Mazda 6 vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?

Mazda 6

$20,850 - $41,995

2023 price

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Lexus LS

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2023 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2023 Mazda 6

2023 Lexus LS

By Emily Agar

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Twin Turbo V6, 3.4L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.6L/100km (combined)

10.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Interior trims feel plush
Smooth and sporty handling
Solid luxury features

Business class interior
Japanese feel and quality
Thumping turbo V6

Dislikes

Leaning more towards old than retro inside
A bit thirsty
Terrible reversing camera

Feels a bit old-fashioned to drive
The hybrid would be nicer to be driven in
Dated multimedia software

2023 Mazda 6 Summary

Has it really been 20 years since the humble Mazda6 station wagon hit our roads? You betcha, but I was more shocked that I remembered when it did!

I have a sudden flashback of questionable fashion choices, glittery butterfly hair clips and how Skipper was making a play at being the coolest 'Barbie' (she wasn't).

I've always had a soft spot for wagons, they are the forgotten heroes for family hauling. It's hard not to glide over them when the market is dominated by SUVs but if you happen to remember they still exist (albeit, barely) you might remember why they were popular back in the day.

Being a 20th Anniversary Edition means there are some nods to the past in this model but unlike the low-slung jeans of my youth, they're stylishly done. With some luxuriously-appointed rivals to contend with, like the Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Passat, does it offer enough to be considered by a modern family?

My little family of three has been in it all week to find out for you!

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2023 Lexus LS Summary

Surprisingly, for people who would rather be driven than drive themselves, there are quite a few options available in the large luxury sedan market.

While on the whole sedans have fallen from favour, this niche corner of the market continues to let the three-box design thrive.

The options here have changed a bit in the last few years, though, so how does the Lexus flagship, the LS fit into the picture? I drove one around for a week to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mazda 6 2023 Lexus LS

Verdict

So, what did my family think about the Mazda6 20th Anniversary wagon? Firstly, I like that it drives well and how many luxe features are up front. The trims and body paint look divine but there's a disconnect with family practicality in the back seat. Besides the multimedia system, which 100 per cent needs to be improved, I don't mind the retro-feeling elements in the cockpit but my husband's first comment was that it looked old.

It may be better suited to a smaller and older family that isn't carting around a stack of gear but you get a lot of features for your cash in this model. So, this gets a 7.0/10 from me.

My son didn't spend heaps of time in this one but he liked the colour of it and the seats. He gives it a 7.0/10.

Verdict

The LS500 is the least logical version of the most logical option in the ultimate luxury sedan segment in which logic doesn’t often apply at all.

Take from that what you will, but if it was me being driven around I would definitely be opting for the hybrid version of the LS instead for its smooth electrified driving characteristics and lower operating costs.

Mazda 6 vs Lexus LS What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda 6 vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?