2018 Mazda 6 | Road Test

[@KrishMod520]

Mazda cannot be compared to other cars. It's unique and amazing

[@michaelpoppos3427]

The overall experience of a vehicle is more important to me than 0 to 60 bragging rights. Most of us don't drive on a racetrack.

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

Motorweek got a relatively slow time. I did 7.1s from 0 to 100kmh (62mph), and I did it on a highway not a racetrack, I gotta say, the Mazda6 is a difficult car to launch right, too much brake torque and you get excessive wheel spin, to little and not enough boost. But I believe that in the best conditions and with 93 octane, this should be a sub 6.5s car (with proper tires maybe even better).

[@TalismanPHX]

It's a beautiful, expressive car. The full-lux interior is very nicely done.

[@dawge30]

Performance numbers alone don't define a great car. Neither does maximum interior volume. How it's built, and how it FEELS; should be the true way to measure a car. Mazda will always be my favorite Japanese car brand. They may not be segment leaders in power and space, but they can't be beat in driver enjoyment. This is a great car.

[@Trance88]

Mazda makes the best cars, PERIOD! Their fit and finish can't be beat for the price.

[@cargueone1971]

Well, competitive is more accurate.

[@smo1228]

I'm thinking about getting a Mazda how reliable are they.

[@nandernugget]

Absolutely stunning. One of the best looking new cars.

[@TA1199]

I have a 2018 CX9 Grand Touring in Ruby red. It's my first Mazda and I love it. It handles great despite it being such a large crossover and a tad bit nose heavy. However, it's best handling SUV I have ever driven. It can take sharp trns at 60 MPH with ease. i couldn't do that in my 4Runner's without ending up on it's side. I wish it had Ventilated seats.

[@FawleyJude]

"Mazda would love to sell you a crossover, but they're not giving up the mid-size sedan any time soon." If only he'd known that Mazda would be dropping the 6 in three years, after 2021. I have a 2018 6 with a 6-speed stick. If I'd waited till 2019, I wouldn't have been able to get a stick. I'm glad I bought it when I did, I've been very happy with it and plan on holding on to it for quite a while.

[@JClark-34695]

I have the base Sport which I bought in March, and a 40-mile round-trip commute. Every day, I am more and more impressed with the capabilities of this car. I don't care what all the numbers crunched into MotorWeek's spread-sheet say, this car is a sheer delight to drive. All the power I need, precisely when I need it. Cornering is downright eerie it's so good (look up Mazda's G-Vectoring Control for that: I don't think anyone else has anything like it). Drive a Camry, Accord and a Mazda6 with an open mind, then come back here and tell me that the 6 is not the most car for the money. As for looks, there's no competition. The 6 will look great 10 years from now- the other two with their hideous front ends, not so much.

[@mediacritic]

Very cool sedan. I love Mazdas.

[@compacheo603]

Motor week takes me back to my childhood with mr Davis 😎

[@tonytysonii636]

Yes! I grew up listening to John Davis he’s an OG in the automotive news industry.

[@powersurge001]

Shame on Mazda for only offering the 6-speed manual with the base trim. This would be an amazing car with the turbo engine and manual combo.

[@adamk9571]

Agreed. Manual transmission and the turbo would be great.

[@TheSQL-Lover]

Sadly, only 5% of American population or so, are buying manuals. Don’t get me wrong, my 2016 Miata is manual, but they are disappearing. They don’t sell and companies are losing money. This is particularly true in US.

[@darvillebo]

not if mazda engineers are pulling engine timing in 1st & 2nd gears to deal with wheelspin, like they did in the mazdaspeed6 & mazdaspeed3, and likely are doing here as well

[@caliboyrob]

you guys love to say this but don't actually buy the manuals hence the reason they stay on the base

[@djkenny1202]

I will take a cool non turbo manual. I believe end of the year you can get one under 15 grand too.

[@kalvinsantero8122]

this kind of red is what i am looking for.....!!

[@crazyconer1985]

It looks like a prototype! Best looking sedan of its class and still a 2014 chassis!

[@theKevronHarris]

I'm a Mazda guy, and I love the all-new Mazda6 a lot! 💖💖💖💖💖

[@deet4895]

Simply beautiful.

[@hakeemsd70m]

Discontinuing the Mazda6 was a bad decision by Mazda. I get it, everyone wants raised hatchbacks. But damn, what I wouldn't do for that beautiful Mazda6 wagon they sell in Europe, like we had with the original 6 back in 2004.

[@oliverroo59]

That paint is gorgeous!

