2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES, a staple in the Lexus lineup since its debut in 1990, had evolved over seven generations by 2022. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES remained a popular choice among an older demographic. Lexus faced the challenge of attracting younger buyers without alienating its loyal customer base, resulting in a design that was both safe and slightly unconventional. The latest generation, launched in 2018, utilized the Global Architecture-K platform, offering a front-engine, front-wheel drive layout with optional all-wheel drive. The ES boasted elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though its prominent spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes were polarizing. Inside, the ES featured a precisely assembled dashboard with an asymmetrical design, bold two-tone leather seating in the F Sport model, and a small analog chronometer that added to the cluttered look.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, available in sedan and hatchback styles, offered a range of models, including the affordable 2.0, the popular 2.5 S, and the sporty 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S lineup provided the most variety, with five trim levels and a choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, priced at $35,810, featured a stealthy design with deeply sculpted flanks and a mature, serious appearance. Inside, the Mazda3 impressed with refined materials, sophisticated design, and polished metallic finishes, creating an upscale atmosphere. The car's interior was driver-focused, with excellent thigh and side bolster support, user-friendly controls, and padded armrests. However, the back seat offered limited comfort and legroom for taller passengers, and the cargo space, while adequate, was not particularly spacious.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models, each with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. It was rated at 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway/26 mpg combined. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 hp, achieving 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined. The ES 250 AWD, while smooth and predictable, felt slow, and the V6-powered ES 350 offered a more engaging drive. The hybrid excelled in fuel economy but had modest performance.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's most affordable version, the 2.0 sedan, featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, prioritizing fuel economy with 31 mpg combined. The 2.5 S model, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, offering a choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The 2.5 Turbo model, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. It achieved 26 mpg combined for the hatchback and 27 mpg for the sedan. The turbocharged Mazda3 provided a thrilling driving experience with smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving, and the fuel tank's limited capacity required frequent refueling.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a generous 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, with a pass-through behind the center armrest for long items. The second row in the ES 250 and ES 350 folded flat, providing additional cargo space. The sedan's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to its SUV counterpart, the Lexus RX. Inside, the ES featured ample storage, including big bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious center console. The dashboard layout was functional, with a prominent volume knob for the audio system.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, sitting low to the ground, was challenging to enter and exit. The front seats offered a snug but comfortable fit, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The back seat, however, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and no rear air conditioning vents or USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door panel bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa+Lexus compatibility. A 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard. Upper trims featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and navigation. The ES used a touchpad interface, which was challenging to use on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display was available, along with a Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist. Lexus Enform connected services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote, and WiFi trials.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display and center console controls. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing them to be distracting. The system lacked a physical tuning function and had a voice recognition system that required specific commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, along with Mazda Connected Services, which offered remote access via a smartphone app. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star NHTSA rating. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and Intelligent High Beam Control. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags were also standard.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with five-star NHTSA ratings and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, and a surround-view camera system. The driver-assist features performed reliably, and the car's crash-test ratings were exemplary.