Midsize sedans defined the mundane. Roomy and sensible, they served as the de facto vehicle for the typical family for many years until SUVs began taking over the auto industry. One model always stood out for being different: the Mazda6. Combining the familiar traits of a midsize sedan with driving fun, it became an enthusiast gem during its three generations. Its first generation even included a wagon version and a turbocharged Mazdaspeed variant with AWD and a manual transmission. The latter was one of only a handful of mainstream sport sedans, which include the Nissan Altima SE-R, Subaru Legacy GT, and Volkswagen Passat GT.
The third and final generation of the Mazda6 highlighted the best of Mazda paired with its more upmarket approach. Premium, engaging, and packed with personality, this sedan punched way above its weight. It urged you to find every reason to go out for a drive, even if it’s just for a quick grocery run.
Mazda6: All About the Drive
Like every Mazda, the 6 was a driver’s car first. Confident handling and minimal body roll imbued it with an athleticism typically not found in its segment. Immediate turn-ins add and confident braking to the sporty feel. On the other hand, direct and quick steering makes it feel smaller from behind the wheel. The only real downside? The tires. Mazda installed a set of rubber that can’t keep up with the chassis, squealing even at reasonable limits. A set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 or an equivalent from other brands would elevate its limits, even with the narrow stock 225-mm width.
Meanwhile, Mazda hit the perfect chassis balance with its midsize sedan. The final generation 6 shared its platform with the CX-5, which still uses the same architecture in its latest iteration. As a result, the Mazda6 featured a fully independent suspension setup, which provided a nearly perfect ride and handling balance. It rode firmly without beating you up, adeptly absorbing the rough stuff so that you barely felt road imperfections. That also amplified its premium vibes, making the 6 feel like a more expensive car.
The engines paired nicely with the rest of the car, too. Most models came with a smooth, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter I-4 making 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. In addition to a six-speed automatic, a six-speed manual transmission was also available. Both gearboxes worked well and got the most out of this svelte sedan. Turbocharged Mazda6s bumped the output up to 250 hp and 310 lb-ft, resulting in effortless acceleration. Although the turbo models only came with the automatic, Mazda preserved the sporty character. It also helped that peak torque arrived early for a nice jolt of power. However, it also tapered off quickly due to the engine’s tuning.
Timeless Beauty
Following the CX-5, the Mazda6 followed as the next vehicle to wear the early iterations of Mazda’s Kodo design language. The result? A svelte sedan that looked every bit as premium as more expensive models from luxury brands. Its flowing lines and muscular fenders gave it a sleek yet athletic look that just commanded attention, especially in Mazda’s signature Soul Red. Most importantly, it remains timeless. Five years after its discontinuation, the 6 remains one of the best-looking midsize sedans.
Stepping inside, the upscale vibes continued. The Mazda6’s well-built cabin felt well-built and expensive, especially after its 2016 refresh, which saw a full redesign of the dash. Its higher trims even received Japanese Sen wood in 2018 when it got another major update. Most importantly, the 6 easily fit four and their gear in the trunk. Although not as roomy as some of its midsize competitors, it worked plenty well for most. The cabin remained incredibly quiet when cruising on the highway, and the seats offered plenty of cushioning and support. Once again, Mazda nailed the perfect balance of sporty and refined.
On the tech front, the early iterations of Mazda Connect worked fine. However, we’d avoid the 2014 and 2015 Mazda6 because they have tiny 5.8-inch displays. Go for a 2016 or newer with an eight-inch display, which can also be retrofitted with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at the dealer. As for the native system, it took time to get used to because of all the submenus. On the other hand, the optional 11-speaker Bose premium audio system offered excellent sound quality and clarity. Meanwhile, the driver assistance tech never became intrusive and worked quietly in the background. However, it didn’t have more advanced systems like lane centering and steering assist.
A Midsize Sedan For Enthusiasts
Mazda clearly had enthusiasts in mind with the 6. It was the athletic midsize sedan that knew how to have fun while still maintaining its calm and composure for family or daily driver duty. Most importantly, it punched above its weight and gave you a premium interior without the requisite price tag. Although it never offered AWD in the U.S., the 6 gave you plenty of reasons to choose it over the rest of the midsize crowd. It checked nearly every box and felt special when you drive it, something you can’t say with nearly every other vehicle in that segment.