[@DownassMusic]

My first car was a 1988 626! Turbo w/ 4 wheel starring. 145 HP and it was quick!!!

[@firefox39693]

I love that car so much.

[@dohc1067]

still the sexiest car its class. I am curious 👀 what the 6 will look like when it goes rwd.

[@modmatt1]

While I love the upgrades, glad I picked up my 17.5 M6 touring with manual transmission when I did. I see that some of the features are now included standard with the base sport, but the touring spec brought in quite a few features that did not make it (namely power, heated leatherette seats & 19" wheels and auto headlights) and not even available as an option in Sport trim. I do give Mazda credit for at least offering a manual in the line still and hope they add more trims in the future with it.

[@captinbeyond]

I love manuals--most of my cars/trucks have been manuals.They can be a pain in stop/go traffic which is everywhere these days. Just wonder how Mazda's manuals hold up long term....say after 150k miles and above?

[@joskjj3625]

Mazda should make there own luxury division imo

[@JakeFromLateFarm]

Mazda had planned to in the early '90s. Amanti, I believe, was to be its name, and the final generation 929 was going to be the flagship model.

[@ivan72087]

@@JakeFromLateFarm correct but the name was gonna be Amati.......... Amanti was a car named later by Kia. Believe it or not Mazda did release a would be amati car under the Mazda name called the Millenia.

[@JakeFromLateFarm]

@@ivan72087 -- Yes, both cars were indeed planned to be released as Amatis. A few others like the Eunos Cosmo also made it to production, but not in the United States unfortunately.

[@dylanmountain5357]

Almost bought this. Drove a Reserve. Drives great good low end torque. Ventilated seats and Bose sound is excellent. Just no guts off the line. Had a Saab 9-5 Aero before. Ended up buying a 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD. Great power train. ELS sound system is one of the best.

[@SundudeCAN]

I bought a brand-new 2017 Mazda6 six-speed manual last year, and am very pleased with my choice. The car is simply gorgeous for a midsize sedan from a mainstream brand. It's roomy and nicely appointed, with firm supportive seats and upscale interior materials. Handling and performance is very good, although not as fun as my old Miata, natch. If you're in the market for a nice sedan and you like driving, you owe it to yourself to give the 6 a closer look.

[@chrisbrinkley8921]

Great review as always! Thanks Mr.John

[@jab1720]

Everything fantastic plus ventilated (AC) seats for about 35k. Why even bother with a plain optionless BMW or Mercedes Benz? This is Lexus quiet refined luxury, sporty, safe and much more reliable than the Germans.

[@heliotropeskies5918]

the problem w the Mazda6 is that its not great at managing traction, which is why 7+ second 0-60 times are found sometimes when some people have gotten as low as like 6.3 seconds in 0-60 tests

[@klasseact6663]

Best looking sedan on the market and fully loaded it's what, $37K, besides RWD/AWD, why would you buy a German sedan, honestly?

[@TA1199]

Let's slow down there. The Mazda is great I love it and look forward to driving it when I get a chance too. I drive a 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 and a BMW 645 Convertible. The Mazda and BMW are amazing but NOTHING beats the Mercedes-Benz S Class. It's not even close.

[@foxtrot685]

TA1199 I dunno if this would compete with an S class. I don't think that's what the OP had in mind either. Compared to a base E class however...

[@TA1199]

Darryl Henry I drove and E class for a few years too. After thinking about it I think that's a better comparison. The E class is definitely bigger. These cars are in an odd segment. They are way better than an Altima or Camry. But, below the Accord and Mercedes, BMW etc...I think it compares best to the Maxima to be honest with you.

[@foxtrot685]

TA1199 it is very weird how they occupy different size categories. I do agree that a Mazda6 equipped in Signature trim does best compare to a maxima, both fundamentally and size wise.

[@TheDustyaman]

There was a fully loaded pearl white and white leather on a lot for 32,000

[@Rouxenator]

Beautiful car

[@j.wagner8639]

Astonishing design and unique behavior. It's a real car in the sick world

[@MyLife-so1jl]

Love to see a large RWD 400 HORSEPOWER sedan...maybe Mazda 8.

[@megarutabega]

Sears called and wants its 1990s wardrobe back! Kidding (not really)! Great review, thanks.

[@daves9355]

Very attractive! But not much zoom at sport and touring level. Interior/Exterior can't be beat.

[@noseefood1943]

i would get a mazda or subaru if there were more dealership near by.

[@brent1041]

Drive to one! If you want a Mazda or Subaru don't settle for some shit box chevy because that's all the local dealer sells.

[@captinbeyond]

I agree with them not having dealerships but few and far between. That's a deal breaker when you have issues to get done and the dealer is 100 miles away.

[@tonyt625]

Handsome looks . I only have one issue the lack of an armrest. Was sacrificed for storage.

[@wvusmc]

That red is the best looking paint on the market

[@TheAdventureAuto]

They should come standard with wider tires, or AWD when turbo equipped. 7.2 seconds when you have 310lb ft of torque is an indicator of that. This new 6 however is a bargain of a price for what you get.

[@jbar_85]

Mazdas are amazing!❤

[@gamer420life4]

does it have a limited slip differential?

[@ernestoduran5610]

Mazda caught my eye back in 2009. In 2010 I bought my first Mazda the Mazda 3 hatchback 2.3 and I loved it. Now my girlfriend has the 2018 CX-9 2.5 turbo and I have the 2018 Mazda 6. What a huge difference in power specially after they break in around 1500 miles. Motor Trend did a review on the Mazda 6 and claimed it went 0-60 in 6.9 seconds and 15 flat quarter mile but I’m sure that was on 87 octane and pre break in because if you see the videos of the Mazda 6 at the track it actually goes 14 flat quarter mile and 0-60 in 5.4. But anyway these Mazda’s are fun fast quiet and reliable

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

where have you seen that?, you need very sticky tires for that, the OEM ones are crap for grip.

[@miguelircontar]

One of the best looking in the segment so far now patiently waiting to see what the new Altima will look like in motion.

[@717dash_cam]

This new engine could use paring with an AWD system to put that power to the ground, instead of letting it be wasted on wheel spin.

[@jermainec2462]

How did they get 7.2 seconds 0 to 60 they let them tires spend too much... You can get faster 0 to 60 than that

[@briannavarrete49]

Was the 7.2 second 0-60 time achieved with regular or premium fuel?

[@meugzy]

Brian Rosado Good question Motortrend 0-60mph in 6.4s (91 octane) Car and driver 0-60mpb in 6.4s(87 octane)

[@steves7069]

Seriously considering a move to Mazda 6.. Does the 6's passenger seat have power adjustments? (Do ANY cars' passenger seats have power adjustments?)

[@mopesrus7266]

We have a Grand Touring model, both front seats have power adjustments. Driver's seat has memory and will adjust to settings as per which key fob is being used.

[@BanBiofuels]

I just saw a new Mazda 6 and it now looks as good as a Hyundai Sonata, in my opinion. If it does have road feel like a hydraulic steering system, then that is a huge plus. I would comparison shop between the Sonata and Mazda 6.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

This car is exquisit

[@everythingautomotiveeta5839]

Love these!

[@JEdmund81]

What a great car! Will be a top contender for my next car.

[@jakesmith2984]

Why?

[@everythingautomotiveeta5839]

What type of fuel did you guys use for the acceleration runs? Regular or premium

[@meugzy]

EveryThingAutomotive ETA Good question Motortrend 0-60mph in 6.4s (91 octane) Car and driver 0-60mpb in 6.4s(87 octane)

[@FeisarX]

Either way the 0-60 runs have been a bit of a disappointment. That torque curve must be weird... Or maybe the transmission...? The numbers suggest it would be faster vs Accord. I think the 10 speed in that car is using the engine better .

[@mbenton6]

T R Mazda 6 is quicker in thru traffic and ehen you are already driving

[@everythingautomotiveeta5839]

Outdoor Layne indeed you have a firm grasp of how gearing manipulates torque. Good class. Spot on.

[@normt5463]

Motor Trend has a Honda Odyessey as quick!

[@Reebok4523]

Where did they find this guy in 2002? 😂

[@turbo_excellent]

Mazda 6 is japans pride car.

[@jdmjimmy]

Will the speed 6 comeback

[@Sky1]

Why did they take away the fog lights?

[@Josh-179]

Fog lamps are part of the headlight unit now.

[@BigNews2021]

I wish Mazda would bring back the 6 in liftback version

[@PantherP74]

Were those acceleration figures with regular or premium fuel? Thanks.

[@meugzy]

PantherP74 Good question Motortrend 0-60mph in 6.4s (91 octane) Car and driver 0-60mpb in 6.4s(87 octane)

[@Sky1]

We have two Mazdas in our driveway. Now looking for a new car. Can't really find a better car for the money.

[@losdesmayosdeNestor]

That ring sound on the mirror... Lol

[@truckercowboyed2638]

Nestor Chavez did u notice the rear door isn't lined up with the C pillar theres a noticeable line that's not straight with the door.

