Mazda 6

Name: 2021 Mazda 6
Brand: Mazda

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

After revisions, the Mazda6 is significantly more comfortable and quiet while retaining much of its driving exuberance that distinguishes it from its midsized sedan competition. This updated 6 feels more expensive than it is. But with the improvements, the car has become slower and less fuel-efficient.

2021 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

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Mazda 6

vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet Malibu

Honda Accord

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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2021 Midsized cars Ratings

2021 Mazda 6

$13,850 - $20,200

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Chevrolet Malibu

$13,700 - $17,150

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Honda Accord

$18,850 - $25,550

EPA MPG 33 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

$18,850 - $25,550

EPA MPG 48 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Hyundai Sonata

$14,425 - $17,850

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

$14,425 - $17,850

EPA MPG 40 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Kia K4

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Kia K5

$14,500 - $20,500

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Nissan Altima

$14,925 - $18,300

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Subaru Legacy

$15,850 - $22,275

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Toyota Camry

$17,700 - $25,250

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid

$17,700 - $25,250

EPA MPG 52 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Volkswagen Arteon

$15,400 - $22,750

EPA MPG 23 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2021 Volkswagen Passat

$13,325 - $16,775

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2.5-liter 4 turbo (227 hp)
2.5-liter 4 turbo (250 hp)
2.5-liter 4 (187 hp)

6-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2014-2021

2014 Redesign Year

This edition of the Mazda6 arrived as a 2014 model on a new platform. We got an excellent 32 mpg overall from the smooth four-cylinder and six-speed automatic. Acceleration doesn't suffer for fuel economy, with the Mazda6 returning slightly above average performance. The car is also agile and capable in corners, with a taut but firm ride. However, the cabin is loud, particularly on the highway; updates for 2016 helped some. The well-finished cabin has supportive seats, although the rear seats are relatively tight for this class. The infotainment system uses a console-mounted knob; figuring out how to use the system takes some time. Among the optional active safety features are blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Mazda6 underwent a major refresh with the 2018 model, improving ride comfort and noise isolation. An uplevel turbo engine for top versions is new. 2021 is the final year for the current generation of the 6.

2009-2013

2009 Redesign Year

An improved version of the Mazda6 debuted for 2009, proving to be among the sportiest of family sedans. In addition to being fun to drive, it is roomy, quiet, and quick. It also has a high-quality interior -- though road noise is a bit pronounced and we noted a few misaligned trim pieces. Similarly, while the rear seat is roomier than the one in the previous version of the car, the Mazda's stylishly low roofline inhibits access compared to its forebear.

2003-2008

2003 Redesign Year

The Mazda6 debuted in 2003 with a firm, yet compliant ride. The car also boasts excellent handling, as well as a spacious and comfortable interior. The trunk is sized nicely and the split rear seatbacks are spring-loaded, so they fold down with the pull of a lever. Nicely detailed, the interior is also readily accessible. However, the four-cylinder engine doesn't feel refined and while the V6 is quick, it's also thirsty. Tight maneuvering is somewhat hampered by a 41-foot turning circle. Wagon and hatchback versions became available in 2004. The car scored Poor in the IIHS side-crash test without the optional side airbags, but these became standard equipment for 2007.