Mazda 6 2016 Review – The Mazda 6 has long been a bit of an outlier in the midsize sedan market, although it does not attract consumer attention as readily as its more well-known rivals.
The Mazda 6 2016, on the other hand, offers superior driving pleasure, cabin refinement, fuel economy, and feature availability than any other vehicle in its class.
Moreover, in addition to its dynamic driving characteristics, the Mazda 6 has one of the most appealing and unique designs on the market.
Because of its mix of fuel economy and cp performance (optional on the Grand Touring trim), the Mazda 6 gets an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined driving, putting it in the same league as other gasoline-fueled, non-hybrid midsize sedans.
Even without the i-Eloop, the Mazda is rated at 31 mpg combined, which is fantastic for a family vehicle. Despite its small appetite, the 6 is quicker than most four-cylinder-powered rivals.
Acceleration is more than adequate no matter what you’re doing in terms of city driving or high-speed highway driving.
Moreover, the 6 has good steering and nimble handling, making it easy to drive fast on the odd back road or on-ramp.
Despite being a fantastic vehicle for driving enthusiasts, the price paid for this level of cp performance is a harsher ride than you may anticipate in a midsize family car.
The road imperfections and potholes are more noticeable with the 19-inch wheels than with its competitors, which have softer springs.
However, since the Mazda 6 comes with one of the greatest four-cylinder base engines on the market, there is no way to get a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder or V6 engine.
Despite the fact that our 2016 Mazda 6 concerns are minor, there are other wonderful cars in this class.
The Honda Accord and Nissan Altima both have excellent fuel economy ratings (particularly for hybrid models), in addition to the availability of a V6 engine.
The Ford Fusion and Kia Optima are worth consideration if sharp design and creature comforts are required, as well as powerful turbocharged engines.
Lastly, while the Subaru Legacy comes standard with all-wheel drive, the Toyota Camry has a long history of being comfortable and dependable.
What’s New for the 2016 Mazda 6?
The Mazda 6 receives a number of improvements in 2016. The front and rear styling of the Grand Touring trim has been updated, as well as replacement LED headlights that replace the previous xenon headlights.
A bigger (7-inch) display and Sport mode for the automatic gearbox are available on all Mazda 6 year models except the base Sport with a manual gearbox.
Lastly, the interior of the Mazda 6 is enhanced with an electronic parking brake and upgraded dash, center console, and armrest trim.
Read also: What Are the New Mazda Car Models?
Pricing, and Trim Levels
The base MSRP for the 2016 Mazda 6 is from $13,600 to $23,600 for this vehicle. The Grand Touring trim adds about $1,000 to the list price and includes:
- Alloy wheels
- Keyless entry
- Start with a sunroof
- Automatic headlamps
- And wipers with rain-sensing abilities (a first for the sedan)
Front dual-zone A/C control as well as heated seats. My tester was a top-level GS model that tops out at just under $33k including destination.
Why Should You Buy One?
If you’re looking for athleticism in a midsize sedan, the Mazda 6 might not be for you. However, if fuel economy and comfort are your top priorities, the 6 is a great option – it returns 29 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway according to EPA ratings.
It’s also one of the roomiest midsize sedans available today – my tester had plenty of headroom and legroom both front and rear with supportive seats.
If fuel economy is less important to you than driving dynamics or engine performance, there are several other sedan choices in this class that offer better horsepower/traction for those preferences.
Engine Performance
The Mazda 6 offers 184 horsepower from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is powerful enough for city and highway driving applications. Both a six-speed manual and automatic transmission are offered.
With composed cornering and powerful brakes, the Mazda 6 is one of the class’s best-handling vehicles. The lively handling, on the other hand, detracts from ride comfort.
Fuel Economy
The front-wheel-drive 2016 Mazda 6 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque.
The Sport and Touring models may be supplied with a six-speed manual or six-speed automated gearbox (with shift paddles on the steering wheel), however, the Grand Touring is only available with an automatic.
During testing, an automatic-equipped Mazda 6 reached a 60 mph speed of 7.6 seconds, which is a respectable time for a midsize car with a modest four-cylinder gasoline engine.
The Mazda 6 manual gearbox completed the test in 8.1 seconds. The EPA’s estimates for the six thousand are amazing.
The manual gets 29 mpg combined (25/37) and the automatic-transmission car gets 31 mpg combined (26 city/38 highway).
With the optional i-Eloop facility, fuel economy improves to an incredible 32 mpg combined (28/40).
Interior, and Comfort
The Mazda 6 offers significant rear legroom, giving rear seat passengers the illusion that they are entering a first-class cabin rather than a coach.
Even for people taller than 6 feet, there is enough headroom, although the car’s sloping rear roof line makes the back windows smaller, giving you a more confined feeling than in an Accord or Camry.
The efficiently shaped trunk, which has a capacity of 14.8 cubic feet, offers decent luggage space. The interior design of the Mazda is generally clean and functional.
The cabin is trimmed in polished aluminum, and the leather upholstery on the Grand Touring has contrasting stitching. Among the class’s best qualities are material quality, fit, and finish.
