Model Year | 2008 | 2011 | |
Model | Lexus IS | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.5 in | 103.9 in | 3.6 in |
Length | 180.1 in | 180.7 in | -0.6 in |
Width | 70.9 in | 69.1 in | 1.8 in |
Height | 56.1 in | 57.9 in | -1.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3455 lb. | 2963 lb. | 492 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 17.2 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 2.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 37.2 in | 38.9 in | -1.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.4 in | 54.9 in | -0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.1 in | 0.0 in | 54.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.9 in | 42.0 in | 1.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.7 in | 37.5 in | -0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 52.7 in | 54.0 in | -1.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.7 in | 0.0 in | 53.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 30.6 in | 36.2 in | -5.6 in |
Total Legroom | 74.5 in (over 2 rows) | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | -3.7 in |
Cargo Volume | 13.0 ft3 | 11.8 ft3 | 1.2 ft3 |
2008 Lexus IS Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 306-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The seats are very comfortable for the size car. see full Lexus IS review |
2008 Lexus IS Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Yeah, the back is small but still big enough to handle for the poor rear seat passengers. see full Lexus IS review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 306-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
This is a small car. Interior seating is comfortable but tight. Unless the driver is very short, forget about the back seat. see full Lexus IS review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 306-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Don't buy this car if you ever plan on carrying four adults. see full Lexus IS review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Cramped rear seat. Minimal knee and leg room when there is a front driver/passenger. Minimal room for the toddler when sitting in a car seat. Seats 2 small kids at best. see full Lexus IS review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The rear seats are very comfortable, but TINY. see full Lexus IS review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 416-horsepower 5.0L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Not enough rear legroom. see full Lexus IS review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 306-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The rear seat really is too small for adults. The front seats have to be moved forward for adults to sit in the back. see full Lexus IS review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Small rear seat. More like a coupe with 4 doors. see full Lexus IS review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Even large children will struggle to fit. see full Lexus IS review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
We do not have small children, and only small children could fit back there. see full Lexus IS review |
2011 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Tilt and telescopic wheel plus the adjustments with the drivers seat had me in a very good/comfortable driving position. Being comfortable allows me to concentrate on the drive ahead instead of being distracted by squirming around in the seat. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Being a 5 door hatch, there is plenty of room back for 2 full size adults or 3 kids/teenagers. The versatility of the hatch makes it feel like a Mini SUV. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very comfortable and form fitting. My butt and back feel supported. Leg room is great. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It's a joke. You can't fit anything in the back seat aside from children and/or groceries/shopping. Putting an adult back there will require a sincere apology, and possibly a written note and gift bottle of wine. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat is rather tight, worse than my old Protege5 see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I bought this car to replace a 2004 Mazda 6i Hatchback that I truly loved (got rear-ended and totaled). I did not like the 2012 Mazda 6 at all (or the milage it got), so I went the 3 with Skyactiv. The rear seat and rear legroom is just a bit too small. If it were a tad larger, this would be a awesome car, but the great mileage I get offsets this to a certain degree. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Non of either if the front seats are all the way back, but rear seat room is NOT a factor for me. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Mazda3 is not a vehicle for transporting more than 2 people. The backseat is cramped for a full-size adult. However, when required, they will fit. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 104-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Seating room is borderline for 2 adults, particularly leg room. 3 adults virtually impossible. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |