Mazda6 vs Mazda CX-5 - Is The SUV Better Than The Car?

[@dwnshft]

Special thanks to my Patrons for their support!

[@KCFlyer2]

I had a 2014 Mazda 6. I traded it for a 2019 CX5. Both were "touring" level trim. I loved the Mazda 6...it was a blast to drive, felt luxurious and got pretty good fuel economy. The CX 5 is fun to drive...it almost feels like a sports car. It feels luxurious (even in the touring level) and gets pretty good fuel economy. In that respect, they are great vehicles (maybe the best cars I've ever owned). But I'm 64 and not as limber as I used to be, and getting out of the 6 a bit of a challenge. The CX5 is wonderful to get in and out of. So - for a younger person - go for the Mazda 6. If you are a bit older but want a vehicle that drives and rides great but is easier to get in and out of - go with the CX5.

[@kajseel5515]

Actually, the wood in the 6 Signature is real - same wood they use to make drums in Japan.

[@dwnshft]

Kaj Seel really? Feels funky 🤷‍♂️

[@josephschlueter4082]

It is sen wood. A Japanese wood used for making guitars.

[@asdfteam]

The signature CX-5 also has real wood (abachi), nicer leather etc.

[@GucciGuy216]

Oh lol I have a 6 with sen wood

[@themockalove]

Same with CX5 Signature trim! (Genuine abachi wood)

[@mortenstra]

I have an AWD Mazda 6 diesel for five years now, here in Norway. I'm very satisfied with the power train, and having a 4-wheel drive here in cold winter!

[@TheJBronson]

is it the 2.2L?

[@victorramsey5575]

I have the 2021 Mazda6 Signature. Same colors as this car. I traded a 2020 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4 for it. Im done with trucks, just not necessary for me anymore. I wanted something sporty, a great daily driver, and not a Honda nor Toyota! And I remember Mazda was the "fun car" back in my teenage years (1980s). I saw the '21 6 and was instantly obsessed with her. I love her more now than the day I got her. Most people are actually unsure of what it is until they see the back and I love that. It isnt just another Accord or Camry. Its become something unique and a little mysterious in 2023.

[@acefaces]

Just bought a red ‘21 6 Signature in soul red last week. Looove it.

[@acefaces]

Just bought a red ‘21 6 Signature in soul red last week. Looove it.

[@adriannalundasan7570]

Those wood trims are from Japanese Sen wood tree. They are real. They are made in Japan.

[@devilsadvocate2548]

'Skyactiv G' relates to the engine and not the AWD system as part of their 'skyactiv suite' of technologies that includes engines, transmissions and chassis. The 'G' refers to 'Gasolene', just like Skyactiv 'D' badging in countries that have them refers to, you guessed it, a 'Diesel' engine. The AWD system is actually called 'i-ACTIV AWD' and that is the system that controls the torque distribution between axles. The 'Skyactiv G vectoring system' however is a completely different system where it slightly reduces the torque/throttle from the engine to induce a slight forward weight transfer to assist with 'turn-in'. Later systems of G vector control also slightly drag the inside brake to further enhance the turn in. This system is compeletely independant from the AWD i-ACTIV system and is fitted to all of their recent AWD and FWD passenger cars, including the Mazda6 that was driven in this comparison.

[@jeffmorse645]

I'm tall with long legs and I can't stretch out in the CX-5 due to the more "sitting in a chair" position. My knees bump the console and the driver's door. That' doesn't happen in the Mazda6. While the seating is lower, but I can stretch my legs out and my knees aren't bumping into anything.

[@Teasquared27]

The 6 has better fuel economy and a larger fuel tank as well. The only thing holding the 6 back is not being rwd/awd.

[@2004cyrus]

Not the only things by a mile

[@DuniaYako]

@@2004cyrus rwd is useless

[@2004cyrus]

@@DuniaYako I agree I’ve had 3. And awful in ice & snow !

