2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Lexus IS

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. Its bodywork was a blend of drama and sophistication, offering a daring yet refined appearance. The sedan version, which was tested, provided a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo, available in both body styles, came with all-wheel drive and offered a range of trims, including the Premium Plus. The interior, especially in the Premium Plus trim, featured high-quality materials like Nappa leather, and the design focused on the driver, with a clear and legible set of gauges and thoughtful execution of metallic accents.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus IS made a statement with its athletic proportions and elegant design. The sedan's fast roofline and compact cabin appearance added to its sporty look. The signature spindle grille and narrow headlights gave it an assertive presence. Inside, the IS offered a simple yet bold interior design, with a modern aesthetic and high build quality. The dash had a retro hi-fi feel, and while the analog clock felt outdated, the overall interior matched the exterior's assertive choices.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo was a standout in terms of performance, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. When fueled with 93-octane gas, it delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission, paired with Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, provided a smooth and predictable driving experience. The car's dynamic tuning and G-Vectoring Control Plus software enhanced its cornering capabilities, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda3 Turbo maintained a balance of performance and comfort, though its fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates during testing.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a range of powertrains, with the IS 300 RWD featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 241 horsepower. The IS 300 AWD and IS 350 models came with a 3.5-liter V6, with the latter delivering 311 horsepower. The IS 350 RWD, tested on public roads, showcased a balanced 54/46 front/rear weight distribution and precise handling. The IS's fuel efficiency varied by model, with the IS 300 RWD achieving up to 25 mpg combined. The Lexus Driving Signature philosophy aimed to provide a seamless driving experience, and the IS delivered on this promise with its crisp and balanced performance.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior was lined with Nappa leather and featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. However, it lacked some premium features, such as ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with a competitive trunk size of 13.2 cubic feet. The hatchback version offered more utility with 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on driver comfort with easily adjustable seating and supportive seats, especially in the F Sport trim. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which was eco-friendly and easy to clean. Storage options were plentiful, with various compartments and cupholders. The rear seats were comfortable for two passengers, though legroom was limited. The trunk offered 10.8 cubic feet of space, with a deep configuration and a temporary spare tire stored beneath the load floor.

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 were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose sound system, which delivered good audio quality, especially with FLAC files. The Active Driving Display provided useful information, including speed and safety alerts.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Lexus Enform services offered various connected features, with trial periods for owners to explore. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a recommended option for audiophiles. The subscription model for technology had some pitfalls, but the overall system was user-friendly and well-integrated.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety with its i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems. The adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and Traffic Jam Assist were notable features. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet updated its rating.

The 2021 Lexus IS came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a comprehensive set of safety features such as a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While the IS had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, its platform and safety features suggested strong performance in crash tests.