The Mazda 6 is fun and stylish car disguised as a mid-size family sedan. The peppy sedan looks like it should cost more than it does, but still offers a driving experience you’d normally get from a more expensive sports sedan. The combination of style and handling make for a one-of-a-kind driving experience. Plus it’s hard to beat the price of the Mazda 6, which is more affordable than many other sporty sedans.
After three makeovers in the past six years, changes for the 2020 Mazda 6 are modest. With an all-new Mazda 6 expected in 2022, you’ll have to wait to get access to a rumored new inline-six engine and rear-wheel drive. Until then, the current model has a ton of great features to recommend. Here is a look inside the 2020 Mazda 6.
Exterior Styling
The Mazda 6 remains stylish and sleek. The exterior makes it look like a luxury sedan, with a large slopped hood, smooth lines on the side, and an oversized front grille. A large, slopped windshield and oversized tires also gives the Mazda 6 a luxurious appearance. With only a quick glance, you might realize the Mazda 6 is actually an affordable family sedan. While the exterior styling has not been radically changed for the 2020 model, the Mazda 6 remains a handsome car that punches above its own weight in the style department.
Engine and Performance
One of the more surprising aspects of the 2020 Mazda 6 is that it’s not offered in a hybrid. There is, however, a choice of two responsive 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines. The standard engine offers 187 horsepower. An optional turbocharged powerplant generates up to 250 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Reviews say that the Mazda 6 offers an above-average driving experience for a midsized sedan. The top-of-the-line Signature model has been criticized a bit for having a longer braking distance though. However, the Mazda 6 is still a great ride, especially considering how quiet the cabin is. Multiple reviewers claim that the Mazda 6 remains the most fun-to-drive sedan in its automotive segment.
Trimlines and Prices
The 2020 Mazda 6 comes in five trimlines.
Sport
The base model of the 2020 Mazda 6 comes in at a very affordable $24,100. However, it doesn’t come with many of the bells and whistles you’ll probably want. There is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, for example. The moonroof isn’t available here either. You do, however, get a solid engine and a strong list of practical safety features. You’ll still be treated to a push button start, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, and eight-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth.
Touring
For slightly more money ($26,700), the Mazda 6 gets much nicer. The Touring model adds Apple Car Play and Android Auto as standard, along with that moonroof. It also has Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, extra USB charging ports, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats. You’ll also ride on 19″ aluminum alloy wheels, compared to the standard 17″ ones on the Sport model.
Grand Touring
The biggest upgrade with the Grand Touring model is the turbocharged engine. Starting at just under $30,000, this version of the Mazda 6 also adds features like a shark fin antenna, auto-dimming mirrors, an upgraded 11-speaker Bose soundsystem, and satellite radio.
Grand Touring Reserve
Starting at $32,300, the Grand Touring Reserve model gets you everything in the previous trim, plus a little more. There’s a power adjustable passenger’s seat, power lumbar support for the driver, ventilated front seats, adaptive front-lighting, a windshield wiper de-icer, automatic folding side mirrors, leather-trimmed sport seats, and driver’s seat memory. There’s also a windshield projected full-color active driving display.
Signature
The top of the line Signature model runs at least $35,400. However, it truly helps the Mazda 6 feel like a luxury vehicle. You’ll sit on Nappa leather while you ride behind a gunmetal finish front grille. There’s a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror. There’s a score of LED courtesy lighting inside the cabin. The dash and other trim is upgraded to suede and wood, instead of plastic. This trim also comes with a three-year subscription to satellite radio, as opposed to the three-month free trial that the other trims have. You’ll also get built in navigation with the Signature model.
Interior
The interior of the Mazda 6 is truly outstanding. It genuinely looks like the interior of a much more expensive car. The quality of the materials and upscale design are really impressive. This car has been rated “Best in Class” by several automotive journals and reviewers. Fortunately, the interior of the Mazda 6 is also very practical.
A total of six carry-on bags fit comfortably in the trunk. Up to 17 can be placed in the back with the rear seats folded down. The higher end trimlines provide soft leather and wood accents that raise the bar in terms of comfort and style. There is also plenty of legroom in both the front and rear seats. Throw in the high-end audio system and functional controls throughout, and the Mazda 6’s interior is hard to beat.
Technology
Operated primarily by a control knob on the center console, Mazda’s infotainment system is both tactile and fun to use. The dashboard display doubles as a touchscreen and is extremely intuitive. It learns and eventually anticipates the driver’s preferences for everything from music to GPS locations.
Safety
In terms of safety, the Mazda 6 earned a five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also named it a “Top Safety Pick.” The car comes with a host of standard driver-assistance features and safety features. Highlights include forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. These safety features are available in all trimlines of the Mazda 6.
Warranty Coverage
Mazda’s standard powertrain warranty is class competitive, but nothing special or unique. Sadly, the company does not provide any complimentary scheduled maintenance. The limited warranty coverage runs for three years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. All-in-all, the warranty coverage is pretty average.
Fuel Economy
Both of the Mazda 6 engines come in with competitive fuel efficiency ratings. The base engine is rated for 26 miles per gallon in the city and an impressive 35 MPG on the highway. If you upgrade to the turbocharged engine, those numbers drop a bit to 23 MPG and 31 MPG, respectively. The EPA estimates that driving a Mazda 6 will cost you roughly $1,200 a year in fuel costs, assuming average mileage.
The Good
- Stylish exterior that impresses.
- Interior that has been named “best in class.”
- Plenty of standard safety features.
The Not-So-Good
- Average warranty coverage.
- No scheduled maintenance offered.
- Upgrades require move to higher priced trimlines.
The Last Word
While not radically updated for 2020, the Mazda 6 nevertheless remains a premium mid-sized sedan. It’s combination of performance and style is hard to find in similarly priced vehicles. Drivers will appreciate the powerful engine and comfortable interior, as well as the many standard safety features. You can expect future improvements when Mazda overhauls the 6 for the 2022 model year. If you simply can’t wait for that, you will still find plenty to love and enjoy in the 2020 Mazda 6.
Source: MazdaUSA.com
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