2021 Mazda 6 Sedan Review: Get It While You Still Can
Look at this magnificent Mazda 6 sedan and weep, for its time in the USA has come to a tragic end. The crossover segment has claimed yet another victim. However, there is some hope that Mazda will be back at some point in the future with an all-new 6 Sedan based on the Mazda Vision Coupe concept, but we digress. For now, we'll focus on the present where you can still buy a Mazda 6. It's available with two 2.5-liter engines. One is naturally aspirated, while the other is helped along by a turbocharger. The naturally-aspirated motor produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the more powerful engine's figures are as much as 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium gas. In both models, the power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda 6 is one of those cars that is extremely hard to fault, although it doesn't ride as comfortably as rivals like the Honda Accord. Another familiar foe, the popular Toyota Camry, also offers the option of all-wheel drive. Despite these few shortcomings, the 6 Sedan is a joy to drive, and arguably wears a more stylish suit than its rivals. It will be sorely missed when it departs.
What's the Price of the 2021 Mazda 6 Sedan?
The price of the Mazda 6 begins at $24,475 for the Sport, increasing to an MSRP of $27,075 for the Touring specification. From there, the Grand Touring will cost you $30,175 and the Grand Touring Reserve has a $32,675 sticker price. The Carbon Edition retails for $32,950, while the top-spec Signature starts at $35,900. These prices exclude the $995 destination charge in the US.
Handling and Driving Impressions
When it was first introduced as a 2003 model, the Mazda 6 proved that the affordable midsize sedan's default setting didn't have to be dull and tedious. The old NA 2.3-liter four-pot was uninspiring, but the chassis was superb. The grippy front end and the resulting enthusiastic turn-in that rivaled performance saloons costing twice as much made a fine impression.
Over the years, the Mazda 6 has been tamed, but it still has that inherent sportiness that none of its competitors can match. It feels balanced and confident for what it is. While most certainly not a track car, it will liven your commute on a dreary Tuesday afternoon. You can even elevate this built-in sportiness further by fitting grippier tires. On the downside, the ride isn't as refined as its rivals. The firm ride does intrude into the cabin at times, and the sound insulation doesn't match the best, something that's apparent when driving at the top legal speed. For the most part, the Mazda 6 won't have trouble winning enthusiasts over during a test drive.
Verdict: Is the 2021 Mazda 6 Sedan A Good car?
Unlike most reviews, the Mazda 6 is a terrible car to write about because it does everything so well. It really takes a nit-picking approach to uncover flaws in what is a great overall package. Here's what we came up with. The infotainment system is a bit dated, but not annoyingly so. The trunk isn't as big as some of its rivals, yet 14.7 cubes is perfectly ample. And yes, the ride is firm, but it doesn't spoil the driving experience. In fact, the occasional bump that filters through is a small price to pay for the overall pleasing driving experience.
The Mazda 6 is nearing the end of its life, yet it still remains competitive against more modern rivals like the Honda Accord. It could have soldiered on for at least another three years. Yes, the Mazda 6 is a good car. It might even be brilliant and perfectly suited to the right customer. Let's say you used to have a hot hatch, but recent additions are forcing you to upgrade to something a little more family-friendly. Instead of opting for a sedate, uninspiring SUV, why not get a sedan with some sporty aspirations?
What New Mazda 6 Sedan Model Should I Buy?
Now in its final year, Mazda introduced the ultimate 6. The Carbon Edition has all of the features you want, and adds a few nice model-specific touches. It's based on our previous model recommendation, which is the Grand Touring Reserve. Its list of standard equipment includes auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, steering-wheel-mounted paddles, an 11-speaker Bose surround-sound system, a color head-up display, power adjustment for front seats, ventilated front seats, and heated front and rear outboard seats.
The Carbon Edition's special touches include a gloss black grille, 19-inch black alloy wheels, and a Polymetal Gray Metallic hue. The contrast between the body color and the wheels is superb. On the inside, you get red leather seats, giving the interior a much racier vibe. With its sporty aesthetics and the turbocharged engine, this model is a genuinely sporty midsize sedan.
2021 Mazda 6 Sedan Comparisons
2021 Mazda 6 Sedan vs Honda Accord
Honda's Accord is newer and more modern than the Mazda 6. This is a big problem for Mazda because Honda is ahead in most departments that matter to customers shopping around in this segment. The Accord is available with two turbocharged engines. The smaller 1.5-liter unit competes with the naturally aspirated 6, while the 2.0-liter turbo goes head-to-head with Mazda's turbocharged four-pot. Both Accord models are faster and more fuel-efficient. Honda also offers a hybrid model for those in search of ultimate frugality. As driving machines, both are entertaining. Top-spec Accord models also boast adaptive damping. The Mazda is at least better in two departments. It has a plusher interior and it's arguably better looking, though we acknowledge that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Neither car is bad, but the Honda is in the lead in all the right places.
2021 Mazda 6 Sedan vs Mazda 3 Sedan
In previous years, the Mazda 3 was only available with two naturally aspirated engines, but this year, it can also be ordered with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-pot engine. Essentially, you're getting the same premium looks in a more compact package, brilliant handling characteristics, and a more affordable price. Sure, you'll have to sacrifice some interior and trunk space, but not as much as you might think. Interior quality is on par with the 6, but you do miss out on a touchscreen interface, climate control, blind-spot monitoring, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
So, the only question you have to ask yourself is whether you need the additional space and features included in the 6. If not, a top-spec Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus will cost more or less the same as a mid-spec 6.
