Once the mainstay of the US automotive menu, the midsize sedan has been supplanted by the crossover vehicle. That doesn’t mean that the quality of sedans is in decline; on the contrary, they’re better than ever. Sedans have some distinct advantages over crossovers, including a lower center of gravity for better handling; a separate, concealed and lockable cargo compartment; and sleeker aerodynamics for improved fuel efficiency and less wind noise. Now the trick is finding the right sedan for you. Submitted for your consideration: the 2018 Mazda6.
Mazda6 debuted as a 2002 model, and is now deep into its third generation of production. The 2018 model year brought a significant facelift, interior refinements and engineering upgrades.
The front fascia now features a big, open-mouth grille that echoes the look of the CX-5 crossover. LED headlights with integrated fog lamps are now standard, as are front and rear LED turn lamps. Mazda’s design team is great at capturing the essence of motion in metal, and the sweeping lines of the Mazda6 are evocative. The fast roofline connects to a short rear deck, and a tastefully integrated tail section. This is an exterior design that rewards inspection from multiple angles.
Inside, Mazda inches closer and closer to premium appointments. There’s a simplicity and unity to the interior design, and a very high level of fit and finish. Textures and patterns are elegantly juxtaposed, and a strong horizontal element to the dash emphasizes the cabin’s width. The seats have been fully redesigned for 2018, filled with a high-density, vibration-absorbing urethane foam that’s comfortable for sustained drives. The 8-inch full-color touchscreen display is permanently mounted at the top of the dash on the center stack, angled slightly toward the driver. The position is ideal for minimal distraction from the road, which is good. It doesn’t look particularly elegant, but the choice of function over form is a wise one.
Mazda employs a holistic approach to its powertrains, carefully matching engines with transmissions while reducing overall vehicle weight and edging toward balance. Mazda6 can be ordered with a carryover engine, the 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G inline four-cylinder (187 hp/186 lb-ft of torque), which can be fitted to a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. My test car came with a new engine for Mazda6, a turbocharged 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G inline four-cylinder (227 hp on Regular; 250 hp on Premium Unleaded/310 lb-ft of torque). The turbo gets a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard with each engine; no all-wheel drive on tap here. The turbo comes on seamlessly without a hint of lag, and the Mazda6 positively romps under its influence. If I’ve had any complaints with the latest generation of Mazda engines, the implementation of a turbocharger has addressed and dismissed them. Don’t get me wrong – Mazda6 hasn’t been transformed into a muscle car or anything extreme. The boosted horsepower and torque just means that you can challenge the suspension, steering and handling characteristics a little more without feeling like you’re thrashing the engine at its limits. And the Mazda6 responds with sharp handling and a willing nature.
Like many of its competitors, Mazda has premium aspirations and continues to pile on the luxury and technology options toward that end. My test sedan was a Mazda6 Signature trim level ($34,750; price as tested $36,040), the model’s new top-of-the-line. In addition to the turbo engine and 19-inch alloy wheels, the trim level includes Nappa leather seats, ventilated and heated front seats, paddle shifters, a 7.0-inch TFT LCD meter display, navigation, Sen wood trim inserts, a power moonroof, a Bose audio system with 11 speakers, and more.
The attention to detail and high level of fit and finish throughout the vehicle lend support to Mazda’s premium dreams. Available options include iACTIVESENSE safety (Smart City Brake Support, radar cruise control, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, and adaptive front lighting); and a windshield-projected full-color head-up display.
Prices for Mazda6 start at $21,950 for the Sport 6MT, $23,000 for Sport 6AT, $25,700 for Touring, $29,200 for Grand Touring, $31,270 for Grand Touring Reserve, and $34,750 for Signature. Sport and Touring use the non-turbo engine, while Grand Touring and above get the new turbo.
If you’re looking for a midsize sedan, your range of choices are wide. My other favorites are the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. I also admire the Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, and Ford Fusion. All are safe choices.
But why make a safe choice when you can make an exciting one. Choose the 2018 Mazda6, and you’ll have a little more fun in your midsize sedan.
Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review.
