The 2021 Mazda 6 pulls off near-luxury quality thanks to its impressive ride comfort and smart attention to detail. But its greatest trick is that it's simply a joy to drive. Sedans aren't typically dripping with charisma. This one has plenty to spare.
Part of the third Mazda 6 generation introduced in 2014
What is the Mazda 6?
The 2021 Mazda 6 is a midsize four-door sedan with seating for five passengers. One of the more entertaining options in the segment, the Mazda 6 is surprisingly fun to drive. Handling and steering are excellent in the 6, with a composed feeling through corners. In other words, it puts a smile on your face when you drive it on curvy roads. It also has a sleek and attractive exterior and a well-crafted interior with lots of high-quality materials, and it's quiet on the highway. It's among our top picks in the midsize sedan segment.
Edmunds says
The Mazda 6 has been on sale in its current form since 2014. And while that means it's likely due for a redesign, we don't predict a full overhaul for 2021. Under the hood, the base Sport and Touring models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models use a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is the one we recommend.
While we don't expect a lineup of entirely new engines for next year's Mazda 6, it's not unreasonable to think that we will see some updates that increase fuel economy, such as a new transmission to replace the old six-speed unit. We also expect to see some upgrades to the 6's infotainment interface and available driver safety aids. The current 6 is still one of the class leaders for the midsize sedan segment, though, so we won't blame you for driving one home sooner rather than later.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mazda 6 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.71 per gallon for regular unleaded in Texas.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mazda 6 from 2008-2022.
$430/yr
vs. $415/yr for Average Midsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).
1.11x/yr
vs. 0.87x/yr for Average Midsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).
9.1%
vs. 10.2% for Average Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
2020 Mazda 6 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I previously owned a white 2016 Mazda 6 Touring. Due to an driver's fail to yield, my car was totalled back in late November. I checked out a blue 2020 Mazda 6. Everything I liked about the 2016 was there, with more, including improvements.
I bought the Grand Touring model. The turbo is a great improvement over the base engine. It's not a rocket by any means, but still lots of low end … torque to get you moving. Under normal driving, the turbo engine seems a bit smoother and more quiet than the base engine too. In fact, going from the 2016 to the 2020, the whole ride seems more compliant and quieter. I don't notice road imperfections near as much as in my '16. The steering is a bit easier while still communicating the feel of the tires against the pavement. There also seems to be improvement in the seats. A bit more padding and thigh support. Great for long trips. The interior itself has been greatly improved in those 4 years. Very sharp looking.
I won't go into detail about all the safety features since they are covered in multiple reviews. Suffice to say it was a good move for Mazda to make their whole safety suite standard across all trims. That wasn't the case in 2016.
One piece of advice. The only difference between the 2019 and 2020 model years is a new keyfob design and some badging on the Signature trim. That's it. If you can find the color and trim you like in a 2019 model, then go for it. It has a higher rebate available plus you're more likely to get a better deal since all their 2020 models have been coming in. No dealers in my area had the dark blue exterior/black interior combination that I wanted in a 2019. Hence, I ended up with a 2020. Also, I personally would start with the Grand Touring and go up from there. The Grand Touring is the lowest priced trim that has the turbo engine. A good upgrade going from 186hp/186ft-lb to 250hp on premium/310ft-lb.
To wrap this up, I'm very happy with my choice. If you're up in the air about which mid sized sedan to pick, at least have the Mazda 6 on your list of cars to pick from. It may not have the sales numbers that the Camry or Accord have, but it's a very capable and competitive sedan. If you want a great looking and great handling mid sized vehicle, this might be the one.
A Piece of Art
5 out of 5 stars
Eddy, 01/15/2020
2020 Mazda 6 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
I got the Mazda 6 sport 2020 and I couldn't be happier. It combines comfort, fun and luxury in an unprecedented way. I'm also happy to see the leaps Mazda made in terms of reliability. I'm actually glad they're using a traditional 6 speed transmission. It means fewer bugs and a better projected reliability. It's known and been around for a while - why mess with it?
Love this car.
Much more than I thought.
5 out of 5 stars
Jerry, 07/30/2020
2020 Mazda 6 Signature 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Having owned BMWs and Audi's since 1993 I was reluctant to the reviews I read about the Mazda 6. So I searched it vigorously looking for negative reviews, but I couldn't find much negative. So I decided to pursue leasing one.
I found what I liked, Signature series blue with parchment interior. I searched dealerships and found only one within 500 miles. So, I contacted my local … dealer and in a few days I was driving it.
This car is amazing! The cabin is a beautiful design, simple, elegant and very functional. The leather is premium and the seats are very comfortable. Very little wind noise, very good acceleration, and handling is excellent!
I do have four issues that would improve my opinion even more. First, the infortainment system really needs a faster processor. Second, the outside mirrors are not included in the Memory Seats positioning, so you have to re-adjust them with different drivers. Third, there is not power outlet in the front console so you must stretch a cord to the back part of the console where you rest your arm. Four, the gas fill door is thin and appears easy to bend. That's it. My only negatives.
Love this car. What a true value!
Ya can't beat a Mazda for value
5 out of 5 stars
nevada mike, 05/20/2020
2020 Mazda 6 Grand Touring Reserve 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Very simply, if my Mazda 6 Reserve went away I'd buy another in an instant without shopping any other car. Traded in a 2014 Mazda 6 for the newer 6 because I wanted the turbo, and paid extra for the stunning Soul Red paint. My 3rd Mazda is a testament to Mazda's superb engineering and design. It's beautiful but that does not matter unless the car has 5 star crash rating and is a kick to … drive. Also, the seats are very comfortable and vented. It comes with all the bells and whistles of an expensive luxury car(Lexus,BMW and Mercedes). The 6 feels very solid to drive as steering and suspension provide a sense of total control. If you're not especially enjoying your drive, that will change to loving to drive the 6, and I suspect you'll enjoy washing & waxing your Mazda 6 because it's so good looking. OK, rear seat leg room is poor, but as the driver...who cares. Mazda's "zoom zoom" advertisement claim is not baloney...they back it up with their cars.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Mazda 6, so we've included reviews for other years of the 6 since its last redesign.