The 2018 MAZDA6 comes in five different trims: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Reserve. Each is powered either by a 187-horsepower, direct-injection 2.5L 4-cylinder engine or the new SKYACTIV-G 2.5L turbo-charged engine making 250 horsepower and a whopping 310-lb feet of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard on the Sport, while a 6-speed automatic is optional on that trim but standard on all other trim levels.
Even the base Sport trim comes well-equipped, with LED headlights with auto-leveling and auto off, dual power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, 17-inch alloy wheels, power windows and locks, push-button start, a 60/40 split-fold rear seatback and steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Standard safety technology includes 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, a bevy of airbags, dynamic stability control and a host of advanced safety features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The Touring adds features such as 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear heat and air conditioning vents, a 6-way power driver's seat, leatherette-trimmed seats, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, an 8-inch color touch screen display, HD and Pandora Internet radio as well as SMS text message audio delivery and reply. The Touring includes the Smart City Brake Support system, which helps to mitigate low-speed front-end collisions.
Finally, the fully equipped Grand Touring and Grand Touring Signature trim includes amenities like a power glass moonroof, bi-xenon headlights and LED running lights, an auto-dimming driver's side mirror, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, navigation with traffic alerts, leather-trimmed seating with heated front seats and an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat. An 11-speaker Bose audio system and Sirius XM satellite radio compatibility are included,
A Premium Package is new for 2018 and available on the Grand Touring. It includes rear seat heaters, a steering wheel heater, Napa Leather seating surfaces, a black headliner, Mazda's i-ELOOP regenerative braking system and several interior styling enhancements. To further cater to the luxury crowd Mazda has added the new top of the line Signature level that adds Sen Wood trimmed door and dash panels, Ultrasuede interior inserts, a 7-inch TFT LCD meter display, and a 360 degree View Monitor.
Certain convenience options such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror and fog lights are available on the Sport. On the Touring model, Touring Technology Package includes the 11-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, advanced keyless entry, Smart City Brake Support and more. For the Grand Touring, the cleverly named Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Forward Obstruction Warning Package adds the named systems, while the Advanced Package builds on the above with a land departure warning system and i-ELOOP, a regenerative braking system that uses a capacitor to store energy created during braking.
Attractive Styling
Powerful 2.5L Engine
Athletic Handling
5-Star NHTSA Safety Rating
Impressive Fuel Efficiency
Standout Technology
For 2018 the Mazda6 is revised inside and out with a modernized sculpted exterior, an optional turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine, a retuned suspension for added stability and comfort, wider, more luxurious seats with optional ventilation, an 8-inch infotainment display and a 360-degree-view monitor. Radar Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability have also been added to an already impressive set of safety features.
The mid-size sedan segment is as crowded and as competent as it's ever been, so Mazda knew it needed the MAZDA6 to rule the class. That's exactly what the company has delivered. Exterior styling is eye-catching and evocative, while interiors are spacious, with high-quality soft-touch materials throughout. Power and fuel efficiency place the MAZDA6 near the top of the class, while its base price of just under $22,000 means it is less expensive than the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu.
