faithful to the driver's intentions. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD had a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350 models, both AWD and RWD, had the same V6 engine, tuned to 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. RWD models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS had a top speed of 143 mph, with 0-60 mph times ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engines, starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the 2.0 sedan, producing 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, with a combined fuel economy of 31 mpg. The 2.5 S model had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy ranging from 27 to 30 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, producing 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87-octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel, with a combined fuel economy of 26-27 mpg. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was praised for its smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and balanced ride, although the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a driver-centered focus with a comfortable and supportive seat, easily adjustable for an optimal driving position. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat, standard in IS 350 models, included heating and ventilation. The IS featured perforated NuLuxe fabric, a synthetic upholstery that mimicked leather. Storage space was ample, with various compartments and a decent glovebox. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three, with legroom dependent on front-seat adjustments. The trunk provided 10.8 cubic feet of space, with a temporary spare stored beneath the load floor.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low seating position, making entry and exit challenging. Once inside, the front seats offered a snug but comfortable fit, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. The interior was designed around the driver, with user-friendly controls, except for the Mazda Connect infotainment system. The back seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and no rear air conditioning vents or USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It included various connected services with free trial periods, such as Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote. The Navigation Package offered Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt premium surround-sound audio system was a recommended option for audiophiles, providing superb sound quality.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system used an 8.8-inch display and primary controls on the center console. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing them to be distracting. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and a voice recognition system that required specific commands were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could mitigate some of these issues. Mazda Connected Services, complimentary for three years, provided remote access to vehicle functions and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield.

The 2021 Lexus IS had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of review. It came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, and LED lighting. The IS had four-channel/four-sensor anti-lock braking with power-assisted disc brakes.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.