2018 Mazda Mazda6 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Rounding out the final year of its generation, the 2018 Mazda 6 is still quite an impressive car. It stands out among the other family-oriented vehicles in its class with its contemporary appeal and sophisticated ride quality. While it will be exciting to see what changes are on the horizon, the 2018 lineup has a lot to offer Mazda lovers who cannot wait one more year for a new generation of the 6. While this car might not be the biggest seller in its class, it is definitely a car critic favorite for some good reasons.

What's New for 2018?

Since the Mazda 6 is scheduled for a major overhaul in 2019, the 2018 Mazda 6 is almost entirely carried over from the outgoing 2017 lineup.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Mazda Mazda6 – The Pros

1. Its Chic Physical Appearance

If there is one thing that truly sets the 2018 Mazda 6 apart, it is that the vehicle looks way fresher than it actually is. While most performance specs and features carry over from the outgoing model, Mazda manages to keep the 6 looking new and innovative, especially on the exterior.

2. G-Vectoring Control

Last year, Mazda improved upon the 6's handling abilities with enhancements to G-Vectoring Control. This reduction in engine torque allows the vehicle to better grip the road while entering into a turn, so you will feel confident in the 2018 Mazda 6 and its ability to navigate winding roadways and narrow turns.

3. An Easy-to-Use Interior Setup

As with the previous year's model, the 2018 Mazda 6 has an interior that makes sense. You don't have to be a tech guru to figure out which button does what function, and everything is easily within the driver's reach. Getting in and out of the vehicle is also easy, and most drivers shouldn't have a problem trying to adjust the seat or steering wheel to find the best position for them.

4. A Strong and Responsive Powertrain

The 2018 Mazda 6 comes with a standard 2.5-L 4-cylinder engine, which is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission on the Touring and Sport trims and a 6-speed automatic transmission on all other trim levels. This powertrain is capable of producing 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the strongest and most responsive powertrains you will find equipped on a vehicle in this class.

5. The Infotainment System

The Mazda 6 has a rather impressive infotainment system. Not only is the Mazda Connect infotainment system incredibly user-friendly, it comes equipped with voice control, a stellar 7-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker CD player with auxiliary and USB, Internet radio streaming, text messaging, and HD radio. Some of these features are only found on upper-level trims made by other automakers.

6. Excellent Fuel Economy

At 28 combined mpg (24 mpg city/34 mpg highway), you get a great amount of fuel efficiency from the 6 models equipped with a manual transmission. The models with an automatic transmission get 29 combined mpg or 30 combined mpg if you add the GT Premium package.

7. Good Acceleration on the Automatic Transmission

When equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission, the Mazda 6 can get from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 7.6 seconds. This leaves quite a few competitors in the dust. Since Mazda focuses on creating lightweight and aerodynamic designs, it is no wonder that this powerful powertrain can get the 6 up-to-speed so quickly.

8. The i-Eloop Brake Regeneration System

The line-topping Grand Touring Trim can be equipped with the GT Premium package, which includes Mazda's innovative brake regeneration technology, i-Eloop. This system works to convert kinetic energy into electricity while the vehicle decelerates, greatly reducing the amount of fuel the engine needs to burn through to provide power.

9. Plenty of Standard and Optional Features

The Mazda 6 has a long list of standard and optional features. Standard features include a standard rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, remote keyless ignition and entry, and a magnificent tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel. Optional features include a sunroof on the Touring trims and heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel on the GT equipped with the GT Premium package.

10. Great Safety Ratings and Features

The Mazda 6 is known for its stellar safety ratings. Last year's model was one of IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ vehicles. Since the 2018 model is built virtually the same, it will likely also garner high safety ratings. Also, the vehicle has a number of helpful safety features, such as standard rear parking sensors and automatic emergency notification.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Mazda Mazda6 – The Cons

1. Slightly Stiff Ride Quality

One of the nitpicky drawbacks to driving the 2018 Mazda 6 is that the ride quality might feel a little bit stiff to some drivers. While this doesn't make the vehicle feel too rough, it might be slightly offputting for drivers who expect to get a flawlessly smooth ride.

2. No Hybrid Variant

While plenty of competitors offer a hybrid, the 6 doesn't have such a variant. Mazda lovers can only hope that this is something the company will consider adding to the next generation's lineup in 2019.

3. No Optional AWD

Another thing that is oddly missing and will hopefully be added is an optional all-wheel drive. It would be an attractive option for those who drive in harsher climates and want the extra security.

4. Manual Transmission Gives Slow Acceleration

The manual transmission only gets the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, which is somewhat slow for the segment. The automatic is a better option if you're looking for good acceleration.

How it stacks up to the competition:

2018 Mazda 6 vs. 2018 Honda Accord

The 2018 Honda Accord is a spacious and strong performer. It offers an attractive hybrid variant and has a huge list of desirable features. Also, its fuel economy is some of the best in its class. However, its infotainment system is a bit tricky and not as user-friendly.

2018 Mazda 6 vs. 2018 Toyota Camry

The 2018 Toyota Camry is another strong competitor with a hybrid variant. It, too, gets a decent fuel economy and offers a good amount of comfort. On the downside, the Camry can feel a bit sluggish and isn't the most contemporary-looking car in this class.

Conclusion

The 2018 Mazda 6 offers a lot in the way of safety and technology while remaining user-friendly and well-thought-out. While the additions of a hybrid and an AWD option would put this car at the top of the pack for the model year, there are still plenty of reasons to buy the new Mazda 6.