Segment:
Mid-size Sedan (D-segment)
Target Audience:
Individuals and families seeking a stylish, reliable, and engaging driving experience with a focus on fuel efficiency and safety.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima
Design Philosophy:
KODO - Soul of Motion design language, emphasizing fluidity and dynamic elegance.
Driving Dynamics:
Focus on Jinba-Ittai (horse and rider as one) driving feel, responsive handling, and precise steering.
Technology Integration:
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and the MAZDA CONNECT infotainment system.
Fuel Efficiency:
SKYACTIV-G engine technology and i-ELOOP regenerative braking system (on select trims) for optimized fuel economy.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fluid checks, basic maintenance for gasoline engines
Transmission:
Operation of automatic transmission, gear selection, fluid level checks
Chassis:
Brake system operation, steering, suspension basics, tire pressure monitoring
Electrical:
Lighting systems, instrument cluster, power accessories, fuse box locations and identification
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, climate control settings, air filter replacement guidance
Infotainment:
MAZDA CONNECT (if equipped), audio system, navigation (if applicable), Bluetooth connectivity
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts, ABS, DSC, i-ELOOP (if equipped), blind-spot monitoring (BSM), lane departure warning (LDW) operation
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire inflation, wiper blade replacement, light bulb replacement
Inspections:
Visual checks for leaks, tire wear, brake pad wear estimation
Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning lights and indicators, basic diagnostic steps for common issues
Emergency Procedures:
Jumping a dead battery, changing a flat tire, safe towing procedures
Vehicle Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, driving modes, parking brake operation
Depth:
Comprehensive user-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostic procedures typically found in a service manual.
Type:
6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE Automatic Transmission
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
Automatic Features:
Sport Mode, Lock-up torque converter across a wide range of speeds
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-FW (or equivalent, refer to manual for specific part numbers and service intervals)
Length:
191.5 inches (4865 mm)
Width:
72.4 inches (1839 mm)
Height:
57.1 inches (1450 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches (2700 mm)
Front Track:
62.2 inches (1580 mm)
Rear Track:
62.0 inches (1575 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.0 inches (127 mm)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 38.4 inches (975 mm)
Front Legroom:
Approx. 42.0 inches (1067 mm)
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 37.5 inches (953 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 37.4 inches (950 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 14.8 cubic feet (420 Liters)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3200-3400 lbs (1450-1542 kg), varies by trim and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4500-4600 lbs (2041-2087 kg)
Standard Wheel Size:
17-inch alloy wheels
Optional Wheel Size:
18-inch alloy wheels
Standard Tire Size:
P225/55R17
Optional Tire Size:
P225/45R18
Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inch)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for 2014 model year, where tested)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Likely Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ (depending on specific features and testing criteria for the year)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
Driver Assistance:
Available Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), High Beam Control (HBC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Structure:
Advanced front and rear crumple zones, enhanced side-impact door beams, Skyactiv-Body construction for improved rigidity and safety.
System Name:
MAZDA CONNECT
Display Size:
7-inch full-color touch screen display
Controls:
Commander control knob, steering wheel buttons, voice commands
Features:
AM/FM/HD Radio, Pandora, Stitcher, Aha, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, USB/iPod input, optional navigation
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available MRCC (Mazda Radar Cruise Control) with Stop & Go functionality
Collision Avoidance:
Available Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) for low-speed automatic braking
Lane Keeping:
Available Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
Visibility Assist:
Available Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Bluetooth Profile:
HFP (Hands-Free Profile), PBAP (Phone Book Access Profile), MAP (Message Access Profile)
Usb Ports:
Typically one or two USB ports for audio input and device charging
Headlights:
Halogen projector headlights standard, available Bi-Xenon headlights with LED signature lights on higher trims.
Interior Lighting:
Map lights, dome light, illuminated vanity mirrors, door courtesy lights.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific driving conditions that may alter intervals.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or as needed based on wear.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically iridium-tipped spark plugs, recommended replacement around 75,000 miles (120,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Refer to manual; often 'lifetime' fluid is specified but periodic checks and changes are recommended by some technicians. Typical interval around 60,000-100,000 miles if replaced.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.7 US quarts (4.4 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (FL22) - Blue
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.2 US quarts (6.8 Liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
Common Issues:
Minor reports of exhaust manifold leaks, occasional infotainment system glitches, some water pump seal failures. Generally considered reliable.
Recall Information:
Owners should always check for outstanding recalls with their VIN. Potential recalls in this era could include Takata airbag inflators, though specific to 2014 models need verification.
Mazda Heritage:
Founded in 1920, Mazda has a long history of innovation, from rotary engines to driver-focused vehicles. Known for its commitment to driving pleasure and unique engineering solutions.
Mazda6 Generations:
First generation (2003-2008), Second generation (2008-2012), Third generation (2012-2021). The 2014 model is part of the third generation, a significant redesign emphasizing Skyactiv technology and Kodo design.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production in Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan. Assembly may have occurred in other global locations depending on the market.
IIHS Awards:
Consistent recognition from IIHS for safety performance in previous years suggests strong safety engineering.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mazda as a brand generally receives good to excellent reliability ratings from Consumer Reports.
Emissions Certifications:
Meets U.S. EPA and CARB emissions standards for the model year.