2018 Mazda 6 – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

The Mazda 6 Sedan is a Smooth Sailor

With so much inventory on the list of cross-over SUV’s we’ve test driven, it’s been nice to take a break and explore other avenues of driving. With that said, the Mazda 6 has been a refreshing experience that has finally reminded us that driving certainly doesn’t have to be boring. And you don’t need a monstrous gas guzzler engine to prove that statement true either. Fuel efficiency flows within the bloodlines of the entire Mazda family fleet, and the Mazda 6 is no exception.The well driven character of the Mazda 6 has been enhanced with the introduction of a beefed SKYACTIV-G 2.5L four cylinder turbo engine producing 250 horsepower and 310 lb.ft of torque.  That is a significant power upgrade compared to the standard SKYACTIV-G non-turbo engine with just 186 horsepower and 187 lb.ft of torque.  Engine cylinder de-activation for improved fuel economy, G-Vectoring control and LED headlamps are also now pre-loaded as standard configuration options.

Aside from generous standard offerings, it really is the exceptional styling at its mid-tier price point that attracts the most brand attention, and the Mazda 6 is a leading example.  The lower and wider stance, muscular curvatures, fluid lines, and even the the choice of metallic paint all flow harmoniously together in what Mazda calls it, the Kodo design language.

 

And although generally functional, the multi-functional command center feels a bit on the cheaper side, the graphical user interface feels dated, and the responsiveness is a bit sluggish for today’s tech-expectation. Still, all the expected features are there including all the media and phone connectivity, voice navigation and general audio controls.

 

Silky Smooth Performance

This category is perhaps the bread and butter of what the Mazda 6 has to offer. Powering the front wheels is a 2.5L four cylinder SKYACTIV-G engine producing 184 horsepower and 185 lb.ft of torque. With the absence of a turbo, or V6, the Mazda 6 doesn’t exactly provide rocket acceleration, but the lower vehicle curb weight of just 3,305 lbs helps make the overall driving experience nimble and quick on its feet. Both handling and acceleration is buttery smooth and the 6 speed and gear shifts are seamless with its 6 speed automatic transmission. Steering feels very smooth and precise as well.

 

The Mazda 6 sits low to the ground. Coupled with the participation of the G-Vectoring Control system that utilizes engine braking by reducing ignition spark that results in enhanced front wheel traction, the overall driving experience gives a road hugging effect with smooth and precise handling and stability around corners and bends.  There’s no compromise in fuel efficiency either.  The EPA for the Mazda 6 is rated at 25/36/29 mpg in the city, highway and combined.

The turbo charged variant promises a more exhilarating ride by upping the power output to 250 and 350 horsepower and lb.ft of torque respectively.  But that’s going to compromises for fuel economy with a lower EPA rating at 23/31/26 mpg city highway and combined..

An Enjoyable Ride

There’s certainly a good balance of performance and comfort to be had with the Mazda 6. The interior is exceptionally well insulated to shield away road noise and vibration, and the engine tone is very subtle within. As a matter of fact, one might even be easily fooled into sitting in a luxury vehicle if blindfolded.

 

Our tester Mazda 6 model comes priced in at $32,895 with $3,900 of options contributed to the base price tag that includes safety tech features such as lane departure, forward and rear collision warning, adaptive cruise control and rear view camera. As part of the upgrade option, you also get Nappa leather seats, upgraded leather steering wheel stitching, titanium color dash strip and various cosmetic upgrades.

 

All in all, the Mazda 6 has demonstrated that it’s much more than just a people mover. It’s a safe haven from the stress of transportation, and the driving experience has been pleasant during our week long test drive. In terms of the exceptional balance of handling performance and comfort, there really isn’t much like it out there in our books unless you opt in on more expensive luxury alternatives. With that said, the top of the line with fully loaded options still falls well beneath the luxury price tag, say the Lexus ES300, which falls in the range of $55,000. Of course you’re not going to rival luxury competitors with price tags that costs $20,000 more, but the handling and performance is similar, and the quality of material as well as looks offers a glimpse into the luxury realm with the upgraded technology safety and premium package.

 

Specifications (Tester)

• Vehicle : 2018 Mazda 6
• Model : Mazda 6 GT
• Vehicle Type : Sedan
• Seating Capacity : 2+3
• Powertrain Configuration : FWD
• Engine : SKYACTIV 2.5L V4
• Transmission : 6 Speed automatic

Pros

• Beautiful exterior styling
• Excellent balance of handling performance and driving comfort
• Well crafted interior space
• Overall comfortable ride in both city and high way driving
• Smooth acceleration, precise steering and stable handling

Cons

• Automatic transmission feels numb on the performance perspective