Mazda 6 2018 Review – The Mazda 6 is more than just a mid-size family car. It may easily be mistaken for a much more expensive automobile because of its sculpted body and gorgeous cabin.
Its exquisite body likewise provides a driving experience that is normally only available in high-end sports sedans.
This exceptional combination of sophisticated atmosphere and unrivaled dynamics is surprisingly cheap, thanks to these qualities.
Mazda makes the features that customers want contingent on upgrading to higher trim levels, rather than offering them individually.
After all, it isn’t the quickest, cheapest, or most technologically sophisticated vehicle on the market. The 2018 Mazda 6 will struggle to attract objective comparisons with its rivals.
Nonetheless, compared to its “mainstream mid-size family vehicle” category classification, this outstanding sedan transcends the numbers and appeals to the senses better.
What’s New for the 2018 Mazda 6?
The Mazda 6 gets a redesign for the third time in five model years for 2018. Subtle exterior design changes, a freshened interior, and an extra engine choice are among the most evident improvements.
The standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four, which employs cylinder deactivation and offers somewhat more power and torque, is replaced by the 6 new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder.
Mazda went even further by recalibrating the chassis and reducing interior noise levels, which is a significant improvement.
A new Grand Touring Reserve version, as well as a top-of-the-line Signature variant, are also available in the lineup.
A lengthy list of desired standard features distinguishes the latter, which has thick leather and real wood trim.
Read also: What Are the New Mazda Car Models?
Pricing, and Trim Levels
When you add in the $890 destination charge, the 2018 Mazda 6 has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $22,845 for a manual-transmission Sport model.
Starting your mid-trim touring vehicle search at around $26,595 is a good place to start. An automatic gearbox comes at an extra cost of $1,050 for both vehicles.
Original MSRP:
- Sport: $22,845
- Touring: $26,595
- Grand Touring: $30,095
- Grand Touring Reserve: $32,595
- Signature: $35,645
Engine Performance
Mazda 6 2018 Engine, either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is turbocharged or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.
The newly added turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine produces 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
The turbo model, unfortunately, does not come with the six-speed manual gearbox. The non-turbo Sport version is currently the only one that offers it.
In comparison to the previous engine, the standard naturally aspirated four-cylinder now offers cylinder deactivation as well as an extra 3 horsepower and 1 pound-foot of torque.
The new turbocharged engine was recently put to the test, and contrary to our expectations, it outperformed the standard one.
Sadly, from zero to 60 mph, the Mazda 6 was the slowest of its competitors’ similarly powerful cars.
Competing powertrains outgun the Mazda’s, including turbocharged four-cylinders and even V-6s.
Despite its power shortfall, the Mazda 6 impresses, with fluidity in its controls and handling that is uncommon at any price point.
It delivers above-average driving satisfaction for a family sedan. Mazda succeeds to provide excitement without reducing refinement or ride quality.
The chassis reacts strongly and accurately to steering inputs and strong throttle lifts, allowing drivers to fine-tune their line mid-corner, and the Mazda 6 performs excellently as a front-wheel-drive vehicle.
With just a few roll-in curves and no wallow or judders over the rippled road, body control is top-notch.
Fuel Economy
If fuel economy is a concern, you should be aware that the 6’s base engine is lower than that of its rivals by a few mpg. There is no hybrid version, and there isn’t an all-wheel drive.
On the other hand, the 2018 Mazda 6 is a superb car for families who like to drive thanks to its excellent design and pleasant performance.
Fuel economy testing and reporting methods have changed over time as the EPA has improved them.
For the most recent statistics on current and older vehicles, go to the EPA’s website and choose to Find & Compare Cars.
Does the 2018 Mazda 6 Get Good Gas Mileage?
The Mazda 6 get mediocre fuel economy for a midsize vehicle with the standard engine and automatic gearbox. The 2018 Toyota Camry and 2018 Honda Accord get superior ratings from rivals.
