2015 Mazda 6 Review
2015 Mazda 6 Review





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Used 6 for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Smooth and responsive powertrain
- quick acceleration
- impressive fuel economy
- sporty handling
- well-built interior with top-quality materials
- stylish looks.
Cons
- Touchscreen electronics interface is less advanced and harder to use than competitors' systems
- ride quality may be too firm for some.
What’s new
For 2015, all Mazda 6 sedans come with a full set of one-touch up/down power windows, and keyless entry and ignition is now standard on the Touring trim level. In addition, a new option package for the Touring combines an upgraded sound system, sunroof and satellite radio.
Edmunds says
With its roomy cabin, agile handling and impressive fuel economy, the 2015 Mazda 6 is a fine choice for a midsize sedan, especially if you want one with some personality.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2015 Mazda 6 i Sport 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) 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 $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$128/mo for 6 i Sport
6 i Sport
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Shoppers looking for midsize sedans are spoiled for choice these days. Many of the cars in this class offer appealing combinations of fuel economy, interior space and upscale amenities. The 2015 Mazda 6 checks all these boxes while also bringing in unexpected benefits like sleek styling and a sporty driving feel. These aren't exactly critical elements in a family car, but they help the Mazda 6 stand out from the crowd.
Although we're fond of the 2015 Mazda 6's distinct design, this sedan actually gets more impressive when you look beyond its sheet metal. Its fuel economy, for example, is outstanding for this class. When equipped with the i-Eloop system on the Grand Touring trim, it earns an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in combined driving, which is tops among non-hybrid midsize sedans with a gasoline engine. Without i-Eloop, the Mazda rates 30 mpg combined, which is still a great number for a family car. Furthermore, the 6 is quicker than most other midsize sedans that we've tested with a base four-cylinder engine, and most buyers will find its acceleration more than adequate in cutthroat urban traffic. On top of that, Mazda's sedan has precise steering and a firmly tuned suspension that make it fun to hustle along on the occasional back road or highway on-ramp.
One of the few knocks against the 2015 Mazda 6 is that its sportier suspension makes bumps and potholes a bit more noticeable, especially on cars with the 19-inch wheels. If you're used to a softer ride, you might find the 6 too stiff in these situations. And, while the Mazda 6 has one of the best base-four-cylinder engines around, there's no option to upgrade to a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder or a V6 engine. Inside, the touchscreen electronics interface has a lower-resolution display and is generally harder to use than competitors' systems.
Although our grievances with the 2015 Mazda 6 are minor, there are plenty of alternatives to consider in this class. The 2015 Honda Accord and 2015 Nissan Altima also have very high fuel economy ratings (not to mention optional V6 engines), and you might find them a bit more comfortable in everyday driving. The 2015 Ford Fusion and 2015 Kia Optima are also worth a look if sharp styling and creature comforts are high on your priority list, plus they offer punchy turbocharged engines. Ultimately, you'll do well with any of these family cars, but if you're looking for a midsize sedan that's a bit more entertaining than most, we'd definitely suggest a test-drive of the 2015 Mazda 6, which also earns a recommended spot in our 2015 Sedan Buying Guide.
Performance & mpg
The front-wheel-drive 2015 Mazda 6 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Sport and Touring trims can be matched to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission (with shift paddles on the steering wheel), while the Grand Touring comes only with the automatic.
In Edmunds testing, an automatic-equipped Mazda 6 sprinted to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, which is a quick time for a midsize sedan with a base four-cylinder engine. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 30 mpg combined (26 city/38 highway) for the automatic-transmission car and 29 mpg combined (25/37) with the manual. With the Grand Touring's optional i-Eloop feature, fuel economy rises to an impressive 32 mpg combined (28/40).
Safety
Standard safety features for the Mazda 6 include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. Standard on all trims other than the manual-transmission Sport is a rearview camera, while rear parking sensors are optional across the board. The Touring and Grand Touring trims additionally include blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring.
Optional on the Touring and standard on the Grand Touring is Mazda's Smart City Brake Support, which is a frontal collision mitigation system that uses an infrared laser sensor at the top of the windshield to detect an imminent collision. It can automatically brake the car to a stop at low speeds if the driver doesn't react. The GT Technology package for the Grand Touring also bundles a forward collision-warning system (which uses radar to detect your closing distance on vehicles ahead and then provides visual and audible alerts) with a lane-departure warning system.
In Edmunds brake testing, a 6i Grand Touring came to a stop from 60 mph in 128 feet, which is a bit longer than average for a midsize sedan.
