2018 Mazda 6

Pros: Athletic, nimble handling makes for fun-to-drive personality among mainstream midsize cars; very respectable fuel economy; good passenger and cargo room

Cons: Acceleration is only so-so with base engine; a little more road noise than some midsize sedans; ride is a bit taut for the class

CG Says: Mazda’s midsize sedan gets a revamp for 2018 that includes a new available engine, a redesigned interior, revised exterior styling, new high-end trim levels, and several newly available features. Mazda says the 6 has also received structural improvements and revised suspension geometry for better ride quality and handling. The model roster ascends through Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and new topline Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trim levels. Standard on Sport and Touring models is a 187-hp 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder, which is updated this year with cylinder-deactivation technology for improved fuel economy. Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature models come with a new turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that makes 250 horsepower on premium gasoline and 227 hp on regular. With either engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models save for the Sport, which comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission (a rare feature in the midsize-sedan class) and offers the automatic as an option. Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support system, which automatically applies the brakes to avoid collisions at speeds below 20 mph, is a newly standard feature. New available features include ventilated front seats, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, and a 360-degree surround-view monitor. Other available features include LED headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, and head-up instrument display. The 2018 Mazda 6 is an athletic, fun-to-drive midsize sedan that is also roomy and practical. The 6’s lack of a higher-performance engine option was a shortcoming for many shoppers, but that has now been addressed with the addition of the new turbocharged engine. The ritzy new Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trim levels make the 2018 Mazda 6 a more attractive option for entry-luxury sedan buyers as well.