- With a starting four-cylinder and manual gearbox, the city/highway mileage is 24/33 mpg.
- Four-cylinder base engine with automatic gearbox rated at 26/35 mpg.
- Turbo-four: 23/31 mpg
Interior, and Comfort
The Mazda 6 isn’t as roomy as the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Sonata, or Toyota Camry, but it’s a comfortable car nonetheless.
Even if the exquisite interior design is removed, the interior is still a practical and comfortable place to be. Mazda installed a knee pad over the length of the large transmission tunnel.
Ease of use
While most functions have multiple access routes, the central control knob is used for everything. It’s easy to use, and it lets you keep your eyes on the road.
The steering wheel controls are numerous and somewhat fiddly, and the touchscreen doesn’t have a lockout feature while in motion.
Getting in/getting out
Getting in and out for front passengers is extremely simple due to the wide-opening doors and modest seat bolsters.
Due to the Mazda 6 sloping rear roofline, tall-torsoed backseat riders may have to bend their heads to get into and out of the back, but it is simple.
Driving position
The Mazda 6 allows for a lot of power adjustments. The driver’s side of the front seats is adjustable for additional support, and the seat bottoms provide long-seat bottom cushioning for optimum thigh support. There should be more telescoping range in the steering wheel adjustment.
Roominess
Is Mazda 6 roomy? The Mazda 6 cabin is spacious, with adequate headroom, shoulder space, and hip space. With the exception of a huge center console that intrudes on your right knee, everything is roomy.
While it is adequate for average-size people, the Accord and Camry have a knee room that is smaller than what rear-seat passengers will experience.
Visibility
A low hood gives you a great view over the nose because the front pillars are wide and somewhat obstructing.
Rear visibility is hampered by a high decklid and large back pillars, although the side windows fade toward the middle to assist with this. On the 360-degree camera, we’d want better image quality.
Quality
With high-quality interior materials and a superb fit and finish, Mazda 6 Signature series is moving upmarket. Our automobile had no rattles or squeaks and drove like a premium car.
Read also: Best Seat Covers for Mazda CX 5
Infotainment and Connectivity
The MazdaConnect infotainment system has a touch screen, although it only responds to touch inputs while the automobile is stopped.
You’ll need a rotary dial controller to modify settings while you’re on the go. Outside of that one exception, the system performs well.
The interface is simple to use and the screen is clear. It does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, however, it does have certain features that require you to go through multiple phases.
- Standard infotainment features include a six-speaker audio system, HD Radio, Bluetooth, a USB port, and an 8-inch touchscreen
- There are two more USB ports, a Bose audio system with 11 speakers, satellite radio, and navigation in addition to infotainment systems
- Additional features include dual-zone automatic temperature control and push-button start
- Another feature available is the moonroof
Safety
The 2019 Mazda 6 received a five-star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the most current version a Top Safety Pick+ rating.
The Mazda 6 comes equipped with some basic driver-assistance functions, as well as i-Activsense, Mazda’s suite of active safety staff.
Read also: Mazda 6 Key FOB Battery
Warranty
The Mazda 6 is a competent car that offers good value for the price. It has some features that are available only on more expensive models, like adaptive cruise control and i-Activsense.
The midsize sedan also has a five-star crash rating from the NHTSA, makes an excellent first car or family vehicle, and comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
2018 Mazda 6 Trim Levels
In 2018, the Mazda 6 was released as a five-trim level family vehicle. The basic Sport has a modest set of standard features, yet it is priced fairly.
The Touring and Grand Touring come with standard features, while the latter has a more powerful engine as an extra feature.
The Grand Touring Reserve has more attractive exterior embellishments, better materials, and additional features than the Signature, which has a more appealing appearance.