[@losdesmayosdeNestor]

Edward Enterline I hadn't. Great eye. Although, it seems to be a light trick since you can't see it when in motion. More than likely it is the rear tire panel that bulges out too fast after the door.

[@truckercowboyed2638]

Nestor Chavez yeah in the one Camara shot where the show up close of the rear door area I noticed the door didnt line up. I also wonder if this was an early production model and it had a defect. So they're like hey we'll give it to Motorweek no one will even notice lol.

[@TalismanPHX]

The drivers rear door wasn't fully closed. The power cable to the video camera suction cupped to the driver's side rear fender is why. You can see it on the track.

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

Just wish we got the wagon in North America! 😢

[@EARLandPEARL-c3i]

you will hear the screech of tires ever time you floor it

[@Walter-hg2nr]

This one will in the game big time !! But It's should be at least 8 speed . And increasing hp by flues yes you can maybe 5 to 10 but not even it's BS.

[@mbenton6]

It's not on the same chassis... it was revamp for 2018. You people do not do research at all

[@ramoncarter6585]

Mazda might had their issues using Ford parts after having their own company they are nice now both Toyota are making cars they are really better one thing miss the zoom-zoom but had to go still Mazda is the best.

[@BeesonsCars]

Ramon Carter ?

[@mbenton6]

Tyler Beeson right

[@Montana270]

Peeling out in 1st and 2nd😂😂

[@nodak81]

Nice but they need to get those power figures higher if they're going to compete with the other brands, especially the ones that still have a V6 available.

[@Otterbruce]

Lemme guess, still no diesel.

[@mbenton6]

Bruce O. Let me guess, you already knew the answer to yiur own question, but you couldn't control yourself

[@Otterbruce]

maurice benton yup!

[@normt5463]

Or Android Auto...oh, it can be retrofitted in coming years...

[@mbenton6]

Norm T AA and AC are being fitted already at dealership around the country. Do some research

[@minoo12]

What are u talking about. They have a 2.2l diesel option.

[@Tool0GT92]

Give me the accord 2.0L Turbo with a 6 speed

[@DownassMusic]

You miss spelled 626!!!!!

[@RollStrong]

Motorweek PLEASE change that horrible ear assault at the end of your videos

[@thevoxdeus]

If you're buying it with the turbo, it's probably not a family car.

[@FeisarX]

I think they just put the wrong tires on this thing. It can't get any grip off the line. Sounds ridiculous.

[@Josh-179]

310 lb ft of torque. People asked for more power, that's what happens.

[@captinbeyond]

I can't rave about the computer display in the center that looks like out of place the way it just sticks up. It's distracting and to me looks like a lack of planning on design.

[@fatbowe]

You mean to tell me a turbocharged Mazda 6 can’t get under 7 seconds on zero to sixty?..😂

[@meugzy]

6.4s according to car and driver and motortrend.

[@svtman21]

Beautiful car, but 250hp and 310 lb/ft torque and a measly 7.2 second 0-60 and 15.4 second quarter mile? Pathetic. I'm guessing the transmission is geared for efficiency, not performance. It's also only a 6-speed auto, a bit dated by today's standards. Even the boring Camry has an 8-speed auto. Would love to see a 6-speed manual Mazda 6 tested.

[@alecw7063]

svtman21 it also needs premium fuel to get the full power which seems like they didn’t use here as people usually get 0-60 in the low to mid 6s . Also put some gripper tires on this thing and I can see it reaching a flat 6. As for the transmission it does lack a couple gears but drive it and you’ll see it’s adequate and isn’t always hunting for the right gear like the newer 10 speed on the accord

[@alecw7063]

svtman21 also the Manual is limited as you can only get it without the turbo so it’d probably be slower

[@hnnotyy]

Wish they did put the AWD in it... Grrr

[@joskjj3625]

hnnotyy if it had awd i would buy this car,instead i bought a 2018 Lexus NX300

[@truckercowboyed2638]

Subaru wants their Legacy back. Theres too much Legacy in the grill and belt line.

[@truckercowboyed2638]

Now that I think about the grill is really similar to Genesis G70.

[@hsvcommodore4111]

Subaru? Dafuq, you on drugs!?

[@truckercowboyed2638]

HSV Commodore well cant help u dont see it but the wide grille is similar to the new grill on the 2018 Legacy. And the belt line is the same. Tell me tho u don't see a genesis influence???

[@mrhrobinson]

Edward Enterline wait, the grille on the 2018 legacy? Mazda has had the same grille design since 2015. So you mean mazda wants their grille back don't you?