In government crash tests, the 2015 Mazda 6 earned the top overall rating of five stars, with four stars for total frontal impact crash protection and five stars for total side impact protection. The 6 also earned the highest possible rating of "Good" in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests. In the small-overlap frontal-offset test, it earned a second-best rating of "Acceptable." Its seat and head restraint design rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Driving
One standout characteristic of the 2015 Mazda 6 is its powertrain. The sedan's 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine produces quick acceleration and is smooth and surprisingly hushed. And although many of today's automatic transmissions quickly upshift to the highest gear possible and are reluctant to downshift (both strategies are used to boost mpg numbers), the Mazda 6's automatic is responsive to gas pedal inputs and never feels flat-footed when you're initiating highway passing maneuvers. Furthermore, Mazda is one of the few automakers that still offers a six-speed manual gearbox, which is fast becoming an endangered species in the midsize class.
This same light-on-its-feet character carries through when the topic turns to handling. With its communicative, precise steering and sporty chassis tuning, the 2015 Mazda 6 feels sharp-witted and willing around corners, with stand-out dynamics for the class. The flip side, however, is that the 6 rides a bit more stiffly than competitors, especially with the 19-inch wheels. Like many Mazdas, the 6 is a car for practical-minded buyers with enthusiast leanings.
Interior
With plentiful rear legroom, the Mazda 6's rear passengers will feel as if they've been given access to a first-class cabin rather than coach. There's also generous headroom, even for those taller than 6 feet, though the sedan's sloping rear roof line makes the rear windows smaller, resulting in a more claustrophobic feel than you'd get in an Accord or a Camry. There's decent luggage space, as the efficiently shaped trunk offers 14.8 cubic feet of capacity.
In general, the 6's interior design is clean and functional. Polished aluminum trim accents the cabin, while the Grand Touring's leather upholstery features contrasting stitching. Materials quality and fit and finish are among the best in the class. Most controls are simple and user-friendly, but the touchscreen interface found in most models is a step behind the systems in most competitors. The screen and the touch buttons on the display are small, and we've found that it doesn't always get along with Apple products. Sedans with navigation use TomTom maps, and we've found them lacking in detail compared with rival systems' mapping software. On the upside, a multipurpose knob located south of the Mazda's shifter grants a welcome level of control redundancy.
2015 Mazda 6 models
The 2015 Mazda 6 is a five-passenger midsize sedan offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.
Standard features on the base manual-transmission Sport include 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, a 60/40-split rear seat, a 3.5-inch multi-information display and a six-speaker sound system with a USB/iPod interface and an auxiliary audio jack. If equipped with the optional automatic transmission, the Sport also includes Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera and audio upgrades (voice commands, HD radio, Pandora, text message display function and automatic emergency notification).
Stepping up to the Touring trim adds 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition and entry, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, premium vinyl (leatherette) upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sliding console armrest and a six-way power driver seat. For Touring models with an automatic transmission, there's an option package that adds a sunroof, an upgraded 11-speaker Bose audio system and satellite radio. This package is required if you want to equip the Touring Technology package, which adds automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors, heated side mirrors, a navigation system and the Smart City frontal collision mitigation system.
The Grand Touring includes all of the above as standard, as well as different 19-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, foglights, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar support), a four-way power passenger seat, driver memory functions and heated front seats.
Optional for the Grand Touring is the GT Technology package, which includes adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning system, a lane-departure warning system, automatic high-beam control and an energy capture system called i-Eloop ("intelligent energy loop") that improves mpg by storing energy captured during deceleration to a capacitor, which can then power air-conditioning, lighting and accessories for about a minute while the stop-start system shuts the engine down at a stoplight.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2015 Mazda 6.
5 star(44%)
4 star(45%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(1%)
69 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
several more road trips
Jeri Huston, 11/28/2015
2015 Mazda 6 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
Bought our 2015 Mazda 6 touring edition new, a year ago from Cory Fairbanks - Orlando. Wife and I just returned from a 1 month/8000 mile road trip from Florida through Chicago - Montana - Colorado - Texas.
Great ride - Comfortable seats(no back aches or leg cramps)- Outstanding performance and handling through out the Rocky mountains most notably on the "going to the sun road" in … Glacier National Park - car was great but wife squealed a few times.
Several states have 80 mph speed limits, and I used every bit of it. Car hugged the road and handled great even loaded down with a ton of camping gear.
We got very good gas mileage and appreciated the different gauge settings to see current and total mpg.