[@tomaskroupakkfoto4132]

Go for Putback then ;)

[@seaninness334]

I was just struggling with this same issue. What it came down to for me was the ease in getting in and out of it and comfort, cargo, then all wheel drive. As to the first two issues, A) I'm finally admitting that I am middle aged- damn it and b) I'm also currently getting PT for an injured shoulder. I'll be taking delivery of the CX-5 in the next week or so. I had a 626 hatchback back in the 90's and loved that car. I've had Honda's and Toyota's too but the Mazda's always pulled me back.

[@dwnshft]

Sorry to hear about your shoulder! The Cx5 is a great choice though

[@seaninness334]

@@dwnshft Just my Frankenstein life, everything is breaking at once; car, computer, phone, eye glasses, body parts. And now onto figuring out what my 2 wheel ride will be this coming season. The Z900rs is looking really good to me. Thanks for replying and best wishes to blowing past 20k soon. Subscribed! 😀

[@islandtoisland]

I was hoping you’d do a practical comparison, like trunk space, MPGs, 5 year cost to own, etc. There are already a ton of reviews like this out there, that say the exact same thing.

[@2004cyrus]

I don’t think most people are choosing the crossovers for practical reasons. You can instantly reason that people are buying crossovers on emotion, most ppl don’t know or care about specifics and specs and don’t watch KZbin car reviews like us. They care about looks and payments.

[@themockalove]

@@2004cyrus the only two major draws of crossovers vs sedans are practicality and ride height. So I would have to disagree that people don't buy suv's with practicality in the forefront of their decision making.

[@2004cyrus]

@@themockalove I agree with you 100%. I just went back and read my comment about practically and I see I was half asleep or on pain medications and writing at 4am. You are correct people absolutely buy these for some practical reasons, I say some because the fuel mileage isn’t as great and you can’t drive most crossovers like you would racing through corners in a sedan. I happen to have left sedans myself, Mazda’s 3 & 6, for a Volkswagen Tiguan & Mazda CX-5. I did that because of ride height and ingress & egress. I was in a wreck, my back is messed up and pulling myself out of a sedan is not easy like it once was. I made the switch. I will say that the cargo area is useful with the back seats down because it’s so much taller than all a cars trunk. I’m thankful to be able to have anything nice. Thanks for catching my remarks and letting me know they were just not accurate. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@snapunderst33r]

I used to be very anti-SUV. Now that I have people and things to move on a regular basis, I completely understand the move away from sedans. I loved my last sedan but I sold it because I felt I could benefit greatly from the extra utility factor of an SUV. Performance SUVs will never replace serious sports cars though. You cannot deny physics

[@redwhite_040]

Mazda 6 wagon has left the chat.

[@Aryanbloggs]

SUVs are slow sluggish..

[@aimxdy8680]

If you want utility get a truck or a van, SUV’s are just bloated lifted Hatchbacks with a raised roof.

[@donew1thita11]

@@aimxdy8680 faxs

[@vr6gls]

Why not get a wagon if you need space and utility?

[@nancystevenson562]

I only want a car! Love my Mazda 6!

[@2004cyrus]

Same here nancy

[@georgek3834]

Too bad its discontinued

[@nancystevenson562]

I traded my 2017 for a 2021 Carbon Edition already! Turbo! Zoom.

[@kennedypoi503]

I upgraded from my 2 year old 6 to a CX 5 But still owned the 6 for another 5 more years. I went to the SUV purely on space practicality and then fine tuned my choice again 3.5 years later to a larger suv cx8. So I've owned a 6, a Cx5 and now with a CX8. My family drive a CX 30 and two 3s 2018 HB , 2024sdn models. We maintain SUV Sedan balance now in my family with 2 a piece. So for my family, we've stayed with Mazda faithfully 5 drivers buying a total of 8 Mazda's since 2017 unceasingly, 4 sedans, 2017 3sedan, 2024 3Sedan, 2018 3 hb, 2017 6 Sedan, 4 suvs 2019 CX 5, 2021 CX 30, 2023 CX 30, 2023 cx8. SUVs are a clear winner for space practicality and it appears the younger folks prefer the sedan and HBs.

[@hellgezeren2511]

Great review, like how you get straight to the points. Thank you, I'll go for a CX-5.

