Introduced in early 2002, the Mazda6 traces its roots back to 1987, when the 626 was enlarged from a compact to a midsize sedan. Although sporty and somewhat luxurious, the first-generation Mazda6 wasn't the gorgeous sedan we're all familiar with today. It took Mazda about 10 years to refine the sedan, which entered a new era in 2012, when the third-generation model rolled out. Designed around the company's KODO-Soul of Motion styling language, the Mazda6 arrived on U.S. soil with a 2.5-liter, Skyactiv-G unit under its hood, one of three engines offered with the sedan. Unveiled at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, the U.S.-spec Mazda6 received its first facelift exactly two years later, during the same event.

Although it continues with the same 2.5-liter, the revised Mazda6 boasts a bolder front fascia with new headlamps and an updated interior with a new dashboard and better fit and finish. Read on to find out more about the changes that will keep this sedan fresh for a couple more years.

Updated 08/23/2016: Mazda announced prices for the 2017 Mazda6 which will pe put on sale nationwide this September. Check the "Prices" section for the full details.

Click past the jump to read more about Mazda6.

2016 - 2017 Mazda6

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 - 2017 Mazda6
  • Horsepower: 184 @ 5700
  • Torque: 185 @ 3250
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Exterior improvements for the 2016 Mazda6 aren't massive, but they do improve the sedan's appearance, giving it a stronger design expression. Up front, slightly revised headlamps with a new LED layout and reshaped turn signals replace the previous units. The grille is also new, now sporting six horizontal slats instead of five for a bolder presence. Modifications continue below with the lower apron, which features new fog lamps embedded in revised casings with boomerang-shaped chrome trims.

Things are less significant around back, where only the taillight clusters are different. Everything else from the trunk lid to the bumper remained unaltered.

The sedan's profile is identical as well, although the 19-inch aluminum wheels are now finished in a darker color with metallic flakes. A new shark fin antenna and two additional body colors round off the 2016 Mazda6's exterior. Sonic Silver Metallic and Titanium Flash Mica join the color palette, which now includes nine different hues.

Exterior Dimensions

Length

192.7 Inches

Width

72.4 Inches

Height

57.1 inches

Wheelbase

111.4 inches


Side-by-side comparison

Interior

The Mazda6 received even more updates inside, although many of them are only noticeable upon closer inspection. The dashboard and the center console are the most obvious changes. The former gained a significant reshape and a host of new features, including revised A/C vents, a wider center trim, and a freestanding, seven-inch display.

The center console is also new, sporting a reworked gear shifter and a modified control layout. The instrument cluster comes with new graphics and dials. Mazda also focused on minimizing gaps between interior parts, with the cabin now showcasing an enhanced feeling of quality fit and finish.

Although the Japanese automaker continues to offer the same selection of black and white leather, as well as black or sand beige fabric inserts, there's a host of new tech features up for grabs. The sedan is now equipped with Active Driving Display, Mazda Connect with Internet connectivity and the i-Activesense safety package.

New For 2017

Inside, the 2017-model-year sedan gets Nappa leather seating surfaces with contrasting piping in Grand Touring models equipped with the Premium Package. These models also get a black headliner and heated steering wheel with traditional Japanese chidori stitching, heated rear seats, and a bright metallic finish to switches and trim throughout the interior.

Mazda also offers a new, full-color Active Driving Display, as well as a 4.6-inch, full-color TFT display in Grand Touring models. Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane-Keep Assist and Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring have also made their way into the 2017 Mazda6. Entry-level Sport models now come equipped with Mazda Connect.

Further enhancements includes upgraded sound insulation by means of improved door seals and tighter tolerance between panels and sound insulation materials added to the underbody, rear console, headliner and doors. The windscreen is now thicker to better block wind noise, while Grand Touring models come with laminated front side windows.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain is the only department that carries over unchanged for the 2016 model year. The same 2.5-liter, Skyactiv-G, four-cylinder engine sends 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Any of the two combos enables the Mazda6 to reach 60 mph from a standing start in around 7.6 seconds.

Fuel economy remains the same with both transmissions. The manual sedan returns 25 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.The ratings jump to 26 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway with the automatic gearbox. The latter is standard on Touring and Grand Touring models, and optional on the Sport version.

i-ELOOP continues as a standalone option for the Grand Touring Trim. As a brief reminder, the system uses the kinetic energy created when braking to generate electricity that it's later used to power the headlamps, audio system and the climate control. The energy reduces the amount of time the vehicle has to rely on the engine-driven alternator, thus reducing drag on the engine and increasing efficiency. The benefits of the i-ELOOP system are significant, as the Mazda6 Grand Touring's EPA estimates rise to 28 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.

New For 2017

The Mazda6 is the company first vehicle to use the all-new G-Vectoring Control (GVC). The first in a series of new SkyActiv dynamics technologies, GVC provides integrated control of the engine, transmission, chassis and body. This gives drivers more precise control of their vehicles by reducing the need for steering corrections. Mazda claims driver will benefit from greater confidence and control both in day-to-day and spirited driving.

