Cars · Top 10
Best Mazda6 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027
Direct answer
The 2021 Mazda6 is the best Mazda6 model year, with the 2016 at #2 and the 2019 at #3. The 2021 earns 5 NHTSA stars overall, 5 stars in the front and side crash tests, is rated 29 mpg combined by the EPA and has no recall campaigns listed.
At a glance
| # | Pick | EPA combined MPG | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021 Mazda6 (GL) | 29 mpg combined (26 city, 35 highway) with the 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the newest Mazda6 with a 5-star overall rating and no recalls |
| 2 | 2016 Mazda6 (GJ) | 30 mpg combined (26 city, 37 highway) with the 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the best mpg of any 5-star Mazda6 and a single easy-to-check recall |
| 3 | 2019 Mazda6 (GL) | 29 mpg combined (26 city, 35 highway) with the 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the turbo Mazda6 with a 5-star overall rating |
| 4 | 2018 Mazda6 (GL) | 29 mpg combined (26 city, 35 highway) with the 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the first refreshed Mazda6 with the turbo option |
| 5 | 2015 Mazda6 (GJ) | 30 mpg combined (26 city, 37 highway) with the 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want a 30 mpg third-generation Mazda6 with 5-star overall safety |
| 6 | 2013 Mazda6 (GH) | 24 mpg combined (21 city, 30 highway) with the 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 5-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the last Mazda6 with a V6 option and a 5-star rollover rating |
| 7 | 2009 Mazda6 (GH) | 24 mpg combined (21 city, 30 highway) with the 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 5-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the first redesigned, larger US Mazda6 with full 5-star front and side crash scores |
| 8 | 2008 Mazda6 (GG) | 24 mpg combined (21 city, 28 highway) with the 2.3 L 4-cylinder, 5-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the last first-generation Mazda6, with the 5-door hatchback available |
| 9 | 2007 Mazda6 (GG) | 23 mpg combined (21 city, 28 highway) with the 2.3 L 4-cylinder, 5-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want a first-generation Sport Wagon or the turbo 6-speed |
| 10 | 2004 Mazda6 (GG) | 22 mpg combined (20 city, 26 highway) with the 2.3 L 4-cylinder, 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want an early Mazda6 with a V6 option |
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2021 Mazda6 (GL)
Best mpg
2016 Mazda6 (GJ)
Turbo engine
2019 Mazda6 (GL)
Last V6
2013 Mazda6 (GH)
Hatchback or wagon
2008 Mazda6 (GG)
The ranking
1
2021 Mazda6 (GL)
Photo: Ethan Llamas / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictTop NHTSA rating, 29 mpg and no recalls.
EPA combined MPG: 29 mpg combined (26 city, 35 highway) with the 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Overall 5 stars, front crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 4), side crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), rollover 4 stars; forward collision warning and lane departure warning are standardNHTSA recalls: No recall campaigns listed for the 2021 Mazda6Generation: Final model year: Mazda discontinued the Mazda6 in North America after 2021, citing shifting preferences toward crossovers
The 2021 Mazda6 is the last year Mazda sold it in North America. NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall, lists no recalls, and the EPA rates it 29 mpg combined; forward collision and lane departure warnings are standard.
Go ifBuyers who want the newest Mazda6 with a 5-star overall rating and no recalls
Skip ifYou want a turbo engine or the lowest price
Why #1 over #2: Its empty recall list beats the 2016 Mazda6, which has 1 recall campaign listed.
2
2016 Mazda6 (GJ)
Photo: DestinationFearFan / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictBest mpg of the 5-star years, with 1 recall listed.
EPA combined MPG: 30 mpg combined (26 city, 37 highway) with the 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Overall 5 stars, front crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 4), side crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), rollover 4 stars; forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optionalNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed for the 2016 Mazda6: 17V546000 (debris from welding the front passenger seat frame could damage the occupant classification system wiring)i-ELOOP: The i-ELOOP package is rated 32 mpg combined (28 city, 38 highway) with the same 2.5 L engine and 6-speed automaticGeneration: For 2016 the Grand Touring gained LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights and LED fog lights
The 2016 Mazda6 pairs 5 NHTSA stars overall with 30 mpg combined, the best of the 5-star years, and the i-ELOOP package is rated 32 mpg. NHTSA lists 1 recall, for passenger seat sensor wiring.
