Mazda6 used buyer's guide: 2.5 Turbo, engines and every generation

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Mazda6 is a midsize sedan Mazda sold in the U.S. from the 2003 through 2021 model years; Mazda dropped it for 2022. The last versions used a 187-hp 2.5L (EPA 29 mpg combined) or, on upper trims from 2018, a 2.5 Turbo making 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel.

Type
Midsize four-door sedan (wagon and five-door also offered in the first generation)
Powertrains
Mazda6 2.5L (2021), Mazda6 2.5 Turbo (2021) · 187–250 hp
Current generation
Third generation, 2014–2021

Mazda6 engines, horsepower and mpg

Mazda's 2018 release quoted the turbo's 310 lb-ft from 2,000 rpm; the 2021 release gives 320 lb-ft on premium and 310 lb-ft on regular.

Mazda6 powertrains with Mazda-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Mazda6 2.5L (2021)SportSkyactiv-G 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder (rated on 87 or 93 octane)[1][2]1871866-speed automaticFront-wheel drive26/35/292021 MY[2]
Mazda6 2.5 Turbo (2021)Grand TouringSkyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo four-cylinder (250 hp/320 lb-ft on 93 octane; 227 hp/310 lb-ft on 87)[1][3][2]2503206-speed automaticFront-wheel drive23/31/262021 MY[2]

Output is as rated by Mazda; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

Mazda6 2.5 Turbo

The 2.5 Turbo came to the Mazda6 with the 2018 update on Grand Touring and higher trims. It is the same Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo family used in the CX-9, CX-5, CX-30 and Mazda3: 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular, through a six-speed automatic built for high torque.

The EPA rates the 2021 turbo sedan at 23/31/26 mpg versus 26/35/29 for the 2.5L. All U.S. Mazda6s were front-wheel drive.[3][1][2]

Which Mazda6 years to shop

For the most equipment, the 2018–2021 cars are the ones with the turbo option and the refined 187-hp 2.5L with cylinder deactivation on automatic models. Shoppers who want a V6 have to go back to the 2009–2013 car with the 272-hp 3.7L.[3][8]

Mazda6 generations by year

Every US Mazda6 generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Third generation2014–2021Skyactiv-G 2.5L four-cylinder (187 hp, 186 lb-ft from 2018); Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo from 2018 (250 hp premium / 227 hp regular)Debuted at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show and went on sale as a 2014 model with Kodo design and Skyactiv technology. The 2016 interior redesign won a Wards 10 Best Interiors award, and the 2017 Mazda6 was the first U.S. car with G-Vectoring Control. The 2018 update added the turbo. Mazda discontinued it for 2022.[4][5][3][6][7]
Second generation2009–2013MZR 2.5L four-cylinder (170 hp, 167 lb-ft); MZI 3.7L V6 (272 hp, 269 lb-ft)Introduced in the U.S. as a 2009 model. Mazda says its drag coefficient of 0.27 was 10 percent better than the first-generation car. Manual six-speed and five-speed automatic were offered with the four-cylinder.[4][8][7]
First generation2003–20082.3L four-cylinder and 3.0L V6 (EPA listings); MAZDASPEED6 2.3L turbo with AWD (274 hp)U.S. production of the 2003 Mazda6 began in 2002 as the replacement for the 626. A five-door and Sport Wagon followed for 2004, and the limited-edition MAZDASPEED6 arrived in 2006 with 274 hp and all-wheel drive.[4][5][7]

Mazda6 problems and recalls

The most urgent documented Mazda6 problem is Takata air bags: 2003–2008 cars have driver and passenger inflator recalls and 2009–2013 cars have passenger inflator recalls, all under Mazda’s do-not-drive advisory if unrepaired. Other issues include sticky dashboards, salt-state cross member rust and 2018–2019 engine-stall software. Mazda dropped the Mazda6 after 2021.

Documented Mazda6 issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Engine control software can stall the engine (recall 19V497)[9]3rd gen (2014–2021)2018–2019Recall 19V497
Low-pressure fuel pump impeller can crack (recall 21V875)[10]3rd gen (2014–2021)2018Recall 21V875
Tire pressure monitor may miss a slow four-tire drop (recall 14V675)[11]3rd gen (2014–2021)2014–2015Recall 14V675
Parking brake actuator can corrode and bind (recall 17V393)[12]3rd gen (2014–2021)2014–2015Recall 17V393
Takata passenger air bag inflators (recalls 17V429, 18V018, 18V717)[13][14][15][16][17]2nd gen (2009–2013)2009–2013Recall 17V429
Dashboard crash pad can turn sticky in heat and humidity (warranty extension)[18]2nd gen (2009–2013)2009–2013Minor
Door latch mounting screws can loosen (recall 13V425)[19]2nd gen (2009–2013)2009–2013Recall 13V425
Front cross member can rust through in salt states (recalls 18V631, 19V323)[20][21]2nd gen (2009–2013)2009–2013Recall 18V631

All 11 documented Mazda6 issues and 10 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

More Mazda6 research

See how a Mazda6 was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Mazda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Mazda build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

When was the Mazda6 discontinued?

Mazda dropped the Mazda6 from its U.S. lineup for the 2022 model year, so 2021 was the last.

How much horsepower does the Mazda6 Turbo have?

250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular, per Mazda's 2021 ratings.

What years did the Mazda6 have a turbo?

The 2.5 Turbo was offered from the 2018 model year through 2021.

Did the Mazda6 come with AWD in the U.S.?

No. EPA listings for U.S. Mazda6 sedans are front-wheel drive; only the earlier MAZDASPEED6 had AWD.

What mpg does a Mazda6 get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Mazda6 2.5L at 26/35/29 mpg and the 2.5 Turbo at 23/31/26.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Mazda for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2021 Mazda6: Standing Out From Its Class (Sep 1, 2020) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  2. 2021 Mazda6 fuel economy — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  3. 2018 Mazda6: Premium, Performance, Design Heighten Appeal (Mar 15, 2018) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  4. Mazda US History timeline — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  5. Mazda6 Midsize Sedan Celebrates 15th Anniversary (May 9, 2017) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  6. Statement on Mazda6 and CX-3 (May 21, 2021) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  7. Mazda6 fuel economy, 2003–2021 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  8. 2013 Mazda6 press kit — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  9. NHTSA recall 19V497000: Software Error May Cause Engine Stall — NHTSA
  10. NHTSA recall 21V875000: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA
  11. NHTSA recall 14V675000: Tire Pressure Monitoring System/FMVSS 138 — NHTSA
  12. NHTSA recall 17V393000: Parking Brake Actuators may Corrode — NHTSA
  13. NHTSA recall 17V429000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA
  14. NHTSA recall 18V018000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  15. NHTSA recall 18V717000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  16. NHTSA recall 19V782000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  17. Mazda Issues DO NOT DRIVE Advisory for Remaining Open Takata Frontal Air Bag Recalls (Aug. 13, 2024) — Mazda USA News
  18. Mazda3 and Mazda6 Warranty Extension Statement (Aug. 5, 2016) — Mazda USA News
  19. NHTSA recall 13V425000: Door Latch Mounting Screws may Loosen — NHTSA
  20. NHTSA recall 18V631000: Road Salt Causing Corrosion of Cross Member — NHTSA
  21. NHTSA recall 19V323000: Road Salt Causing Corrosion of Cross Member — NHTSA

More Mazda tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mazda North American Operations or Mazda Motor Corporation. Mazda and the model names are trademarks of their owners.