Flash Drive

2017 Mazda6

April 4, 2017 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring

The 2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring is stylish outside and spacious inside.

Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 184 horsepower 185 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined

Base Price: $30,695

As Tested: $34,530

Performance:

Responsive, fun to drive

Paddle shifters

Regular and sport modes

Sport mode noticeably quicker

Smooth handling, nice highway ride

The Mazda6 is a great road car as well as a fine daily commuter. Trunk space is very good.

Good fuel economy; our average was 29.1 mpg

Available 6-speed manual transmission

Excellent safety features: blind spot monitor, smart brake support, cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, high beam control

Traction control, hill launch assist

Very useful heads-up display

Comfort:

Heated steering wheel

Supportive seats

Three temperature heated front and rear seats

The heated Mazda6 seats are comfortable and supportive. The headrests are oversized.

Driver power lumbar

Stretch-out driver and front passenger legroom

Excellent headroom

Thick, contoured leather-wrapped steering wheel

Quality interior materials

Adult size rear seat

Soft, wide armrest

Recessed seatbacks for extra knee room

Good shoe room under front seats

Tall, wide rear floor hump

Utility:

Large 15 cubic foot trunk

The split folding rear seats fold flat and the pass-through portal is large and wide.

Covered hinges

Flat floor

Large pass-through portal

Split rear seats fold almost flat

Seat releases in trunk

Same height between cargo deck and folded seatbacks

Bright LED interior lights

Easy to use infotainment control knob on center console

Medium to small sunroof

Rain sensing wipers

Large glovebox, but no lock

Medium front door bins and console bin

Sunglasses holder

Small coin bin on left side of dashboard

Two vinyl seatback storage pouches

Rear door bins only accommodate water bottles

The multi-function central control knob is nicely sized and textured for easy use. The drive mode switch is also on the console.

WOW Factors:

Handsome, crisp styling

Well-integrated Skyactiv Technology

Three temperature heated rear seats

Solid value

Enjoyable driving experience

Whines:

Door and armrest coverings a little hard

Automatic door locks were hyper active

Tall rear floor hump

Bottom Line:

The 2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring four-door sedan is a midsize that hits all the sweet spots: comfort, safety, fuel economy, sporty performance, cargo space, modern technology, and style in a value-priced package.