2022 Lexus IS vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a nod to its predecessor, the 2008 Lexus IS F, maintaining the essence of a powerful, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine. This engine delivered 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, channeled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The car's design was subtly aggressive, with a raised hood and quad exhaust outlets, riding on exclusive 19-inch wheels. Inside, it mirrored the IS 350 F Sport, offering a comfortable and quality interior for four, enhanced by a wide touchscreen display. Despite its high price, the IS 500 was praised for its thrilling performance and daily driving comfort, though it lacked some rear passenger amenities and had limited trunk space.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was available in both sedan and hatchback forms, with the latter showcasing a daring and futuristic design. Its interior continued this clean aesthetic, with a simple yet stylish layout. The Mazda3's cabin featured a conventional shifter and easy-to-use climate controls, though the rear seating area was cramped, especially for taller passengers. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the sedan provided 13.1 cubic feet. The front seating area was ergonomically designed, with a decent center console and sizable cupholders, though the rear legroom was limited.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This rear-wheel-drive vehicle featured an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. The IS 500 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Its adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable ride and stability. Despite its thrilling performance, the IS 500 was not fuel-efficient, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a base 2.5-liter inline-four engine with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Our test model featured the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The turbo engine provided a satisfying sound and engaging driving experience, with well-weighted steering and impressive handling. The Mazda3 excelled in Sport mode, where the transmission held gears longer, and the steering feedback became more forceful. Its handling was precise and refined, offering a balanced and agile ride.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with an effective climate control system and seat ventilation. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, offering excellent support and a driver-focused position. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, but lacked smartphone charging. Storage was limited, with a small trunk space of 10.8 cubic feet. The control layout was intuitive, with buttons and knobs clearly labeled, complementing the touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet. However, rear seating was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area featured a decently sized center console, though the lid was frustrating to operate. The Mazda3's ergonomics were helpful, with sizable cupholders and a well-designed front seating area.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system, solving previous ergonomic issues. It 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. The dynamic voice command system was outstanding, handling queries accurately and efficiently.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial, which was unintuitive and clumsy. The system's menu navigation was confusing, especially when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Standard features included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth, and voice control. Our test model had upgrades like navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, which delivered great sound quality.

The 2022 Lexus IS came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive package of safety features. It included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and low-speed automatic braking. The IS earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received a four-star frontal-impact rating.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera. However, the hatchback's massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout posed a safety issue by distracting drivers.