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Midsize car; Built in
  • 4-door sedan
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $13,300 – $25,900*


2014 Mazda 6


2014 Mazda 6


2014 Mazda 6


2014 Mazda 6

Pros:
  • Handling
  • Steering feel
Cons:
  • Road noise

Like its predecessor, the redesigned 2014 Mazda 6 is one of the most nimble, athletic-feeling cars in its class. And thankfully, its fun-to-drive character doesn’t come at the expense of practicality, passenger and cargo versatility, or fuel economy. Plus, the 6’s new safety and infotainment features help it keep pace with the ever-advancing technology of its competitors. The 6’s main shortcoming is that its lineup simply isn’t as broad as rival midsize sedans’. There is no hybrid version or 250-plus-horsepower engine choice (either as a turbo 4-cylinder or V6) available at the moment. Given the 6’s sporting intentions, some buyers will wish for a bit more power than its 4-cylinder can provide. Still, for shoppers who are yearning for some genuine enthusiast character in their daily-driver midsize sedan, a Mazda 6 could be just right.

Overview

The Mazda 6 was this Japanese automaker’s midsize sedan, and it was all-new for 2014. As with the previous-generation 6, Mazda positioned the new car as a sporty alternative to mainstream midsize sedans such as the Honda Accord Sedan, Hyundai Sonata, and Volkswagen Passat. The Mazda 6 was built in Japan.

The 2014 Mazda 6 was redesigned from the ground up. Like Mazda’s CX-5 compact SUV, the Mazda 6 utilized the company’s SKYACTIV brand of fuel economy-oriented engine, transmission, and chassis technologies. The 2014 Mazda 6 launched with just one engine available. An optional 2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D diesel engine was set to debut in the second half of the 2013 calendar year but was eventually was delayed and did not appear during the model year.

The Mazda 6 lineup ascended through entry-level i Sport, mid-level i Touring, and topline i Grand Touring models. Sport models with manual transmission came standard with 60/40 split-folding rear seats, remote keyless entry and starting, power windows and locks, cruise control, air conditioning, and a USB jack. Sport models with automatic transmission added a dashboard touchscreen display, rearview camera, Pandora Internet Radio capability, and Bluetooth wireless cellphone link.

Touring models added dual-zone climate control, 6-way power driver’s seat, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, leatherette vinyl seats, and a touchscreen audio system with a console-mounted “Commander Switch” knob for toggling between infotainment functions. An optional Technology Package for the automatic-transmission Touring added a navigation system, Bose-brand stereo, auto-dimming mirrors, heated exterior mirrors, auto on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and advanced keyless entry system. Also included in the package was Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support, a collision-avoidance/mitigation system that detected forward obstructions and sounded a warning. If the driver failed to react, the system could apply the brakes automatically at speeds under 19 mph.

The top-line Grand Touring came standard with all Touring model features (including the Technology Package) and added adaptive HID headlights, fog lights, sunroof, 8-way power driver’s seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite radio, steering-wheel paddle shifters, and a rear spoiler. Adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning were available on Grand Tourings as a stand-alone option package. A Technology Package for Grand Touring models included both adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning, and added lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam-headlamp control, and Mazda’s i-ELOOP regenerative braking system. Mazda said i-ELOOP (short for “Intelligent Energy Loop”) could generate electricity during braking, thus lessening the load on the vehicle’s alternator and improving fuel economy by up to 10 percent.

All Mazda 6s were front-wheel drive and used a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower. Sport and Touring models offered the choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission; Grand Touring models were only sold with the automatic.

The 2014 Mazda 6’s EPA fuel-economy ratings were 25 city/37 highway with the manual transmission and 26/38 with the automatic. Grand Touring models equipped with the Technology Package, which included the aforementioned i-ELOOP, received an EPA score of 28 city/40 highway.

All the expected safety features were standard on all 6s. Available safety features included blind-spot alert, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support system.