[@jayespi37]

I love mazdas! Period!!😎

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

Beautiful and unique vehicles for sure

[@KCFlyer2]

Best cars I have ever owned

[@rezhaadriantanuharja3389]

My ideal infotainment system is a small strip of LED screen that tells me if my phone is connected to the car's speakers. Tell you what, infotainment system gets old way quicker than the car itself so simpler display like in the Mazdas is better in the long term. Those gigantic touch screen in Mercedez become outdated as soon as it leave the dealership.

[@themockalove]

A modern Mazda 6 wagon would be an automatic "take my money" moment for me.

[@kayseeday]

Facts. This is what I’ve been waiting for. I don’t need an SUV but if mazda can style a wagon to look as good as the rs6 avant then I’d buy it in a heartbeat.

[@miticapecheanu1312]

They are selling the wagon in other markets and it even comes with AWD. 👌

[@peterfataaiki9001]

Mazda6 wagon has always been available in Europe, Oz, NZ Japan. Just not North America

[@carstenhansen5757]

Good thinking, comparing them.

[@dwnshft]

😁👍

[@billm47645]

Americans don’t like hatchbacks. But if you raise them a few inches and call them an SUV - oh boy. That being said, it’s good to have some extra ground clearance for snow and once or twice in the vehicles lifetime driving down a dirt road or in my experience, a road covered in sand after a hurricane. In the last 5 years I’ve owned or currently own a VW GTI, BMW 340xi, Mazda CX-5, Acura RDX A ASPEC. Since I travel a lot, I constantly rent cars and BMW has given me X3 and X4M loaners. The X3 is a better vehicle than the older 3 series. The M version for the street of the X3/X4 is better than the current 3 series. So unless the car is so much better dynamically, then why bother with the car? Unfortunately most manufacturers don’t really quite get that yet. They are going more in this direction, but they aren’t quite there yet. Outside of an economy car or car service type vehicle, the mission for a car is now basically an M, GTI, Type S, dedicated sports car, etc. Otherwise just get an AWD few inch higher hatchback urrr SUV.

[@snapunderst33r]

Ground clearance is so nice for wrenching too 👍🏼

[@wbwayne8887]

The G-Vectoring system and the AWD system are 2 different systems. It is not G-Vectoring AWD in the CX-5. The Mazda 6 also is equipped with the G-Vectoring system, however not AWD. Even the base Sport trim of both FWD models of the CX5 and 6 are equipped with the G-Vectoring system. The 320 ft lbs of torque is the same despite what fuel octane you use. Hp on the other hand ranges from 227 to 250 depending on fuel grade. Great review and comparison test idea. If it was my decision, I'd go with the 6 in Grand Touring Reserve Trim. Can't go wrong with either though. Nice overall review style: Subscribed

[@nielsv650]

I was just thinking the same. Skyactiv-G(asoline) or -D(iesel). The vectoring "G" is probably just for Gravity 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@thatcopenguy]

SUVs give Manufacturers an excuse to make a good looking ( compared to MPVs ), bigger cars out of the same platforms at the sacrifice of weight, handling, and minimal MPG loss ( 2 of 3 things people don't actually care about ) The end result for the customer is a bigger car for little extra costs ( the best example for this is Mazda 3 vs CX-30 ) And another thing, which is utter BS, people think SUVs are safer.

[@calvinh6647]

If you like to hit the winding road, take the Mazda 6. It's more stylish both interior and exterior. With almost the same $, Mazda 6 gives you a bid more luxury touch as well.

[@Fedain1986]

Exactly. CX5 is a C class, while 6 is a D class vehicle

[@spyderhead7160]

He is comparing a Signature 6 with a Touring (inferior trim) 5. Truly a poor comparison.😎

[@peterjansen7854]

Picked my 2023 mazda6 wagon.drives better than suv,smooth as SILK😉australia

[@macmichaelhenson-rogers9850]

From the rumors I’ve read, the next gen Skyactiv platform will be RWD with available AWD, and an in-line 6. All of this has supposedly been leased/backed by Toyota for the next gen Lexus ES or GS.

[@mbenton6]

You're wrong... the inline six in an engine by mazda and Toyota wants to put that in in their lexus' u need to do more research

[@macmichaelhenson-rogers9850]

maurice benton wow, hostile approach. Yes, mazda is developing it. Toyota hopes to use the tech for Lexus, by providing financing dollars to aid the development. Sorry that wasn’t worded clearly enough for you

[@dwhite832003]

@@macmichaelhenson-rogers9850 some people just aren't diplomatic!

