How Does the 2018 Mazda 6 Compare to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord?

Edmunds Road Test Engineer Calvin Kim had the opportunity to test-drive the new 2018 Mazda 6. Join him as he samples how it drives on the road and track, and keep watching to find out what makes this new Mazda 6 different from its competitors in the midsize sedan segment.

Q: What engines are available in the 2018 Mazda 6? A: The Sport and Touring versions are powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four engine that produces 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models are powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine that produces 250 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. All trims but Sport come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sport comes with a six-speed manual, and the automatic is an option.

Q: How much does the 2018 Mazda 6 cost? A: The Mazda 6 comes in five trim levels. The Sport model with a manual transmission starts at $22,845, while the top trim Signature starts at $35,645. In between are the Touring, which starts at $26,595, the Grand Touring at $30,095, and the Grand Touring Reserve at $32,595. All prices include a destination charge of $895.

Q: How fast is the 2018 Mazda 6? A: Equipped with the turbocharged engine, our Signature model did 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds and completed the quarter-mile pass, an automotive standard measure of overall acceleration, in 14.9 seconds at a speed of 94.8 mph. These results put it squarely between the 2.0-liter turbocharged Honda Accord and the V6 Toyota Camry on one end and the base-engine 1.5-liter turbocharged Honda Accord and the 2.5-liter inline-four Toyota Camry on the other. Q: What are the 2018 Mazda 6's main competitors?

A: The 6 sits in the large and competitive midsize segment. Chief players here are the Chevrolet Malibu, the Honda Accord, the Hyundai Sonata, the Kia Optima, the Nissan Altima and the Toyota Camry. Also in this class are the Ford Fusion, the Subaru Legacy and the Volkswagen Passat.

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