2019 Mazda 6 Sedan Test Drive Review: The Complete Sedan Package
The Mazda 6 isn't the most powerful sedan in its class, it doesn't have the most tech, and it isn't the cheapest either. Where it does win over other cars in its segment is as a package that delivers comfort, space, good looks, and a chassis that's fun to drive in any situation. On top of that, the sculpted and chiseled body and inviting interior are of a quality you would expect to find in more expensive cars, as is the sporty dynamics delivered while driving.
The shopping experience is nicely streamlined as well, and rather than ticking options that slowly drive the price up, customers select higher trim levels to add the features they want or need. Unfortunately, the top trims do start to get expensive, though, and the Mazda 6 isn't without a few faults.
What's the Price of the 2019 Mazda 6 Sedan?
Mazda has priced the Mazda 6 to sell; with a starting price of only $23,800, it offers serious bang for the buck value and undercuts its main rival, the Toyota Camry, by nearly $300. The base Sport model starts with an MSRP of $23,800, followed by the Touring at $26,400. The Grand Touring is the first model in the range available with the turbocharged motor and costs $29,500. The Grand Touring reserve is the first trim level to break through the $30,000 barrier with an MSRP of $32,000, and the top of the range Signature will set you back $35,100 which is in line with the Camry's highest asking price of $34,850.
Best Deals on 2019 Mazda 6 Sedan
2019 Mazda 6 Sedan Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
192.7 in | 111.4 in | 57.1 in | 72.4 in | 62.4 in | 62.0 in | 3,433.0 lbs |
Exterior Colors
2019 Mazda 6 Sedan Performance
Engine and Transmission
Handling and Driving Impressions
Our test model came in Signature trim, meaning it was equipped with the more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The extra torque makes for a smoother drive, but it still isn't the most exciting engine around. However, both engines are more than competent, and when mixed with the wonderful dynamics from the chassis, the Mazda 6 becomes a joy to hustle. While nobody will find themselves's slipping away to the track for some hot laps, Mazda has made sure its sedan offers thrills as well as being a great commuter car and transport for the family.
Day to day, everything is composed and balanced, but the 2019 Mazda 6 loses a few refinement points when it comes to road noise coming into the cabin. There's little else to complain about unless you don't appreciate a firmer ride, and something that has stuck with us is how the driver's controls are intuitively laid out, and forward visibility is excellent.
2019 Mazda 6 Sedan Interior
Seating and Interior Space
2019 Mazda 6 Sedan Trunk and Cargo Space
2019 Mazda 6 Sedan Safety and Reliability
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Mazda 6 Sedan A Good car?
The Mazda 6 is an excellent all-around package with nothing lacking in any area enough to put it down. It manages to pull off the fine balance of a smooth and relaxing ride until you decide to have some fun and take advantage of its well baked in dynamics. The ride may be stiffer than some will want if they aren't interested in sporty driving at all, and those people may want to shop around. For those that want the good looks, the sophisticated interior and exterior, and some fun when you're alone on an open road, then it should be the first mid-sized sedan you check out for the money.
What Mazda 6 Sedan Model Should I Buy?
Mazda has made this a simple question to answer based on budget. At $35,100, it does become pricey for the top of the line, but still comes in less than many luxury names and gives the same kind of experience. The less-than basic entry-level sport model shows great value for money, but we would want to step in at Touring level for a complete feature-set to be used day-to-day. The extra power and features of Grand Touring is the sweet spot for someone budgeting at under $30,000, though.
2019 Mazda 6 Sedan Comparisons
2019 Mazda 6 Sedan vs Mazda 3 Sedan
Those looking to buy a Mazda sedan often come to the crossroads between the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6. The compact sedan, comparable to the Honda Civic starts at $21,000, $2,800 less than the Mazda 6 and is powered by the same 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder as found in the base Mazda 6. The turbocharged unit is not available. Where the Mazda 3 shines is in its ability to return 34 mpg combined, beating the Mazda 6 by a significant margin. Size-wise the Mazda 6 is a visibly bigger car, and offers more interior room in general, although the Mazda 3 manages to provide slightly more front legroom. Overall trunk space in the Mazda 3 is smaller when compared to the 6. Both cars share Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS, but the Mazda 6 takes is a step further as a TSP+, loaded with the full arsenal of safety tech Mazda has available. The Mazda 6 is simply better in all ways besides gas mileage, offering more space, more luxury, more safety, and with the turbocharged engine, more power. There's a minimal stretch between the 3 and 6, but if you can afford to, go big or go home.
2019 Mazda 6 Sedan vs Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is renowned for offering a comfortable and capable driving experience for not a lot of money. Sounds simple enough, right? The 2019 Camry is one of the best yet and bests the Mazda 6 in a number of categories. Powered by either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 hp or a 3.5-liter V6 producing 301 hp, the Camry offers more outright power and better fuel economy all round. Inside, both cars offer class-middling interior and cargo space. Interior build quality is pretty close as well, although in Signature trim, the Mazda feels like a genuinely premium product. The Mazda also manages to offer a better infotainment system and more features at its highest level, making it our pick between the two.