[@stephenhendricks103]

Unfortunately, along with Mazda's well earned reputation for engineering and building vehicles with pleasing driving dynamics, the company also has a well earned reputation for failing to make good on "rumors" and to miss actual introductions of promised models by years in some cases.

[@spyderhead7160]

You are comparing two DIFFERENT trim levels: the 6 is a Signature; the 5 is not. Unfair comparison. BTW: the wood is REAL. 😎

[@YoureNowOnTV]

Mazda 6 Wagon (Estate) available in some countries fixes the CX5 advantages over the Mazda 6 Sedan. I don't think the 6 Wagon is or was available in North America though ?

[@fishmonkey74]

This is a fun little car😂 its mega huge bro. Nice vid👌🏼

[@stephenhendricks103]

The battle is over. Mazda just announced that 2021 will be the last model year for the Mazda6 as well as the CX-3.

[@nt4771]

For US market only

[@georgek3834]

I wish they bring it back after years

[@jamesreardon8585]

The Mazda 6 Wagon sold here in Australia is a great compromise between the two!

[@alanclarkeau]

In Australia, dealers will have CX-5s in a choice of colours & specifications. And one Mazda 6 if you're lucky.

[@dwnshft]

they dont even sell the 6 here in the states anymore

[@mbenton6]

The wood is not fake... ur a journalist you should know better

[@ken-xm8gh]

Real zen wood

[@spyderhead7160]

REAL WOOD. Shame on you. 😎

[@mr.mr.3301]

I’m tired of people talking about the number of gears. From what time shows us so far about 6 speeds is all you can get for long term reliability. Gm Ford dodge all have crappy 8 and 10 speed transmissions. Time will tell how the accord and new tundra 10 speed will last. In addition it will make horrible used vehicles. The more gears the more expensive the repair

[@fF-jb4gs]

Mazda 6 is one of the most underrated cars out there! Take a test drive and you'll be highly impressed!

[@ericclaeyborn3600]

I bought a 2021 CX-5 CE Turbo w/ AWD, which I like a lot. But, if the Mazda6 had a turbo w/ awd or RWD w/ a limited slip differential, I probably would have bought it instead.

[@ofnachix]

Mazda 6 wagon enters the chat. Laughs. And leaves. More practical than any Mazda

[@Ylm-r9g]

I'll take the CX just for the practicality for myself. But I do love the 6 too.

[@seikocitizenwatches]

Not necessarily better, just that more people prefer SUV over car but there are still people who prefer car just much smaller percentage, that’s why Camry, Accord, Civic and Corolla still sell well.

[@alexandrustanciu1171]

8:20 the wood is not fake! dislike

[@JohnDoe-ns9yo]

In the signature yes, he’s testing the reserve I believe .

[@JohnDoe-ns9yo]

My bad it was the sig.

[@ingenunis5003]

Nice Review~I'm between MAZDA & SUBARU ON my next lease ,either Mazda 6 sedan or SUBARU LEGACY🙃

[@dwnshft]

MAZDA

[@RexGoesFishing]

Go mazda. More reliable and a better transmission too.

[@spencerkimble3824]

I got the Mazda 6 and I love it. We bought our forester with a bad wheel bearing (though brand new) and it’s broken down and been recalled a few times in the 40k miles we’ve owned it. I probably won’t get another Subaru

[@RexGoesFishing]

@@spencerkimble3824 I plan on getting a Mazda 6 pretty soon too.

[@AhmetSamardzic-c5e]

I have Both 2018 Mazda 6 and 2024 Mazda CX 5 AWD both are great cars but for winter weather better is CX 5

[@silvershock82]

I'm honestly tired of this big vehicle trend. I hope it dies soon. I've always been more of a compact/mid-size sedan type of guy. The way I see it, if you're getting an SUV with anything less than 6 seats, that's the equivalent of getting a smart tv when you no internet service

[@mrkring1526]

Give me a wagon any day over an SUV.