New For 2017

Engine

SKYACTIV-G 2.5 gasoline engine

Transmission

6-speed manual SKYACTIV-MT
6-speed automatic SKYACTIV-Drive

Drivetrain

Front wheel drive

Max. power

184 HP @ 5,700 RPM

Max. torque

185 LB-FT @ 3,250 RPM

EPA city/ highway/ combined

MT: 25 / 37 / 29 mpg
AT (w/o i-ELOOP): 26 / 38 / 30 mpg

AT (w/ i-ELOOP): 28 / 40 / 32 mpg


Prices

Pricing for the 2016 Mazda6 began from $21,495 for the base Sport trim with the manual transmission. The automatic added another $1,500 to the sticker. For the Touring model, Mazda asked $23,945 for the manual and $24,995 for the automatic. Finally, the range-topping Grand Touring, which came with an automatic as standard, fetched $30,195 before options. Speaking of options, the Moonroof/Bose/Satellite Radio package came in at $1,325, while the Touring Technology pack cost $1,675. The Grand Touring Technology bundle was priced at $2,180.

For the 2017 model year, mazda icncreased the base price with $500, meaning that the Sport manual costs $21,945. The automatic retails from $22,995. Moving over to the Touring model, it fetches $24,195 with the manual and $25,245 with the automatic, which accounts for a $200 and $250 increase, respectively. The Grand Touring trim also gained a $500 premium, starting at $30,695. As far as packages go, the Moonroof/Bose/Satellite Radio remained unchanged at $1,325. There's also the Touring Premium pack, which requires the former, at $1,425, and the Grand Touring Premium pack at $2,500. For special colors such as Machine Gray Metallic and Soul Red Metallic you'll have to pay $300. The Snowflake White Pearl Mica, on the other hand, is priced at $200.

2017 Mazda6 Prices

Model

Price

Mazda6 Sport MT

$21,945

Mazda6 Sport 6AT

$22,995

Mazda6 Touring 6MT

$24,195

Mazda6 Touring 6AT

$25,245

Touring BOSE/Moonroof/Satellite Radio Package (6AT only)

$1,325

Touring Premium Package (Requires Touring BOSE/Moonroof/Satellite Radio Package)

$1,425

Mazda6 Grand Touring

$30,695

Grand Touring Premium Package

$2,500


Premium Paint Colors

Machine Gray Metallic (late availability)

$300

Soul Red Metallic

$300

Snowflake White Pearl Mica

$200


2016 Mazda6 Prices

Model

Price

Mazda6 i Sport MT

$21,495

Mazda6 i Sport AT

$22,995

Mazda6 i Touring MT

$23,945

Mazda6 i Touring AT

$24,995

Madza6 i Grand Touring AT

$30,195


Packages

Moonroof/Bose®/ Satellite Radio Package

$1,325 MSRP

Touring Technology Package

$1,675

Grand Touring Technology Package

$2,180


Competition

Toyota Camry

The American midsize sedan market is dominated by two cars, one of which is the Toyota Camry. Also the best-selling car in America, the Camry received an extensive facelift for the 2015 model, including an almost completely redesigned exterior and an all-new cabin. Boasting more upmarket materials and better fit and finish, the revised Camry remains the car to beat in 2015.

Much like the Mazda6, the 2015 Camry comes with the same drivetrains as its predecessor. The range begins with the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder rated at 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet and continues with a 200-pony, hybridized four-banger. The top-level sedan is motivated by the familiar 3.5-liter V-6 that cranks out 268 horses and 248 pound-feet of torque. The facelifted Camry retails from $22,970.

Find out more about the Toyota Camry here.

Honda Accord

The Accord is the Camry's long-time competitor in the U.S. and carries over into 2015 with no updates whatsoever. Redesigned for 2013, the current Accord features an athletic design and a host of aerodynamic improvements, along with LED light units all around and dual exhaust pipes for the V-6 models. The interior is packed with premium features and technology for a non-luxury sedan, but a leather interior is available for only three of the six trim levels.

A 2.4-liter, inline-four pumps 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet, while a 3.5-liter V-6 delivers 278 ponies and 252 pound-feet of torque. Honda also offers hybrid and plug-in models, which sport a 141-pony 2.0-liter, four-banger and a 166-horsepower electric motor. The Honda Accord retails from $21,995.

Read more about the Honda Accord here.

Conclusion

The Mazda6 is one of the better looking midsize sedans and this mild update not only keeps it fresh for a few more years, but also adds a touch of boldness to the company's KODO-Soul of Motion design. The interior is equally fresh, and although the drivetrain doesn't see any improvements, that's not to say the Mazda6 is lagging behind its competitors in terms of performance and fuel economy. Sure, it might not offer a hybrid option, but the i-ELOOP system is potent enough to help the sedan outgun its gasoline competitors.

Updated History

Updated 08/10/2016: Mazda announced a series of small updates for the 2017 Mazda 6 sedan which will be put on sale later in September.

Updated 02/11/2015: Mazda announced prices for the 2016 Mazda6 sedan, which will be put on sale later in the spring. The model will be offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, with prices ranging from $21,495 for the base Sport version and up to $30,195 for the Gran Touring.