Go ifBuyers who want the best mpg of any 5-star Mazda6 and a single easy-to-check recall
Skip ifYou want the post-2018 interior and styling
Why #2 over #3: Its 30 mpg beats the 2019 Mazda6’s 29 mpg with the same 1 recall listed.
3
2019 Mazda6 (GL)
Photo: Ethan Llamas / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictSame ratings as 2021 with 1 engine-stall recall to confirm.
EPA combined MPG: 29 mpg combined (26 city, 35 highway) with the 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Overall 5 stars, front crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 4), side crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), rollover 4 starsNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed for the 2019 Mazda6: 19V497000 (a software error in the powertrain control module may cause the engine to stall; the campaign names 2018-2019 Mazda6 vehicles)Turbo engine: The 2.5 L turbo is rated 26 mpg combined (23 city, 31 highway) with the 6-speed automaticGeneration: The turbocharged 2.5 L four makes 227 hp, or 250 hp on high-octane fuel, in the Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims
The 2019 Mazda6 carries the 5-star overall rating and the available 2.5 L turbo, rated 26 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 1 recall, an engine-stall software fix.
Go ifBuyers who want the turbo Mazda6 with a 5-star overall rating
Skip ifYou want a car with no recall on record
Why #3 over #4: Its 1 listed recall beats the 2018 Mazda6’s 2.
4
2018 Mazda6 (GL)
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictFirst refreshed year, with 2 recalls to confirm.
EPA combined MPG: 29 mpg combined (26 city, 35 highway) with the 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Overall 5 stars, front crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 4), side crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), rollover 4 stars; forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optionalNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed for the 2018 Mazda6: 21V875000 (the low-pressure fuel pump impeller may crack and deform) and 19V497000 (a software error may cause the engine to stall)Generation: Mid-cycle refresh unveiled in November 2017 with new front and rear fascias, new wheels and two new trims, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature, plus a new turbocharged 2.5 L engine
The 2018 Mazda6 is the first refreshed car, with new fascias, two new trims and the turbo engine. It has 5 stars overall and 29 mpg combined, and NHTSA lists 2 recalls.
Go ifBuyers who want the first refreshed Mazda6 with the turbo option
Skip ifYou want a car with at most 1 recall listed
Why #4 over #5: Its 2 recalls beat the 2015 Mazda6’s 3, and its 5-star front crash score beats the 2015’s 4 stars.
5
2015 Mazda6 (GJ)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictSame mpg as 2016, a 4-star front crash result and 3 recalls.
EPA combined MPG: 30 mpg combined (26 city, 37 highway) with the 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Overall 5 stars, front crash 4 stars (driver 5, passenger 4), side crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), rollover 4 stars; lane departure warning is optionalNHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed for the 2015 Mazda6: 17V393000 (parking brake actuator shaft corrosion), 14V173000 (alternator and regulator) and 14V675000 (tire pressure monitoring system may not warn when all four tires lose pressure)Generation: The 2015 Mazda6 was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus when equipped with the available Smart City Brake Support, and a Car and Driver 10 Best pick
The 2015 Mazda6 is rated 30 mpg combined and 5 stars overall, with a 4-star front crash result. It was an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus with Smart City Brake Support, and NHTSA lists 3 recalls.
Go ifBuyers who want a 30 mpg third-generation Mazda6 with 5-star overall safety
Skip ifYou want 5 stars in the front crash test
Why #5 over #6: Its 5 stars overall beat the 2013 Mazda6’s 4.
6
2013 Mazda6 (GH)
Photo: Mr.choppers / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictLast V6 year, but 4 overall stars and 4 recalls.
EPA combined MPG: 24 mpg combined (21 city, 30 highway) with the 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 5-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Overall 4 stars, front crash 3 stars (driver 4, passenger 3), side crash 4 stars (driver 5, passenger 4), rollover 5 starsNHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed for the 2013 Mazda6: 13V425000 (door latch mounting screws may loosen), 18V018000 and 18V717000 (passenger air bag inflators) and 19V323000 (front cross member may corrode after exposure to road salt)V6: The 3.7 L V6 with a 6-speed automatic is rated 21 mpg combined (18 city, 27 highway); Mazda did not offer a V6 in the redesigned third-generation Mazda6
The 2013 Mazda6 is the last with a V6 option, rated 24 mpg combined with the 4-cylinder. NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall and 5 stars for rollover, and lists 4 recalls.