Mazda 6 Sport
The base Mazda 6 Sport comes equipped with 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, push-button start, 60/40-split folding rear seats, non-illuminated vanity mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque) is standard equipment on the Sport model, which is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The 8-inch entertainment touchscreen comes with Bluetooth, one USB port, and a six-speaker audio system. A rearview camera and a cross-traffic alert are just a few of the standard safety features.
Further safety and driver assistance functions are available with the optional i-Activsense package, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
Mazda 6 Touring
The Mazda 6 Touring variant, which boosts the car’s performance, is worth looking into. Standard amenities include:
- Proximity keyless entry
- Automatic wipers
- Maximum high beams
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Heated front seats with power-adjustable driver’s seat (late availability)
- Illuminated vanity mirrors
- And Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
A center console with two USB charging ports and additional vents in the center console is available for rear passengers. The i-Activsense package, like the Touring, includes all of the usual safety features.
Mazda 6 Grand Touring
The Mazda 6 Grand Touring adds the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower, 310 pound-foot of torque) and a six-speed automatic to what the Touring started with.
With an 11-speaker stereo, satellite radio, and navigation, the infotainment system gets even more power.
Mazda 6 Grand Touring Reserve
The Mazda 6 Grand Touring Reserve variant is distinguished by its upgraded LED lighting and rear spoiler.
Among the driver’s comfort improvements are a hot steering wheel, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and seat memory.
The front row has ventilation, while the back row has heat for everyone else. The gauge cluster is topped by a glass panel that serves as a head-up display and shows traffic signs as well as your current speed.
This trim includes adaptive front lighting that switches to low beams with the steering wheel, which helps improve nighttime visibility.
Mazda 6 Signature
The Mazda 6 Signature trim level primarily improves the look and feel of the interior, aside from the addition of a gunmetal front grille.
With the addition of LED interior lighting and a frameless rearview mirror, you’ll find higher-quality materials such as microfiber suede, wood, and upgraded leather.
A digital gauge cluster and a surround-view camera system with front and rear parking sensors are among the other feature improvements.
Third Generation Mazda 6 Sedan Production Year:
| Mazda 6 2023 | Mazda 6 2019 | Mazda 6 2014 | Mazda 6 2010 | Mazda 6 2006 |
| Mazda 6 2022 | Mazda 6 2017 | Mazda 6 2013 | Mazda 6 2009 | Mazda 6 2005 |
| Mazda 6 2021 | Mazda 6 2016 | Mazda 6 2012 | Mazda 6 2008 | Mazda 6 2004 |
| Mazda 6 2020 | Mazda 6 2015 | Mazda 6 2011 | Mazda 6 2007 | Mazda 6 2003 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Mazda6 2018 reliable?
The Mazda6 has excellent reliability ratings, as it has been awarded a 5-star rating by the NHTSA for overall safety and 4-stars for frontal crash test results.
How many miles can a 2018 Mazda 6 last?
The Mazda 6 has a reputation for being dependable, with an average mileage of 200,000 to 250,000 miles.
Mazda 6 owners may expect 13 to 17 years of service based on driving 15,000 miles per year and having conservative driving habits and a watchful eye on upkeep.
Are Mazdas expensive to maintain?
Are Mazda vehicles expensive to fix? Mazda vehicles have an average annual upkeep cost of $462, which is much lower than the overall industry average of $652.
What is the best Mazda 6 year?
The Mazda 6 has been a big hit for twenty years and remains in production. If you want a Mazda 6 for yourself, it’s important to know when to buy it so that you don’t waste your money. Models from 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2009 should be avoided.
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
With a spacious and comfortable interior, as well as a turbocharged engine that provides decent power and acceleration, the 2018 Mazda 6 is a competent sedan.
The infotainment system is quite simple to operate as well. Beyond its duties as a family sedan, the Mazda 6 2018 was designed to perform.
Sure, it has a large interior and excellent fuel economy, but it also has an upscale look and an emphasis on driving pleasure. The Mazda 6 has a lot of amenities, making it one of our favorite sedans in this class.