[@truckercowboyed2638]

Horatio Robinson well perhaps I got it backwards. And therefore perhaps its genesis that needs to give mazda their grille back as well. The front facia on the G90 is very similar to the Mazda 6.

[@monacoathlete2755]

7.2 sec 0 to 60 for a 2018 230 hp turbo car is unacceptable.

[@meugzy]

Paris Champion 6.4s from car and driver and motortrend.

[@monacoathlete2755]

Babs sounds more plausible.

[@robertleejameswelch8383]

Looks tepid off of the line.

[@skitzthegemini]

310 lb-ft and it can't even get to 60 in less than 7 seconds?! WTH?!

[@meugzy]

6.4s according to car and driver and motortrend

[@skitzthegemini]

@@meugzy MotorWeek sucks balls at track tests then.

[@theripper121]

Most cars seem to suck balls on their ie MotorWeeks test track.

[@FeisarX]

They couldn't get any grip off the line. Too much torque for whatever garbage tires they put on there.

[@NotBen101]

I’m too fat to fit inside

[@MandusahRamirez]

It’s Mazda not Mozda🤦🏽‍♂️

[@Tiger2Tone]

Not according to Mazda's own commercials

[@WorksOnMyComputer]

Tiger2Tone move outside the US and he has a point. Commercials and all

[@realbeetlejuice]

7.2s 0-60... ouch

[@mbenton6]

Henry Bauer 6.4 seconds... a lot of wheel spin

[@realbeetlejuice]

6.4s.. so as fast as a verano turbo with same weight and 250hp/260lb-ft... cool.

[@mbenton6]

Henry Bauer actually Mazda tuned this engine for this car. It's a lot stronger than its output... look at savagegeese's review of this car. Better tires would get you below 6

[@djkenny1202]

Uhh. That is is pretty fast for a sedan.

[@realbeetlejuice]

djkenny, sorry, it is not pretty fast for a sedan. 7.2s is pretty sedate for a sedan. Base model Civic is faster. loooooooooooooool!!!

[@hyperion4523]

Front wheel drive 4 cylinder, yuck

[@Josh-179]

Like almost all cars?

[@magneto8002]

Only a 6 speed auto? Needs at least 8 gears to compete.

[@mbenton6]

Mag neto 8 years slow the car during everyday use. Because it's always searching the find which gear it's supposed to be in

[@1bojanbojan]

Very slow

[@zedfourme5085]

All that tech and it is slower than a 4 cylindet accord...

[@tomwebber9377]

Leave it to Mazda to fuque it all up by not offering a manual. Their 6-speed automatic is garbage in the 2.5 normally aspirated because the drive by wire technology isn't smart enough to know you need to pass TODAY not 3 seconds after you push down and let it try to second guess you as that big rig continues to come at you. I won't buy another Mazda for this very reason. The only way to get a stick is in bare bones trim and the slowest of engines. What good is a 6-speed manual on a 3300 lb car with only 185/187 on tap? Pull over into the right lane and just get used to following the big rigs up the hills kids. Cannot wait for my CX-5 to hit the turn in date.

[@zachhampton7163]

Slowwww

[@sertyuhg]

Too slow for that anount of horsepower. My civic Si 10 gen is faster, cheaper and consumes alot less gas

[@hallze3737]

FIRST LIKE AND COMMENT

[@Insuranceexamprep]

My BMW is much faster

[@zachhampton7163]

SLOW

[@Josh-179]

0-60 in 6.4 sec. How fast do you need to move your family?

[@zachhampton7163]

- JPL - 7.2

[@Josh-179]

@@zachhampton7163, so it's a lot faster than you need. Why are you saying "slow"?

[@zachhampton7163]

- JPL - because it is.

[@Josh-179]

@@zachhampton7163, dude, you're not making any sense. You said you need to do 0-60 in 7.2. The 6 does it in 6.4 and you call it slow.

[@pbfloyd13]

Turbo 3 or GTFO Mazda...

[@swanblake]

So its still worse than the Accord and Camry. Cool

[@mbenton6]

Blake Swan yeah ok

[@Reebok4523]

If you like bland driving dynamics and ugly design

[@mbenton6]

Blake Swan those cars are ugly as shit. Buyers remorse I take it. Sad puppy

[@dlg5485]

The 6 is clearly the top choice in the segment for the driving enthusiast, but if all you want is an A to B appliance, get a Camry. The new Accord is actually pretty fun to drive, so that would be my 2nd choice, behind the 6.

[@nandernugget]

The Accord is UGLY.

[@derekim75]

Mazda=Shitty transmission

[@mbenton6]

Hc Kim yeah ok... Camry and accord have shitty transmissions