Overview
The Mazda6 is the Japanese brand’s mid-size sedan model. This third-generation design debuted in 2014 and was refreshed in 2018.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2021, the Mazda6 gains a new Kuro trim level, which is largely an appearance package built around the car’s optional turbo engine. Also new is wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, which is standard in GT trim and up.
Available Trims
Mazda offers the 6 in GS, GS-L, GT, Kuro, and Signature trim levels. Power for GS, GS-L and GT is from a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, while a 2.5L turbo four-cylinder is standard in Kuro and Signature models. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Standard Features
GS trim comes dressed with 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles, power-adjustable/heated side mirrors, basic keyless entry, and auto on/off LED headlights (with auto levelling) and taillights.
Inside, there’s an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker stereo, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, four USB ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic A/C, push-button engine start, power windows, front and rear reading lights, cloth upholstery, heated front seats, a six-way power driver’s seat, and leather-trimmed shifter and steering wheel.
Standard safety items include tire pressure monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, city-speed forward collision warning with automatic braking, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.
GS-L trim adds a sunroof, a front wiper de-icer, automatic high beams, a heated steering wheel, radar cruise control, passive keyless entry, leatherette upholstery, a colour multi-info display, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, all-speed forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian sensing, and distance recognition support.
GT’s exterior additions are chrome accents, 19-inch wheels, power-folding side mirrors, an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, front and rear signature lighting, and adaptive headlights. Inside, there’s an 11-speaker Bose stereo, wireless Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, navigation, an integrated garage door opener, leather upholstery, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and six-way power front passenger seat adjustments. Tech additions include a head-up driver display, traffic sign recognition, 360-degree camera views, and front and rear parking sensors.
The Kuro package adds black side mirrors, black metallic wheels, red leather upholstery, grey and red contrast stitching, and black trim inserts.
Signature trim also builds on the GT model and gets light grey wheels, piano black and gunmetal exterior trim, a frameless rearview mirror, LED interior lighting, Nappa leather upholstery, a black headliner, interior colour coordination, real wood dash and door trim, Ultrasuede door inserts and lower dash, driver attention alert, and rear automatic braking.
Fuel Economy
Mazda’s fuel consumption estimates are 9.0/6.7 L/100 km with the standard engine, and 10.0/7.5 for the turbo 2.5L.
Competition
The Mazda6 primarily competes for family sedan dollars with the segment’s heavyweights, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. It also has to contend with well-done cars like Korea’s Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5. The Nissan Altima is another quality sedan, which stands out for its standard AWD. Germany makes an appearance here, too, with the handsome VW Passat.