[@BaymondRell]

No they are not. SUV fills a need but I just bought the 6 Sedan and it fits my lifestyle perfectly. SUV's are more family oriented. I get compliments on my Sedan. ZERO on an SUV.

[@Medellin21]

Hey guys, I’ve been having some issues with those chrome ornaments on the seats. Mazda 6 Takumi Plus 2020. They get broken easily and even hurt my back while driving. I’ve got it replaced on warranty but now it’s worse, ain’t like the factory one. Anyone else who’s experienced this with the chrome ornaments on the seats?

[@The-Wise-One]

Love the Mazda 6... I sure wish they did the AWD Sports model.. it would revive the model.

[@timmyireland1]

SUVs are my preference because of ground clearance. They miss curbs and are better through big puddles. And, they are easier to enter and exit from.

[@broeheemed32]

I don't want to drive something that will flip over when it gets hit by a gnat. My sister has been in two wrecks in three years in her must-have giant SUVs.... both times: upside down.

[@spyderhead7160]

What we REALLY need is a Signature COUPE with a straight six and a MANUAL transmission. Not everyone is a lazy old lady with dogs and grandkids to haul around. 😎

[@2004cyrus]

Why do you say lazy? Sadly pol don’t buy the car you describe in large numbers. That’s why manuals are dying.

[@vr6gls]

Funny how everyone thinks they “need” an SUV nowadays. For decades, people got around just fine in sedans, wagons and hatchbacks. Now all of a sudden, people make up every excuse they can to justify buying SUV’s. “I’m old and I need the ground clearance”. I guess older people didn’t exist in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s before SUV’s took over. 😑 If you need space and utility, buy a wagon which is cheaper, dynamically better and safer. However, Americans are far too image conscious to buy a wagon. 🙄

[@IamTheConstantine]

C'mon man wagons are ugly asf.

[@Ylm-r9g]

I wish they sold the 6 Wagon in the states

[@edwardblasko1894]

I live in a warm climate. Why do I need the extra maintenance of AWD?

[@s4nder86]

Even in cold climates FWD is plenty. RWD if you want to have some fun.

[@espermichael]

Either of these will be an upgrade from my Buick Regal. I'm leaning towards the 6 as I don't need AWD in the south. But I'd like to ask: I frequently have a 6 hour freeway drive to visit family. I'm also around 6'2 and I'm wondering if the additional head and shoulder room would make that ATL -> RDU drive more comfortable.

[@Leaptab]

I'm 6'2 Anne head room is a non issue for me.

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

I’m 6’2 and the headroom in the 6 is coffin like. There’s a bit of room but not much

[@macmichaelhenson-rogers9850]

Mazda also puts the rear USB ports in the center armrest. That’s a huge advantage to them being on the bottom rear of the center console. Hyundai has an equally novel solution bu putting them in the back of the front seats. We’ve had to buy extension cables because the USBs in our Highlander are basically on the floor...

[@stephenhendricks103]

That's true unless you want to put three passengers in the back seat. Then you have NO USB ports available. Period.

[@takuan650]

@@stephenhendricks103 He should point out though.

[@cedriccroute7104]

🗣️.. Mazda CX 5.. Is The Way..BAM ‼️💥🏌🏾

[@club1fan552]

You thought outside the square by comparing two cars from the same manufacturer. The interior of the 6 is luscious. Prices?

[@SteveLotto]

I have 2 - CX5 for russian winter, and 6 for summer 😊

[@waelgalal5808]

Which better

[@marktuyet]

6 speed is perfect !

[@lievenfransen24]

Why don't you a comparison with the suv and mazda 6 wagon? That makes more sense. I have the wagon and it has more trunk space then the mazda cx-5, so more sportier with massive space. Just recently moved a 2m display cabine with it.

[@dwnshft]

We don’t get a mazda6 wagon in the states

[@photog1529]

I have a 2014 Mazda 6 GT and love it. Its my third Mazda, starting with a 1979 RX-7 purchased new, a 2005 Mazda 3, and now the '14 6. All told, about 500K miles combined with zero problems with the exception of a failed AC compressor on the 3. Was looking for the 2023 6 with the straight 6 and rear wheel drive after seeing it on KZbin, but unfortunately Mazda has decided to cancel the 6 completely in the US. I already have an SUV...a 4WD Suburban and wanted a sedan for convenience. Sucks.

