2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to captivate 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 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, featured all-wheel drive and came in standard or Premium Plus trim. The interior, especially in the Premium Plus version, was adorned with Nappa leather and metallic accents, aiming to elevate Mazda's brand into the premium segment. Despite some use of hard plastics, the design and quality were impressive, with a focus on the driver-centric cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of the original IS F with its powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine. The car's design was subtle, with minor trim modifications and exclusive 19-inch wheels, maintaining a stealthy appearance. Inside, the IS 500 shared similarities with the IS 350 F Sport, offering a comfortable and intimate interior for four. The addition of a wide touchscreen display improved the infotainment experience, although the touchpad on the center console remained a space-consuming feature. The IS 500's design was understated, focusing on performance and comfort rather than flashy aesthetics.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was a performance-oriented vehicle, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. When fueled with 93-octane gas, it produced 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, while 87-octane resulted in slightly lower figures. The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, enhancing corner-exit capability. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight, yet significantly boosted performance, offering a smooth and predictable driving experience. The car's dynamic tuning and G-Vectoring Control Plus software contributed to its sporty character, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. Despite its performance prowess, the Mazda3 Turbo's fuel economy fell short of expectations during testing.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, with its 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivered 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. The engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the car featured a limited-slip differential. Driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, allowing for customizable performance settings. The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable yet stable ride. The car's acceleration was impressive, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. However, its fuel efficiency was less than ideal, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing. Despite this, the IS 500 offered a thrilling driving experience, with its V8 engine providing an intoxicating soundtrack.

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 power adjustment for the front passenger seat and rear-seat ventilation. The rear seats were cramped, and storage space was limited, especially if opting for wireless smartphone charging. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of space, while the hatchback provided more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 excelled in comfort, with effective climate control and seat ventilation systems. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, offering excellent support and a driver-focused position. Rear-seat accommodations were adequate for average-height adults, with rear air conditioning vents but no smartphone charging. Storage was decent, though the touchpad controller occupied valuable space. The trunk was small, measuring just 10.8 cubic feet. The IS's control layout was praised for its clarity and ease of use, with buttons and knobs providing a user-friendly experience.

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 poor voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, which delivered good sound quality, especially with FLAC files. An Active Driving Display was standard, providing useful information to the driver.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 benefited from a touchscreen infotainment display, improving the user experience. The system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, offering impressive sound quality. The dynamic voice command system was highly effective, handling queries accurately and efficiently.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 was equipped with the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), designed to support the driver. The system included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Plus trim added features like a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top ratings from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS.

The 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive package of safety features. The system included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and low-speed automatic braking. While some features were helpful, others could be irritating in certain situations. The IS received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a "Top Safety Pick+" designation and a five-star overall rating.