The touchscreen interface of the 6 was a letdown in previous years, with a tiny screen, poor map detail, and occasional incompatibility with Apple devices.
The new 7-inch display is leaps and bounds ahead of the previous one. Its virtual buttons are huge, and the screen is readable and simple to comprehend.
Its response times are fast. A knob-type controller on the center console provides a secondary way to interact with the touchscreen, which is also controlled by a knob.
Our only criticism is that the touchscreen functionality is unavailable while driving, leaving only the controller to access infotainment features.
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Infotainment and Connectivity
Among the features available on the 2016 Mazda 6 are Bluetooth, a push-button start, a six-speaker stereo, an auxiliary input jack, and a USB port.
Among the features available are a proximity key, an 11-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, navigation, an infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, HD Radio, Pandora internet radio compatibility, and hands-free text messaging.
The new 2016 infotainment system features a huge, tablet-like touch screen, as well as user-friendly and immediately accessible audio settings. When using the navigational system, entering destinations is difficult and time-consuming.
Safety
For the class, the 2016 Mazda6 has a top safety rating. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which gave it excellent ratings in all five crash tests.
In the test results of the front and side collision, as well as rollover evaluations, the Mazda 6 received a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
While a rear vision camera, a head-up display, rear cross-traffic alert, advanced cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic braking are available as additional features on the 2016 Mazda 6, no standard driver assistance systems are offered.
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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 2011 | Mazda 6 2007 | Mazda 6 2003 |
| Mazda 6 2022 | Mazda 6 2018 | Mazda 6 2010 | Mazda 6 2006 | Mazda 6 2002 |
| Mazda 6 2021 | Mazda 6 2013 | Mazda 6 2009 | Mazda 6 2005 | Mazda 6 2001 |
| Mazda 6 2020 | Mazda 6 2012 | Mazda 6 2008 | Mazda 6 2004 | Mazda 6 2000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which model year of the Mazda 6 is best?
The Mazda 6 generation is part of the 2016 model, which debuted in 2014. The Mazda 6 2014 and Mazda 6 2015 models are both highly regarded, while the 2016 model costs more.
A 2016 model had significant upgrades, including Bluetooth and a redesigned dashboard, as well as an updated front-end design.
If money is constrained, you’d be better off with a 2016 or 2017 model. A bigger infotainment display screen was also accessible.
The Mazda 6 2017 is a few thousand dollars more expensive than the previous model and comes with a standard rearview camera.
How reliable is the 2016 Mazda6?
How Reliable Is the 2016 Mazda 6? The Mazda 6 is a very reliable car. It has received excellent ratings in the past from consumer magazines and online review sites.
The only exception may be for those who have had problems with their transmissions, but these are relatively rare and usually easy to repair or fix yourself.
Overall, the Mazda 6 is a great choice for anyone looking for reliability, value, and fuel efficiency.
What are the most common problems with the Mazda6?
Mazda6 frequently has problems with the cruise control, the headlights, and the keyless entry system. How often should I bring the Mazda 6 in for repair?
The best time to take your car to the dealership is within the first 12 months of purchase. Thereafter, visit at least once a year for routine maintenance and repairs.
Is Mazda6 a good buy?
Yes, the Mazda 6 is a pleasant midsize automobile. It comes with two peppy four-cylinder engine choices and excellent handling, and responsive steering.
It also comes with a lot of safety technology and infotainment extras, including newly required Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. It has an upscale cabin as well.
Does the 2016 Mazda 6 have a timing belt or chain?
As seen with the most current Mazda 6, the chain is designed to last the life of the engine and need not be serviced or replaced every few years.
As indicated above, the Mazda6 has a timing chain, which is something to be pleased with.
What is high mileage for a Mazda 6?
On average a Mazda 6 lasts between 200,000 – 230,000 miles. With a 9% risk of the problem being serious, a Mazda 6 must go to the dealer for unscheduled maintenance about 0.4 times per year.
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.
Specifications
| Engine Type: | Gas |
| Basic Warranty: | 3 yr./ 36,000 mi. |
| Cylinders: | Inline 4 |
| Drive Type: | Front-wheel drive |
| Total Seating: | 5 |
| Transmission: | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Final Verdict
If you want to add some fun to your daily commute, the 2016 Mazda 6 is a good choice. It has a powerful engine and enthusiastic handling, as well as excellent fuel mileage, performed well in crash tests, and has a great interior.
Unlike most midsize cars, it has all these characteristics. The ride, however, may be a little rough at times. Mazda 6 has a number of upgrades compared to the previous model.
Handling is also impressive: the car feels nimble and agile on the road, thanks in part to its fast engine and well-damped suspension.
The engine also delivers good fuel economy for a large sedan – EPA figures for 2016 6 benchmark at 28 mpg city/38 mpg highway – though it could be even better with available tech such as cylinder deactivation technology.
While not as roomy or luxurious-feeling inside as some competitors, materials are high quality throughout, making the 6 a competent and attractive choice for those on a budget.
Its safety rating is also commendable, with four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
