2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Lexus ES

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its dramatic and sophisticated bodywork. The sedan version, which was tested, offered a conservative yet elegant appearance, while the hatchback variant was noted for its aggressive stance. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, featured all-wheel drive and came in standard or Premium Plus trim. The test sedan, with Premium Plus trim and Machine Gray Metallic paint, was priced at $33,890, including destination charges. Interior options varied by trim, with the Premium Plus offering luxurious Nappa leather. The test car's white leather interior added a high-contrast, premium feel, complemented by meticulous design details and clear gauges.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup to include the ES 250 series with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive. The ES 300h hybrid variant offered improved fuel economy at a premium. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition, tested, featured numerous upgrades, including adaptive suspension, Sport+ and Custom driving modes, and a host of luxury features, bringing the total price to $54,070. The F Sport trim added unique styling elements and a black and white interior, enhancing the car's sporty appeal. Despite its bold grille, the ES maintained a sleek and detailed design, with the F Sport trim particularly standing out.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD, the Turbo model offered a transformative driving experience. The car's Sport mode enhanced transmission shifts and cornering capabilities, while the stiffer front suspension and improved steering response contributed to its sporty character. Despite the lack of summer tires, the Mazda3 Turbo delivered a balanced and engaging drive, with an average fuel economy of 20.4 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The F Sport trim added Sport+ and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, though testing yielded 22.9 mpg. The ES 350 F Sport offered a surprisingly dynamic driving experience, with firm ride quality and flat cornering. However, it lacked the outright sportiness of dedicated sports sedans, maintaining a balance between comfort and performance.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior featured Nappa leather, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, exuding a luxury feel. However, it lacked ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage was adequate but limited, especially with the optional wireless smartphone charger occupying the center console bin. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of space, while the hatchback variant provided more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport boasted sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, covered in NuLuxe synthetic leather. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom, supportive cushions, and rear air conditioning vents. The ES's interior design was both daring and functional, with excellent outward visibility and plentiful storage, though the wireless smartphone charger was inconveniently located under the center armrest. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, with a hands-free power trunk available for added convenience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured 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 technology detracted from the user experience. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system offered good audio quality, especially with FLAC files, though satellite radio performance was less impressive. The standard head-up display was a useful feature, remaining visible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Lexus ES included an 8-inch display, with an optional 12.3-inch widescreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and connected services. The touchpad interface was cumbersome, but the dynamic voice command technology was excellent. The ES also featured a 10-speaker premium sound system, with an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system for superior audio quality. Climate and stereo controls were conveniently located on the dashboard, enhancing usability.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 came equipped with the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam headlights, and an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Plus trim added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2021 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Safety System 2.0 (LSS 2.0), which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all but the base trim. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.