Lexus IS vs Mazda MAZDA3
Overview | |
Years produced2004-Present | Years produced2001-Present |
MSRP$24,550 | MSRP$39,125 |
Listings9702 | Listings4777 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryCompact sedans are some of the most affordable vehicles today, which often leads to cheaper interiors, disappointing performance, and uninspired styling. The 2026 Mazda 3 bucks that trend with a cabin that could easily be mistaken for entry-level luxury fare, a spirited driving experience, and head-turning style. The current-generation Mazda 3 debuted as a 2019 model, but despite its age few updates are expected for 2026. Verdict: The Mazda 3 proves that small cars don’t have to be boring. | |
Reviews SummaryAfter a substantial refresh for the 2021 model year, the 2022 Lexus IS lineup returns with a handful of minor updates and a significant improvement in performance. The new 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance also debuts this year, packing a normally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and laugh-riot driving dynamics. We sampled the new 2022 IS 500 in the suburbs and outskirts of Phoenix, and if you’re among the driving enthusiasts who miss the discontinued Lexus GS F, this is a credible substitute. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 186 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower186 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City27 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 186 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
Horsepower186 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City27 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway31 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space13.2 cu ft | Cargo Space10.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3111 lbs | Curb Weight3715 lbs |
Height56.9 in | Height56.5 in |
Length183.5 in | Length185.4 in |
Width70.7 in | Width72.4 in |
Wheelbase107.3 in | Wheelbase110.2 in |
Maximum Payload970 lbs | Maximum Payload825 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2004-Present | 2001-Present |
MSRP | $24,550 | $39,125 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.5 out of 10Read full review | 8.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Compact sedans are some of the most affordable vehicles today, which often leads to cheaper interiors, disappointing performance, and uninspired styling. The 2026 Mazda 3 bucks that trend with a cabin that could easily be mistaken for entry-level luxury fare, a spirited driving experience, and head-turning style. The current-generation Mazda 3 debuted as a 2019 model, but despite its age few updates are expected for 2026. Verdict: The Mazda 3 proves that small cars don’t have to be boring. | After a substantial refresh for the 2021 model year, the 2022 Lexus IS lineup returns with a handful of minor updates and a significant improvement in performance. The new 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance also debuts this year, packing a normally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and laugh-riot driving dynamics. We sampled the new 2022 IS 500 in the suburbs and outskirts of Phoenix, and if you’re among the driving enthusiasts who miss the discontinued Lexus GS F, this is a credible substitute. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 186 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City | 27 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 31 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 186 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
Horsepower | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 27 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 13.2 cu ft | 10.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3111 lbs | 3715 lbs |
Height | 56.9 in | 56.5 in |
Length | 183.5 in | 185.4 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 72.4 in |
Wheelbase | 107.3 in | 110.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 970 lbs | 825 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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