Mazda Mazda6 Model Years and History

The 2021 MAZDA6 returns this year with no significant changes, a new Carbon Edition was added, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across all trims.

The 2020 MAZDA6 returns this year with no significant changes.

The biggest news for 2019 is the inclusion of Mazda's i-Activesense suite of safety features which now come standard across the entire model range. i-Activesense includes several notable features including a pedestrian detection system tied to the brakes, lane departure warning and lane keep assist systems and a radar-activated cruise control which can even bring the car to a complete stop during heavy traffic.

For 2018 the Mazda6 is revised inside and out with a modernized sculpted exterior, an optional turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine, a retuned suspension for added stability and comfort, wider, more luxurious seats with optional ventilation, an 8-inch infotainment display and a 360-degree-view monitor. Radar Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability have also been added to an already impressive set of safety features.

The Mazda6 remains mostly unchanged for 2017, with the only changes to the exterior being the side mirrors. Inside however, there's a new steering wheel, enhanced sound insulation and several new features included with some of the option packages.

For 2016, the MAZDA6 includes updated designs to the grille, headlights and rear spoiler. Inside, the instrument panel and floor console have been restyled for a fresh look, anchored by a new 7-inch touchscreen display. An electronic parking brake is also new, while new exterior colors include Sonic Silver Metallic and Titanium Flash Mica.

The Mazda6 was redesigned for 2014; however it still gets a few updates for 2015. The biggest news is the addition of Mazda's i-ELOOP regenerative engine braking technology, which aims to boost the Mazda6's fuel economy up to 40 mpg on the highway. Less significant are a few trim modifications and the availability of an option package that includes a sunroof, a premium sound system and 1-year subscription to satellite radio services.

The mid-size Mazda6 sedan is redesigned for 2014. So striking is the new car's styling that it has been named a finalist for World Car Design of the Year. Mazda has employed its KODO "soul of motion" design language to the Mazda6, which blends "elegance, aggression, and air flow." The result is a slippery sedan with the lowest coefficient of drag in its class. A new 184-horsepower 2.5L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder engine is under-hood, which replaces the previous 2.0L. Paired with the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the Mazda6 returns an EPA estimated 25 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. When equipped with the available 6-speed automatic, the figures increase by 1 mpg. The 2014 Mazda6 carries a base price of $20,880.

For 2013, Mazda has discontinued the Mazda6 s Touring Plus trim, leaving only a single model (the s Grand Touring) for those who want the V6 engine. Four-cylinder Mazda6 i Touring Plus and i Grand Touring models also get larger 18-inch wheels.

The mid-size Mazda6 sedan is unchanged for 2012.

The mid-size Mazda6 sedan carries into 2011 with only slight changes. Several exterior and interior updates have been made, including slightly redesigned headlamps, new taillights and available 17 or 18-inch wheels.

The mid-size Mazda6 sedan carries into 2010 with no significant changes, after being completely redesigned for 2009. Last year, the Mazda6 had become significantly larger and had gained a new engine lineup, along with upgraded technology features and options.

The Mazda6 is redesigned for 2009. The new sedan wears attractive, aggressive sheet metal with pronounced, crisply cornered front fenders. The car is seven inches longer overall and rides on a wheelbase that is four inches longer than the previous Mazda6. Gone from the line-up is the 5-door hatchback. Two new power plants motivate the Mazda6: The base 2.5L 4-cylinder delivers 170 hp and replaces the 156-hp 2.3L unit, while a 272-hp 3.7L V6 takes over for the old 212-hp 3.0L V6. The 4-cylinder returns an estimated 21 mpg city/30 miles per gallon highway, while the V6 achieves an estimated 17 city/25 hwy mpg. Standard comfort and safety amenities abound, and four trim levels allow for a driving experience from sedate but sophisticated to zoom-zoom. Prices range from $18,500 to $28,260.

The Mazda6 wagon is no longer offered for 2008, nor is the MAZDASPEED variant. Standard wheels have been upgraded to 17-inch alloys, and a tire pressure monitoring system is now standard equipment. The Touring trim now includes an alarm system and a seven-speaker stereo with subwoofer, and the standard transmission is now an automatic.

The former base Mazda6 model has been dropped for 2007; the lowest-priced model is now the Sport. New for 2007 is the value-oriented Sport VE, which adds popular features like alloy wheels, a power seat, CD changer, and leather trim to the base Sport model. Two new exterior colors--Smokestone (sedan and wagon) and Violet Gray--are offered for 2007.