[@gsprings43]

simple,,,,,,suv's are still hot,,,,,plus when it comes to bigger sedans,,,people just don't think mazda,,,it's either toyota or honda,or hyundai,,,,,,ford and chevy are in the same boat as mazda on this too

[@muzammiliqbal3220]

Mazda 6 is better deep Trunk and More Leg room . Looks like sports car interior and exterior. Camry , Accord and Mazda 6 best sedans . CX5 is not a Family car becoz of no legroom and trunk is Just ok. When I sit in Cx5 . I feel like Corolla or Civic .

[@Hubertusss]

there is no room for my legs or I will fall out of the chair

[@jasonhu2035]

Atenza diesel station wagon will be the best of the best

[@johnsovann7194]

Mazda 6 is the way to go

[@anvil9263]

So buy the Estate :D

[@1openborder]

04:36 that rumor could not have been more wrong 💔

[@dinamicasvisuales]

Mazda 6, con caja manual y suspensión independiente, fue el mejor.

[@jamescarpenter1842]

What a beautiful specimen.

[@sspiegelv7318]

The guy or some of the cars?

[@comrademod4503]

@@sspiegelv7318 why not both?

[@gavriushka]

It’s the cost of progress. As the engine tech and fuel economy gets better and better, there are less and less reason to choose a less practical, smaller vehicle compared to SUVs. The times are long gone when SUVs with over 20Mpgs are a dream. Buggest majority of SUVs nowadays do 25+ while having double the space in the second row, double the trunk space if not more, and still drive very nice. Not even talking about being higher on the road and having a much better visibility out of an SUV compared to a car. I love the 6, and I also totally understand why the CX-5 sells so well too. CX-5 gives you 85-90% of driving enjoyment compared to 6, but also gives you like 150-160% of the practicality.

[@BB-mt2xb]

M❤️A❤️Z❤️D❤️A 💪🏻

[@jeffmorse645]

The Mazda6 is is pretty. Even after all these years its still one of the nicest looking cars on the road. The CX-5 is an SUV and they can't be "pretty". Its not ugly, but its not anything that's going to make anyone notice it.

[@oligarchy-usa]

I like the Mazda6 better, so of course it was discontinued for the USA. :/ Really tired of the SUV/Crossover fad that has taken over the industry.

[@seikocitizenwatches]

Mazda can make a SUV out of the Mazda 6.

[@ClaudioAguileraMunoz]

Mazda CX9

[@foti23]

Nice :)

[@briandenzer]

"Suede"? "Journalism"? Otherwise, nice comparison.

[@snehalkrishnan618]

Sedans are better!!!

[@phugemawl]

It's called MARKETING

[@frequencyreport]

Dang he’s cute!

[@dwnshft]

Shucks 🤗

[@ianskywalker278]

Cx5 for girls and the 6 is for boys!

[@MaxKrumholz]

People stupid whey want CX5 BAD SHORT HEAVY CORNER BAD - Mazda6 for SPORT

[@banditmain9189]

i'd take a sedan anyday but the 6 is too damn long, miata it is lol

[@adis2562]

SUV isnt a car? 😂😂

[@TheFunkPoppy]

Well the 6 is better, simply because SUVs TOTALLY SUCK!

[@rafaelcordoba13]

That’s why we have Mazda 6 Wagon in Europe. But Americans are not ready for that talk lol.

[@dwnshft]

rafaelcordoba13 we don’t get any wagons and it kills me inside. I’m most upset that Canada gets the c43 wagon and we don’t....

[@rafaelcordoba13]

@@dwnshft and I'm upset because we don't get the Mazda Turbo models in Europe due to co2 regulations hah! Nobody can have it all apparently :-)

[@dwnshft]

rafaelcordoba13 hahaha very true the grass isn’t always greener

[@redcomic619]

I’ve wanted a station wagon ever since I was a kid. Now that I’m grown, they don’t sell wagons anymore. It’s infuriating because I HATE SUVs,