Mazda 6 2014 Review – The Mazda 6 has been one of the brand’s most successful cars since its introduction in 2002, and the 2014 edition is no exception.
While the new design doesn’t include any significant improvements from the previous years, it still gives you all of the same fashionable looks and outstanding performance that has kept customers coming back for more each year.
And there are several reasons to investigate this car, whether you’re interested in the sporty Grand Touring version or just want something practical in the 2-door Sport edition.
We put the 2014 Mazda 6 through its paces by adding it to our auto test fleet, and we were excited to see how this car would compare to its competitors in the mid-sized sedan segment.
In this Mazda 6 2014 review, we’ll take you through our experiences with driving this car and reveal some of its most notable features and pros and cons as you might expect from an in-depth report about one of today’s newest cars.
What’s New for the 2014 Mazda 6?
The Sport base model of the 2014 Mazda 6 offers air conditioning, power windows, locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, push-button start, USB audio input, and 17-inch alloy wheels (no steel wheels).
With a 5.8-inch color touchscreen, you get Bluetooth, HD Radio compatibility, and a rearview camera system with the Sport automatic transmission.
Touring models come equipped with dual-zone climate control, a power driver’s seat, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, leatherette seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, and the so-called Commander Switch with alternate settings for the screen.
Grand Touring variants at the top of the range come equipped with leather upholstery, heated front seats, a memory driver’s seat, and a power passenger seat.
In addition, fog lights, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, satellite radio, bi-xenon headlights, and LED driving lights are offered.
There are only a few packages to choose from. Smart City Brake Assist, Bose premium sound, navigation system, heated mirrors, advanced keyless entry, rain detection wipers, and universal garage door opener.
All are included in the Touring Technology package ($2,000), while the Advanced ($2,080) package adds Radar Cruise Control and Forward Obstruction Warning.
For an extra $900, the Grand Touring can be equipped with Radar Cruise Control and a Front Obstruction Alert.
Read also: What Are the New Mazda Car Models?
Pricing, and Trim Levels
Depending on the condition of the car and mileage, the price of a used 2014 Mazda 6 ranges from $12,800 to around $18,300.
While the price of the new Mazda 6 starts at $24,050 for the six-speed manual transmission and goes up to $27,675 for the automatic.
The Touring trim starts at $29,575 but adds keyless access at the push of a button ($395), power steering ($1,595), cruise control (a standard feature on all models), rearview camera system ($695), leather seats with stitch-on headrests and backrests ($2,295) and navigation ($795).
A heated steering wheel is an option on all trim levels, adaptive front lighting is standard on the $2,000 Touring Technology package.
Why Should You Buy One?
The Mazda 6 is a competent and fuel-efficient sedan that offers features for all sorts of drivers.
Sporty models with superior power and handling will excite enthusiasts, while more fuel-efficient touring models are ideal for commuters or people who value comfort over performance.
The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth, but the car could use a manual option for enthusiasts who want to control their acceleration.
The blind spot monitoring and rear cross Traffic Alert systems are helpful, but not always reliable.
Engine Performance
The 2014 Mazda 6 is powered by a new 2.5-liter ‘SkyActiv’ in-line four-cylinder engine with direct injection, variable valve control, and a very high 13:1 compression ratio (unleaded gas is just fine), and it comes with a rather basic powertrain lineup.
The engine is equipped with two all-new transmissions: a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. All versions come with front-wheel drive.
Mazda cut weight from the body structure, increased efficiency in transmissions, and discovered other ways to achieve 30% efficiency improvements as part of its SkyActiv program.
With the basic configuration and manual gearbox, the updated 6 weighs 3,200 pounds, which is quite light for the class; however, with the automatic gearbox, it weighs only slightly less.
While the new SkyActiv engine must be revved in order to access most of its torque, the Mazda 6 is as quick as most gas-mileage-minded consumers will ever want. Fortunately, when it’s revved or pressed, it glides and behaves beautifully.
The Mazda 6 has a solid-feeling (German-style) detent that clicks reassuringly at full throttle, as well as a sturdy accelerator pedal with a floor-hinged feel.
