DecodedCarsMazda 6
17 model years from 2005 to 2021, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2005–2021
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Latest engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Best MPG
- 23–32 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns, all years
- Interest
- 14,388 Wikipedia views / 30 days
The 2021 6 in brief
The 2021 Mazda 6 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 35 highway), 6% better than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
The Mazda 6 has 17 model years in our data, from 2005 to 2021.
Its most efficient year was 2016 at 32 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 23 to 32 MPG.
Buying used? 2021 has the fewest problems in our data.
How the 2005 6 compares
The 2005 Mazda 6 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 12% better than the 2005 midsize car average of 20.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
About the Mazda 6
The Mazda 6 is a mid-size sedan produced by Mazda from 2002 to 2024, replacing the long-produced Capella/626.
From the Wikipedia article "Mazda6", licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2021 6 pros & cons
Full 2021 details →What's good
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 27 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Best and worst years to buy used
2021 6
0 owner complaints · 0 recalls
None of the 7 model years we compared stands out for complaints or recalls.
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 7 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
6 changes by model year
- 2018
- Engine added: 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- 2017
- Best combined MPG down from 32 to 30
- 2014
- Engine dropped: 3.7L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 24 to 32
- 2009
- Engines added: 2.5L 4-cyl and 3.7L 6-cyl
- Engines dropped: 2.3L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl
- 2008
- Engine dropped: 2.3L 4-cyl turbo
- All-wheel / four-wheel drive no longer offered
- 2006
- Engine added: 2.3L 4-cyl turbo
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 17 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 29 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 29 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 29 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 29 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 2.5L 4-cyl | 30 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 2.5L 4-cyl | 32 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 2.5L 4-cyl | 32 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 2.5L 4-cyl | 32 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl | 24 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl | 25 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl | 25 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl | 24 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl | 24 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 | 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl | 24 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 24 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 | 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 24 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 | 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl | 23 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Alternatives to the 2021 6
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Malibu | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →