2017 Mazda 6 Review

Standard features for the Sport trim include 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, full power accessories, air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, cloth upholstery, six-way manually adjustable front seats with lumbar support for the driver, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a rearview camera, the Mazda Connect infotainment system with voice control, text messaging capabilities, a 7-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker CD player with auxiliary/USB input, HD radio and internet streaming radio.

The Touring model adds 19-inch wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, advanced keyless entry, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery and power driver seat adjustments.

Touring options include a sunroof bundled with an 11-speaker Bose audio system and satellite radio, as well as the Touring Premium package that adds adaptive auto-leveling LED headlights, LED running lights, heated mirrors, an auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirror and heated front seats.

At the top of the lineup, the Grand Touring includes the above listed options along with LED foglights, automatic high beams, a rear trunklid spoiler, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, a lane keeping assistance system, steering-wheel-mounted paddles shifters, a traffic sign reader with speed warnings, a head-up display, a universal garage door opener, a navigation system, leather upholstery and an eight-way power driver seat with memory functions (six-way power front passenger seat).

The Grand Touring is also eligible for the GT Premium package that adds Mazda's i-Eloop brake regeneration system that increases fuel efficiency. Also included are active grille shutters, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, premium leather front sport seats, interior ambient lighting, a black headliner and unique interior trim elements.

Powering all 2017 Mazda 6 models is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Sport and Touring models and sends power to the front wheels. A six-speed automatic is standard on the Grand Touring and optional on the lesser trims.

In Edmunds testing, a Mazda 6 with the automatic transmission accelerated to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, which is quick for the class. The manual transmission trails slightly, needing 8.1 seconds to reach 60 mph.

The EPA estimates fuel economy at 28 mpg combined (24 city/34 highway) for models with the manual transmission. The automatic increases efficiency to 29 mpg combined (26 city/35 highway) or 30 mpg combined with the GT Premium package.