The new six-speed automatic has a talent of upshifting and downshifting only when needed, and cleverly hitching onto the highest gear when you’re simply cruising or even accelerating slightly.
Except at full throttle, when the transmission forces a downshift to the lowest available gear, some models have steering-wheel paddle shifters to complement the manual gate for shifting.
Fuel Economy
A diesel engine option will not be available for the 2014 Mazda 6 (nor, we fear, for the intended 40 mpg).
The 2014 Mazda 6 is a particularly fuel-efficient vehicle, with a conventional four-cylinder gasoline engine that incorporates a set of so-called SkyActiv technologies.
Such as direct injection, variable valve management, and an exceptionally high 14:1 compression ratio.
This engine delivers excellent real-world mileage, perhaps 3 to 5 mpg better than other vehicles with comparable EPA ratings.
Based on what we’ve seen with both this 2.5-liter version in the Mazda 6 and the smaller 2.0-liter version that’s going in the Mazda 3.
In both official and real-world driving, the Mazda 6, like many other automobiles in its class, performs better with the automatic than with the manual.
The automatic is particularly superb at quickly lowering engine revs when they are not required.
We averaged nearly 31 mpg in an automatic Mazda 6 in brief driving, including more than 125 miles of suburban streets and rural two-lanes.
The capacitor-based i-ELOOP technology system improves fuel economy by 2 mpg in both the city and highway cycles for a total of 28 mpg in a mid-size sedan, without the need for a clunky hybrid battery pack. This gives the vehicle a highway range of 656 miles.
Read also: Best Seat Covers for Mazda CX 5
Interior, and Comfort
Because of the huge rear legroom, rear passengers in the Mazda 6 will think they’re getting into a first-class cabin rather than a coach.
The back windows of the automobile are smaller due to the vehicle’s sloping rear roof line, which gives you a more confined feeling than in a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.
Even for people taller than six feet, there’s a lot of headroom. The trunk has a volume of 14.8 cubic feet, which is sufficient for luggage. The Mazda 6 has a sleek and functional design inside.
The Grand Touring’s leather upholstery has contrasting stitching, and polished aluminum trim accents the cabin. Among the best in the class are materials quality, fit, and finish.
The touchscreen user interface seen in most models is a step behind the systems of most competitors, but it is the most controls that are simple and user-friendly.
We’ve discovered that it doesn’t always get along with Apple products, and the screen and touch buttons on the interface are small.
A welcome degree of control redundancy is provided by a multipurpose knob situated south of the shifter.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Mazda 6 infotainment system, which looks fantastic and fits in with the design, is one of the nicest we’ve seen in a long time.
The center console is dominated by a large touchscreen, and the lower left-hand corner contains a small screen.
Even when wearing gloves, the system employs an intuitive finger-based control interface that makes it easy to access navigation and audio functions.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are also standard on the Mazda 6, which is a welcome enhancement over several competitors in this class.
The only real downside is for those who frequently use the back seat for passengers or cargo, there is no built-in backup camera, which can be a nuisance.
Safety
Blind Sport Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is available on some Mazda 6 models, which warns of approaching traffic when changing lanes or alerts you of approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space.
It’s in addition to all the usual airbags, stability control, and four-wheel disc brakes with Brake Assist.
Lane Departure Alert and Forward Obstruction Alert are also available, as is Smart City Brake Assist, which helps avoid collisions caused by inattention at speeds of 4 to 19 mph. There’s also a High Beam Switch and Adaptive Front Lighting.
Despite a four-star frontal rating, the Mazda 6 2014 received a five-star overall rating from the federal government.
Despite its ‘acceptable’ rating in the tougher new small overlap frontal impact test, it isn’t up to the standards of a few other top achievers in the class, and it’s among the better vehicles that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested.
The 2014 Mazda 6 received a five-star overall rating (out of five) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Read also: Mazda 6 Key FOB Battery
Warranty
For vehicles six years old or younger with fewer than 80,000 miles, Mazda provides a certified pre-owned program.
The vehicle’s first sale date determines eligibility. Mazda offers a one-year/12,000-mile limited warranty after the expiry of the original three-year/36,000-mile warranty.
