Model Year | 2009 | 2013 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Lexus IS | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
5.0L V8 DOHC-4v 416 hp@6600 371 lb-ft@5200 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 107.5 in | -3.6 in |
Length | 178.3 in | 180.1 in | -1.8 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 70.9 in | -1.8 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 56.1 in | 1.6 in |
Curb Weight | 2991 lb. | 3800 lb. | -809 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 17.2 gal. | -2.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 37.2 in | 1.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 54.4 in | 0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 54.1 in | 0.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 43.9 in | -2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.4 in | 36.7 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 52.7 in | 1.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 53.7 in | 0.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 30.6 in | 5.7 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 74.5 in (over 2 rows) | 3.7 in |
Cargo Volume | 11.4 ft3 | 13.0 ft3 | -1.6 ft3 |
2009 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 |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Kids easily able to get in/out of back (4-doors) and often able to take co-workers to lunch (both of which is much more of a hassle with 2-doors). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of leg room even with the seat all the way back see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Not enough comfort-room for my son (which meant that the Mazda failed the test). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tight and uncomfortable as are most other cars in this class. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Too cramped for an adult see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Well, when the front seats are back, there is little leg room in the back seat -- to be expected in a compact. But, the rear seats are very comfortable and can handle a wider person. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
good for a small child, but i would not want to ride back there for long see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2013 Lexus IS Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | Following the Germans' lead, many car makers have been fitting firmer and firmer seats. Cadillac might have once been known for seats you could sink deep into, but those in the ATS are the opposite, with too little give and contours that are far from form-fitting. No fear, Lexus hasn't done the same with the IS. Even the more heavily bolstered seats that are part of the F Sport package lack hard points, which helps them provide a slop-free fit for a wide range of body types. (Oddly, you'll find seats similar to these in some Chrysler people haulers.) Personally, I wouldn't mind a little firmer support, but then I also prefer a firm mattress. Notably, the lumbar support in the Lexus IS is only two-way and the spread of the side bolsters is not adjustable. For four-way lumbar support and adjustable side bolsters (plus somewhat firmer support) you need to step up to the larger Lexus GS. see full Lexus IS review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2013 Lexus IS.