2009 Mazda 6: Road Test
2009 Mazda 6 ▼
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- MSRP: $18,550 - $28,260
- Invoice: $17,601 - $26,099
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Our road test for the 2009 Mazda 6 includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Mazda 6 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Mazda 6, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Mazda 6 help you decide if a 2009 Mazda 6 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| i Grand Touring, manual | i Grand Touring, automatic | s Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.5 |
The 4-cylinder is peppy from a stop and adequate during highway passing maneuvers. It only feels stressed on long hill climbs. The V6 furnishes ample power both around town and on the highway. Both automatics are smooth and responsive. The manual shifts precisely, but some testers find its throws a bit long.
FUEL ECONOMY
| i Grand Touring, manual | i Grand Touring, automatic | s Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 4-cylinder model with manual transmission averaged 22.6-25.0 mpg in city/highway driving. A V6 averaged 17.6 mpg in mostly city driving. Mazda 6 uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| i Grand Touring, manual | i Grand Touring, automatic | s Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
The ride is absorbent over nearly every surface, particularly on 4-cylinder models. The s Touring and Grand Touring models get 18-inch tires, which induce more choppiness over bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| i Grand Touring, manual | i Grand Touring, automatic | s Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
The 6 is agile and corners with confidence. Body lean in corners is minimal. Steering is responsive, with good on-center feel. Close quarters maneuverability is aided by a relatively tight turning circle. The brakes deliver strong, steady stopping power.
QUIETNESS
| i Grand Touring, manual | i Grand Touring, automatic | s Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Both engines are generally refined, with the 4-cylinder exhibiting only a little bit of whine under full-throttle acceleration. Road and tire noise are well checked on 4-cylinder models with 17-inch tires. The available 18s induce more coarse-surface tire thrum. Some wind rush is present around the side mirrors.
CONTROLS
| i Grand Touring, manual | i Grand Touring, automatic | s Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 6.2 |
All the gauges and controls are logically placed and easy to read. Large, stylized gauge readouts blend form and function well. The optional navigation system has a large screen and is fairly easy to use, but absorbs nearly all audio functions, complicating some simple adjustments. Controls on right side of navigation screen too remote for easy access. The 6, like some other Mazdas we've tested, has two backlight settings for the instrument panel and other major controls, which are governed by a button in the gauge cluster. In low light and foggy conditions, the "day" mode renders the display too bright, while the "night" mode is too dim. Optional blind spot warning system sounds a tone when a vehicle is in a blind spot and the car is readying to change lanes. The system seems too sensitive and sometimes sounds tones for cars outside the blind spot, but it is easy to disengage via a button next to the steering wheel.
DETAILS
| i Grand Touring, manual | i Grand Touring, automatic | s Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Bright metal accents lend warmth to the nicely styled cabin. Glossy black plastic trim lends a sporty ambiance. Most other surfaces are soft touch and appropriate for the class. Optional leather seating surfaces lend an upscale appeal.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| i Grand Touring, manual | i Grand Touring, automatic | s Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Headroom and legroom are ample. The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a plus. Wide rear pillars impede visibility somewhat to the rear corners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| i Grand Touring, manual | i Grand Touring, automatic | s Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Headroom is plentiful for average-sized passengers. Occupants will find more legroom than in some like-sized rivals. Wide opening doors aid ingress and egress. There is room for three in the back, but the center position should be reserved for smaller passengers.
CARGO ROOM
| i Grand Touring, manual | i Grand Touring, automatic | s Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Non-intrusive, strut-type hinges free up cargo space, which is already generous. The 6 has decent small-items storage space including a large glovebox and deep, two-tier center console. There are no rear door pockets, however.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| i Grand Touring, manual | i Grand Touring, automatic | s Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.3 |
Mazda 6 appeals for its style, passenger space, and fun-to-drive character. We prefer the 4-cylinder versus the V6 due to those models' better ride/handling balance and fuel economy. Though the demise of its wagon and hatchback body styles make it slightly less versatile, solid build quality and class-competitive power make 6 a must see.
Total Score
| i Grand Touring, manual | i Grand Touring, automatic | s Grand Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67 | 67 | 62 | 63 |
Total Score: 65
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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