2019 Mazda Mazda6 Grand Touring Machine Gray Metallic 6-Speed Automatic FWD SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L I4 DOHC 16V
23/31 City/Highway MPG
Awards:
* 2019 KBB.com 10 Best Sedans Under $30,000 * 2019 KBB.com Brand Image Awards
The 2020 Mazda 6 mid-size sedan has luxurious trappings and sharp driving dynamics. Its upscale intentions at an affordable price make this handsome sedan a standout value.
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After a big update in 2019 that included a new engine offering and more active-safety features, the Mazda 6 stands pat for 2020. Nothing has changed save the key fob design.
Engine choices for the Mazda 6 are limited to two flavors of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. Base models get this inline-4 in non-turbo form that's good for 187 horsepower. Upgrade to the turbocharged variant of this engine and there's 250 horsepower at the ready. Both engines mate up to a 6-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is not available.
Gas mileage is about middle of the road for the segment, with the non-turbo 2.5-liter leading the way at 26 mpg city, 35 highway, 29 combined. Get the turbo engine and mileage drops to 23/31/26 mpg.
Active-safety features are well accounted for on the Mazda 6, with automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors standard on all models. The Signature trim comes with a head-up display and a surround-view camera system as well.
Both the government and the IIHS have given the Mazda 6 high marks for crashworthiness, with both testing bodies awarding it their highest marks.
Mazda has built their reputation on driving dynamics, and the Mazda 6 is especially adept when hustled along. The chassis has been dialed in with an eye towards sportiness, and that athleticism shows when the Mazda 6 is presented with some corners. It's no surprise this car shares showroom space with the Miata.
The steering is likewise a revelation among mid-size sedans. Unlike most of its competitors, the Mazda 6 has steering that is direct and communicative.
The turbo-4 is how the well-tuned chassis realizes its fullest potential. The 250 horsepower (on premium gas; 227 horses on regular) of the turbocharged 2.5-liter gives the Mazda 6 some gumption. The additional hustle makes for more satisfying corner exits, passing maneuvers, and on-ramp thrills. The standard paddle shifters also make this one to get for those who prefer to shift themselves, though the 6-speed automatic works well enough when left to its own devices.
The base 2.5-liter isn't quite as enjoyable as the turbocharged version, but it gets the job done without much fanfare. Though its 187 horsepower doesn't sound like much, the Mazda 6 only weighs about 3,200 pounds, so we wouldn't call it underpowered. In everyday driving this engine will prove to be more than adequate, though you'll be missing the turbo when trying to accelerate up steep grades or quickly fill a gap in traffic.
All versions of the Mazda 6 ride rather firmly, even the base model with its 17-inch wheels. Things only get firmer as you move up to the 19-inch wheels.