The biggest news surrounding the 2018 Mazda 6 is its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine.
Those of us who were waiting for Mazda’s turbocharged 2.5-liter engine to make its way from the CX-9 no longer have to wait. The new, 2018 Mazda 6 is here, and now that engine gives Mazda’s sedan the power it’s been crying out for. You can still buy the 2018 Mazda 6 with a naturally-aspirated engine, but what other options do you have? In this TFL Expert Buyer’s Guide, we’ll walk you through the different choices you have if you’re in the market for Mazda’s mid-size sedan. To read our impressions, check out our full review of the 2018 Mazda 6.
First, an overview. The Mazda 6 was redesigned for the 2014 model year (in North America) as part of the company’s transition to the Kodo “Soul of Motion” design language. Mazda didn’t just change the car’s skin, either – all U.S. models housed a 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G naturally-aspirated inline-four engine. With 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, the Mazda 6 made decent – if not great horsepower. Now, Mazda’s given the Mazda 6 a mid-cycle facelift, including a new engine and new trim levels.
2018 Mazda 6 – Standard Features
Whichever Mazda 6 you choose, you get a fair amount of standard exterior, interior and safety features. On the outside, all Mazda 6 models have LED headlights and running lights, intermittent windshield wipers, power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and dual exhaust pipes.
All Mazda 6 models also come equipped with G Vectoring Control – a subtle chassis management system that monitors vehicle speed, throttle position and steering input to sharpen the car’s handling (that’s a drastically oversimplified explanation).
Inside, each Mazda 6 comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with bluetooth and USB connectivity. Sadly, no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support, although the latter is rumored to be coming soon. You also get dual-zone climate control, power windows, power locks, cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, and an audio system with six speakers. If you’re looking for a CD player, you’re better off buying a 2017 model. Mazda dropped a CD player from all 2018 models.
Every model comes with Smart City Brake Support, an autonomous system that works up to about 18 mph. As a package, you can get Smart Brake Support, which works above 10 mph up to highway speeds. You also get Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Dynamic Stability Control, traction control, and blind spot monitoring.
Available Colors
The 2018 Mazda 6 is available in eight exterior colors:
Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Mazda’s signature color, is a $595 option. Machine Gray Metallic will set you back $300, while Snowflake White Pearl Mica costs $200 extra.
The Sport comes with Black or Sand-colored interior trim including cloth seats. Touring and Grand Touring come with Black or Sand leatherette seats, while Grand Touring Reserve models get Black or Parchment leather seats. Finally, the Signature trim level offers Deep Chestnut (brown) or Parchment Nappa leather seats.
| 2018 Mazda 6 Starting MSRP and Powertrain, by trim level (includes $890 dest. charge) | |||||
| Sport | Touring | Grand Touring | Grand Touring Reserve | Signature | |
| MSRP | $22,840* | $26,590 | $30,090 | $32,590 | $35,640 |
| Engine | 2.5L N/A | 2.5L N/A | 2.5L Turbo | 2.5L Turbo | 2.5L Turbo |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 187 hp | 250 hp | 250 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic |
6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
*When equipped with 6-speed manual transmission. 6-speed automatic Sport models start at $23,890.
Scroll through the next pages to find out more about each trim level.
