2020 Mazda 6 Sedan Review: Japanese Sedan Superiority

The Mazda 6 sedan debuted way back in 2014, bringing a sporty and engaging driving experience, sleek, sexy design, and luxurious levels of comfort to the typically humdrum midsize sedan class. Since then, Mazda has done an admirable job of not only carrying these traits over to the 2020 year model, but has compounded on the 6's fun-to-drive, classy, and family-friendly nature with no fewer than three major updates in the last six years. Like last year, there's a choice of two polished 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines in the US lineup, the base option of a naturally aspirated disposition producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and the turbocharged version dialed-up for peak outputs of 250 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox by default, which directs outputs to the front wheels of every model. The Mazda 6's competition comes in the form of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima.

What's the Price of the 2020 Mazda 6 Sedan?

Pricing for the Mazda 6 is relatively on par with the rest of the class. Mazda states, however, that the mid-year base price for all 2020 Mazda 6 models will increase by $100. The base-spec Sport comes in at an MSRP of $24,100, and as specification levels increase, so do the Mazda 6's costs. The slightly better-outfitted Touring follows at a price of $26,700 and the Grand Touring is priced from $29,800. If your budget spans past the $30k mark, consider the Grand Touring Reserve with its price tag of $32,300, or the top-spec Signature with its sticker price of $35,400. All prices are excluding any tax, registration, or licensing fees and are exclusive of Mazda's $945 destination, processing, and handling fee, upped to $990 in Alaska.

2020 Mazda 6 Sedan Exterior

Dimensions

2020 Mazda 6 Sedan Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

For a midsize family car, the Mazda 6 is a rather fun one, it possesses a driver-centric feel to its controls and the fluid handling dynamics that make it one of the best driver's cars in the class. And it manages to do all this with very little compromise to its ride quality and feel of refinement.

Steering in the Mazda 6 is exceptional, responses to inputs are precise and swift and the on-center feel finely-tuned. Its weighting is reasonably hefty at lower speeds, which transitions into confidence-inspiring feedback at the limits. Though nothing quite destined for the track, the 6 is properly geared up to deliver some thrilling on-road jaunts and hair-raising cornering; its suspension setup and chassis keep it nicely grounded and composed around even the trickiest of corners, though its tires don't quite provide the levels of grip a spirited driver might want.

Unfortunately, the Mazda 6's ratings take a hit for refinement for its excessive cabin noise and a sometimes overly firm ride on broken tarmac. The Honda Accord manages a finer balance between comfort and driving dynamics, but otherwise, the Mazda 6 is a fine effort in the segment. It manages to stay composed and supple most of the time, its chassis and suspension smoothing over most road imperfections and undulations.

2020 Mazda 6 Sedan Interior

2020 Mazda 6 Sedan Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2020 Mazda 6 Sedan A Good car?

In review, the Mazda 6 is a near-perfect vehicle for the class. It's an exceptional all-rounder with very little left to be desired or to dislike. It balances an enjoyable driving experience with a sophisticated, if not a little too sporty, ride quality and decent gas mileage, making it an ideal vehicle for those who love to drive a spirited and capable car and don't mind the minor compromise in ride quality and leading fuel-efficiency for it. This does mean that the Mazda 6's ride will be a little on the firmer side in comparison with class rivals, but it's bearable and seemingly worth the compromise. It's in the passenger room and trunk room where the Mazda 6's main drawbacks lie, as well as its now-dated infotainment system. Otherwise, the Mazda 6 is one of the most aesthetically pleasing midsize sedans out there and also sports a premium cabin that higher-end luxury vehicles could take notes from. It's competitively feature-packed and packed with driver-assist features too, and is also one of the safest cars on the road in its class. For us, it's a surefire winner for the enthusiast who's been forced to mature.

What 2020 Mazda 6 Sedan Model Should I Buy?

While the Touring specification is relatively comprehensive, it unfortunately misses out on the turbocharged engine we love so much. That's why we'd recommend the Grand Touring spec, which not only equips the 250-hp turbo-four, but also increases other specifications and retains a sub-$30k price tag. Auto-dimming mirrors, SiriusXM connectivity, and the Bose 11-speaker sound system are all included, while keeping the Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration from the Touring as well as heated front seats, a sunroof, and leatherette upholstery. We'd opt for the rear parking sensors at $475, pushing the price to just over 30k, but giving you a relatively complete package.

2020 Mazda 6 Sedan Comparisons

2020 Mazda 6 Sedan vs Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has led the midsize sedan class as a consummate all-rounder for a long time running and continues to do so as a 2020 model. There are two potent and refined turbocharged engines to choose from in the Accord range, both of which give the Accord faster acceleration times than the Mazda 6. The Accord is also a little more fuel-efficient but only with the smaller 1.5-liter turbo-four, which earns the Accord estimates of 30/38/33 mpg. On the inside, the Accord is more commodious and a little more practical too with two full cubes more in the trunk than what you'll get in the Mazda 6. The Accord delivers as much of an enjoyable driving experience as the Mazda 6 does but offers an available six-speed manual gearbox, further augmenting the Accord's driving experience. And, with the top-spec Accord being equipped with adaptive dampers, there's a better ride quality offered from the Accord lineup as well. Overall, the Honda Accord is just a little better than the Mazda 6 in most regards and has a bit of a wider-spread in appeal, but if you want something a little more focused and a little more premium, you won't regret the Mazda 6.

2020 Mazda 6 Sedan vs Mazda 3 Sedan

The Mazda 3 is the Mazda 6's little brother and is naturally a little cheaper too. It's equipped with the same engine as the base Mazda 6s and also features the same six-speed auto gearbox. While the 6 outguns the 3 in straight-line performance, both vehicles present the same enjoyable driving experience and capability in handling, though the Mazda 6 is the only model available with a turbocharged engine. The Mazda 3, however, is available in either FWD or AWD, which may win over your appeal if the Mazda 6's better straight-line performance and larger size aren't required. Obviously, the Mazda 6 will offer a more commodious cabin and a more spacious trunk, with more than two cubes in the trunk over the 3's. The Mazda 3 surprisingly boasts a better infotainment setup, with an 8.8-inch display screen adorning the dash and an eight-speaker sound system covering audio. Both are otherwise equally as packed with features, driver tech, and premium quality cabin materials, making the Mazda 3 the worthwhile option in saving the extra clams over the more expensive Mazda 6.