IS III (XE30) vs 6 III (GJ/GL): which is better?
Lexus IS III (XE30) (2013–present) vs Mazda 6 III (GJ/GL) (2012–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lexus IS III (XE30)
Mazda 6 III (GJ/GL)Specifications
| Lexus IS III (XE30) | Mazda 6 III (GJ/GL) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2013–present | 2012–present |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 V6 (IS250) | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 208 hp | 192 hp |
| Torque, up to | 252 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 665 mm | 4 870 mm |
| Width | 1 810 mm | 1 840 mm |
| Height | 1 430 mm | 1 450 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 800 mm | 2 830 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 165 mm |
| Fuel tank | 66 L | 62 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 29 450 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Lexus IS III (XE30)
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 208 hp
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Lexus 3GR/4GR-FSE (V6) engine: carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Engine (Lexus 3GR/4GR-FSE (V6)): carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection; oil consumption.
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Mazda 6 III (GJ/GL)
Pros
- Mazda Skyactiv-Drive gearbox (6-speed automatic): a reliable transmission
- Powerful versions: up to 192 hp
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Mazda Skyactiv-G engine: carbon buildup on valves in city driving
Engine (Mazda Skyactiv-G): few widespread problems; carbon buildup on valves in city driving.
Gearbox (Mazda Skyactiv-Drive (6-speed automatic)): reliable gearbox.
Which one to choose
- IS III (XE30) — if you care more about: power, fuel tank.
- 6 III (GJ/GL) — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: IS III (XE30) or 6 III (GJ/GL)?
IS III (XE30): up to 208 hp, 6 III (GJ/GL): up to 192 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: IS III (XE30) — about 29 450 ₸, 6 III (GJ/GL) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.