The original restricted powertrain warranty is extended to seven years from the original sale date or 100,000 miles. Every CPO Mazda must pass a 160-point inspection.
Other advantages that may be included include towing, a 90-day complimentary SiriusXM satellite radio trial subscription, longer coverage, and 24-hour roadside assistance. Read the Mazda warranty page for more information.
Third Generation Mazda 6 Sedan Production Year:
| Mazda 6 2023 | Mazda 6 2019 | Mazda 6 2015 | Mazda 6 2010 | Mazda 6 2006 |
| Mazda 6 2022 | Mazda 6 2018 | Mazda 6 2013 | Mazda 6 2009 | Mazda 6 2005 |
| Mazda 6 2021 | Mazda 6 2017 | Mazda 6 2012 | Mazda 6 2008 | Mazda 6 2004 |
| Mazda 6 2020 | Mazda 6 2016 | Mazda 6 2011 | Mazda 6 2007 | Mazda 6 2003 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Mazda 6 a reliable car?
Is the Mazda 6 Reliable? The 2014 Mazda 6 is expected to have an 83-point reliability rating. J.D., for example, is a popular name.
The highest rating is 91-100, followed by 81-90, 70-80, and 0-69 are all considered to be below average.
What is the life expectancy of a 2014 Mazda 6?
The Mazda 6 has an average lifespan of 200,000 to 250,000 miles and has garnered a reputation for long-lasting durability.
Mazda 6 drivers may anticipate 13 to 17 years of service if they drive 15,000 miles per year and maintain a conservative driving style.
What is high mileage for a Mazda 6?
The Mazda 6 has a lifespan of around 200,000 to 230,000 miles on average. With a 9% chance of the problem being severe, a Mazda 6 must go to the garage for unscheduled repairs roughly once every year.
Is Mazda 6 better than Mazda 3?
The Mazda 3 is a smaller car with a lower starting price, whereas the Mazda 6 offers more power and more back seat room for passengers.
Upgrade the Mazda 3 trim levels and you’ll get extra technology and luxury on the inside, as well as an engine size matching that of the Mazda 6.
Is Mazda 6 Made in Japan?
Where Is Mazda6 Made? The Mazda 6 is only manufactured at the Hofu plant in Yamaguchi, Japan.
The Mazda 6 was previously constructed at AutoAlliance International’s Flat Rock, Michigan site for the North American market.
After the Mazda 6 2021 model year, the Mazda 6 will be phased out in the US and Canada.
Mazda 6 2014 Specifications
| Vehicle: | Sedan |
| Engine: | 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine |
| Transmission : | 6-speed manual or automatic |
| Fuel economy (city/highway): | 23/32 mpg |
| Wheelbase: | 111.0 in |
| Length: | 179.8 in |
| Width: | 70.6 in -Height: 56.6 in |
| Curb weight: | 3,268 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight: | 3,481 lbs |
| Cargo capacity: | 15.4 cubic feet |
| Towing capacity: | 1,500 lbs -0-60 mph: 7.8 seconds |
| Top speed: | 130 mph |
Final Verdict
One of the most striking aspects of the Mazda 6 drivetrain is its design. The base four-cylinder gasoline engine is silky and quiet, and it offers rapid acceleration.
The Mazda 6 automatic, on the other hand, is responsive to gas pedal inputs and never feels flat-footed when you’re initiating highway passing maneuvers.
Despite the fact that many automatic transmissions in cars with high mpg numbers upshift to the highest gear possible and are hesitant to downshift, it does so immediately and without hesitation.
Moreover, a six-speed manual transmission is available, which is becoming increasingly rare in the midsize class among driving enthusiasts. When the topic of handling is discussed, the light-on-its-feet nature carries over.
The 2014 Mazda 6 has sharper-witted and eager driving characteristics, with stand-out performance for the class. It offers communicative, precise steering and sporty chassis tuning.
However, the 6 rides are stiffer than competitors, especially with 19-inch wheels, and this is the flip side. The 6 is a practical-minded vehicle with enthusiast inclinations, as are many Mazdas.