Yearly Updates

2014 6

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

All Mazda 6s were front-wheel drive and had a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 184 horsepower. Sport and Touring models were offered with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission; Grand Touring models were automatic only.

dohc I41
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.5/153
Engine HP 184
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 185
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic 		25/37
26/38 		31.4
31.5

1. Grand Touring with Technology Package had EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.

Road Test

The 6 is quite peppy for a 4-cylinder-powered midsizer, but no one will mistake it for a V6. Throttle response is crisp from a stop, and power is never less than adequate around town and on the highway. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive. The manual shifts precisely. The smooth shifter action and light, easy to use clutch make this one of the better manual-transmission cars to drive in traffic.

In Consumer Guide testing, a Grand Touring averaged an excellent 31.5 mpg. A manual-transmission Sport averaged 31.4 mpg in mostly highway work. No opportunity to measure fuel economy with the available i-ELOOP regenerative braking system. Mazda 6 uses regular-grade gas.

Mazda 6 exhibits a fine blend of comfort and control. While the ride is firm, it is also laudably compliant given the car’s nimble-for-the-class handling. There is little difference in ride quality between Sport models’ 17-inch tires and Touring/Grand Touring models’ 19-inch tires.

The Mazda 6 is one of the sportiest cars in its class. It feels composed and nimble in fast corners, with minimal body lean. The steering feel is quick and precise, and the brakes supply fine stopping power. No opportunity to test the i-ELOOP regenerative braking system.

The engine groans in fast acceleration, but recedes nicely in steady-state cruising. Wind rush is moderate at highway speeds. Tire roar on coarse pavement is prominent, particularly with the Touring and Grand Tourings’ 19-inch tires.

All the gauges and controls are logically placed and easy to read. Large buttons are clearly marked, and the climate system uses handy dial controls for most functions. The manual-transmission Sport has a simple, easy-to-use radio, but surprisingly lacks Bluetooth connectivity. All others have have a color touchscreen audio system that is simple and intuitive to use. Touring and Grand Touring include a console mounted “Commander Switch” that enables toggling between infotainment functions and includes some redundant audio-system controls.

The 6’s cabin has a sporty, high-quality feel. Attractive metal-look accents and red contrast stitching are among the eye-pleasing details. Grand Touring models’ classy perforated-leather upholstery provides a more upscale feel.

Headroom and legroom are ample, even on models equipped with a sunroof. The tilt-and-telescopic steering column helps in tailoring a good driving position. Center-console armrest is generously padded; on Touring and Grand Touring models, it slides fore and aft. Visibility is good all-around.

Headroom is plentiful for average-sized passengers, though the available sunroof’s housing can slightly intrude on space for taller folks. Legroom is class competitive. Wide-opening doors aid ingress and egress.

The trunk is generously sized, and the rear seat backs fold nearly flat in a 60/40 split to reveal a large pass-through opening. Handy plastic storage trays aft of the wheel housings are a nice touch; they help keep small items from rolling around the trunk. Sickle-type trunk-lid hinges are covered so they don’t crush cargo. Interior small-items storage space is OK, but trails the best in the class.

Ratings

Model Tested: Mazda 6 i Grand Touring

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 9
90%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 7
70%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 6
60%
Cargo Room - 4
40%

Other

Value - 7
70%

Total: 65

Specifications

4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
111.4 191.5 72.4 57.1
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
14.8 16.4 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.4 37.1 42.2 38.7
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2014 Mazda 6 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Rough idle
Description: Engine may experience rough idle because of drop in oil pressure that can be caused by foreign objects stuck on oil pressure relief valve or the OCV. (2014)

Recall History

2014 Mazda 6
Description: Certain Mazda 6 vehicles made after October 25, 2012 may have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that can not properly detect a fall in tire pressure if all four tires loose pressure at the same rate.
2014 Mazda 6
Description: Certain 2014-model Mazda 6 vehicles made between October 25, 2012 and May 9, 2013 may have fuel tanks that can be filled beyond the rated capacity. If the tank is over filled, gas may enter the emission-control system’s charcoal canister and could possibly leak from the canister’s vent.
2014 Mazda 6 with i-ELOOP regenerative braking
Description: Certain Mazda 6 vehicles made between May 20, 2013 and December 4, 2013 and equipped with optional i-ELOOP regenerative braking may have software that incorrectly assumes the charging system has failed if the alternator belt slips. Belt slips can happen when driving in heavy rain or through deep puddles.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 20, 2016.
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