Mazda's entry in the midsize category doesn't try to deliver all things to all buyers. Instead, the sedan couples the company’s SkyActiv technology and KODO design language, to create a family car that’s athletic, economical, and stylish, as well as practical. For years, Mazda has been promoting the sporty nature of nearly all of its models, and that description is undeniably true of the Mazda6.
What's New for 2017
Addition of Mazda’s exclusive G-Vectoring Control as standard equipment is the foremost news for 2017. Additional sound-absorption material has been added, too.
Mazda Connect, which integrates Bluetooth, USB pairing and diagnostic controls into a 7-inch touchscreen color display with control knob, infotainment is newly standard on the Sport model with manual shift. Smart City Brake Support, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers now are standard on the Touring model. Grand Touring trim adds some active-safety features: lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and high-beam control. A Premium Package that includes regenerative braking is newly optional for the Grand Touring.
Choosing Your Mazda Mazda6
Mazda has done quite a good job of keeping the selection process simple. All Mazda6s contain the same 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine, which develops 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 pound-feet of torque at 3,250 rpm. Additionally, all models come only with front-wheel drive.
The only actual drivetrain option is the choice between a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic (also with six speeds). The base Sport and mid-range Touring trim levels are available with both, while the top-rung Grand Touring comes only with automatic.
Fuel economy with automatic is estimated at 26 mpg in city driving and 35 mpg on the highway (29 mpg combined). Manual shift lowers the estimate to 24/34 mpg (city/highway) and 28 mpg combined.
Once you’ve decided on a transmission, you simply need to survey the three available trim levels to pick the equipment list that you prefer:
Basic Mazda6 handling virtues come with any of the three trim levels, but the differences in amenities are considerable. There’s quite a jump in price between the Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. If you can live without leather seating, a Touring with the two option packages could be a worthy compromise.