Sorry to read a couple of other reviews where people are having a problem - So far we have not had any problems(knock on wood).
**** UPDATE****Wanted to LEAVE previous review! 2 years later - 60000 miles - several more large road trips - same can be said for performance!!! Very pleased with vehicle and the service we receive maintaining it!!! ZOOM ZOOM!
I think they have designed and built a very good vehicle at a reasonable price.
I would and have recommended this car to a friend.
We like the car so well - I'd bet Mazda will wish they hadn't given us a lifetime warranty.
Dec. 2018. We are putting on the miles with quite a few road trips - now at 85,000 miles/32.7 mpg in 3 yrs. It is a very comfortable ride and we are enjoying this car a lot. No problems so far. Zoom - Zoom.
4 out of 5 stars
2015 Mazda 6 Touring
sts_pa, 06/10/2015
2015 Mazda 6 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
I've had my 6 for 10K miles and am pretty satisfied so far. The car handles great with flat cornering and electric steering that could pass for a decent hydraulic unit. The acceleration is a bit lethargic off the line, but it has a sweet spot that allows good passing once past 20-30 mph. Beautiful design inside and out and Mazda provides allot of content for the money. Fuel economy is … outstanding with around 32 mpg for my commute which is 60% 75 mph highway and 40% thick traffic. Use of regular fuel is nice, also. No rattles or issues of any sort.
Updating this at 2 years and 28K miles. The 6 has been flawless and is still tight with no rattles, etc. Averaging around 30 mpg. There is not much bad to say about the car, other than I would like more power but it really is adequate for 90% of my driving. Additionally, the OEM Dunlops are almost shot and I won't be getting them again.
40K mile update. 0 problems with the vehicle. No squeaks or rattles and the interior has held up very well. The front end has lots of stone chips, but that may be more due to the roads. Still averaging around 30 MPG. I got 35K out of the Dunlops and now have Continentals which I hope last 50K miles.
50K mile update. I had to repair the front door speakers that had some corrosion due to moisture, but that was fixed with silicone caulk which is good because new ones are quite expensive. I replaced the front brakes at 50K and this has been it. Still no rattles and the leatherette seats look great despite having a kid in the back. MPG might be down a bit to around 28 or so, but maybe that's due to the horrid traffic around here. I am very happy with this purchase so far and hope to keep this car for a long time.
60K mile update - Still running perfectly with no rattles, etc. Interior plastics on the lower door appear to be fading somewhat and front end covered in stone chips. I'd advise getting a protective film applied when new.
81K mile update - No problems. The only expenses have been oil and filter changes, brakes and tires. Runs perfectly and interior is holding up quite well.
90K mile update - Got a small tear in the passenger seat, but otherwise holding up well. Changed the plugs and they looked to be in good shape so the engine is running 100%. The shape and driving dynamics are still appealing and I plan on keeping this car for many more years.
5 out of 5 stars
Exceptional Car
cajone, 07/26/2014
2015 Mazda 6 i Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
I love my 2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring with ieloop.
Great handling and very responsive.
Tons of safety features, which won me over. The Mazda 6 is very comfortable and gives you somewhat of a sporty feel.
Touch screen is a little dated but all in all a fantastic car with great gas mileage without being a hybrid. I chose this car over the Mercedes CLA250. It's absolutely exceptional with … huge trunk space.
Test drive one and you will see for yourself.
4 out of 5 stars
The Non Mainstream Sedan
leo_miami, 07/30/2014
2015 Mazda 6 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
After 2 years plus of ownership the car had zero mechanical or electrical issues plus Gas mileage is great but when it comes to wear and tear you can tell that it was built with cheap materials and the quality control was marginal. Going over bumps and u can hear noises just like in a 10 year old car . The paint is easily chipped and the cabin trim shows a lot of wear and tear even … though I take good care of the car. Resale value is below average. I give it a C grade.
This is a beautiful affordable sedan. It has character and the ride quality is not bad even with the 19" wheels. It looks and feels upscale inside a out. I got it with the Sunroof and Bose package which is a must for this car. The Stereo sounds amazing. The car feels safe and stable.
Update: Traded in this car for a 2018 Nissan Maxima. There were quality control issues with the front end. Even though I bought it brand new and never had an accident it was making noises when going over a bump since day one and the dealer never fixed it. So before it got worse I got rid of the car. The rest was OK . I don’t miss the underpowered engine but I do miss the fuel economy
2015 6 Highlights
i Sport
Base MSRP | $21,190 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $128/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.3%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestAcceptable
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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