Go ifBuyers who want the last Mazda6 with a V6 option and a 5-star rollover rating
Skip ifYou want strong front crash results or low recall counts
Why #6 over #7: Having an overall rating beats the 2009 Mazda6, which has none, and its 5-star rollover rating is one the 2009 lacks.
7
2009 Mazda6 (GH)
Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictBest front and side crash scores of the older cars, with 9 recalls.
EPA combined MPG: 24 mpg combined (21 city, 30 highway) with the 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 5-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Front crash 5 stars for the driver and 5 for the passenger, side crash 5 stars for the driver and 5 for the passenger; no overall or rollover rating is publishedNHTSA recalls: 9 recall campaigns listed for the 2009 Mazda6, including 09V043000 (outer door handles may stick so a door could open in motion), 11V134000 (a spider web in the evaporative canister vent line), 16V594000 (air bag control module coating) and 18V631000 (front cross member corrosion)Generation: The North American Mazda6 was redesigned for 2009 as a widened and lengthened version of the global car, with the wagon and hatchback dropped and a new 2.5 L four and 3.7 L V6
The 2009 Mazda6 is the first of the larger US cars. NHTSA gives it 5 stars in both the front and side crash tests but publishes no overall or rollover rating, and lists 9 recalls.
Go ifBuyers who want the first redesigned, larger US Mazda6 with full 5-star front and side crash scores
Skip ifYou want a short recall list
Why #7 over #8: Its 5-star side scores beat the 2008 Mazda6’s 4 stars.
8
2008 Mazda6 (GG)
Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe final year of the original, with 4 recalls listed.
EPA combined MPG: 24 mpg combined (21 city, 28 highway) with the 2.3 L 4-cylinder, 5-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Front crash 5 stars for the driver and 5 for the passenger, side crash 4 stars for the driver and 4 for the passenger; no overall or rollover rating is publishedNHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed for the 2008 Mazda6: 17V474000 (driver air bag inflator), 18V402000 and 19V781000 (passenger air bag inflators) and 08V412000 (fuel tank coating on 2007-2008 cars with California emission specifications)Generation: The first-generation Mazda6 was sold in North America as the Sport Sedan, the 5-Door hatchback and the Sport Wagon
The 2008 Mazda6 is the last of the first generation, still offered as a sedan, 5-door hatchback and Sport Wagon. It is rated 24 mpg combined and NHTSA lists 4 recalls.
Go ifBuyers who want the last first-generation Mazda6, with the 5-door hatchback available
Skip ifYou want the larger second-generation car
Why #8 over #9: Its 24 mpg beats the 2007 Mazda6’s 23 mpg with the same crash scores.
9
2007 Mazda6 (GG)
Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictSame ratings as 2008, 1 mpg lower.
EPA combined MPG: 23 mpg combined (21 city, 28 highway) with the 2.3 L 4-cylinder, 5-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Front crash 5 stars for the driver and 5 for the passenger, side crash 4 stars for the driver and 4 for the passenger; no overall or rollover rating is publishedNHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed for the 2007 Mazda6: 17V474000, 18V402000, 19V781000 (air bag inflators) and 08V412000 (fuel tank coating on cars with California emission specifications)Turbo: The turbocharged 2.3 L with a 6-speed manual is rated 19 mpg combined (17 city, 23 highway)
The 2007 Mazda6 has the same crash scores and recall list as 2008, with 23 mpg combined. A turbocharged 6-speed manual is listed at 19 mpg combined.
Go ifBuyers who want a first-generation Sport Wagon or the turbo 6-speed
Skip ifYou want the best mpg or crash scores
Why #9 over #10: Its side crash scores of 4 stars beat the 2004 Mazda6’s 3 stars for the driver.
10
2004 Mazda6 (GG)
Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe weakest side crash scores and lowest mpg of the ten.
EPA combined MPG: 22 mpg combined (20 city, 26 highway) with the 2.3 L 4-cylinder, 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Front crash 5 stars for the driver and 5 for the passenger, side crash 3 stars for the driver and 4 for the passenger; no overall or rollover rating is publishedNHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed for the 2004 Mazda6: 17V474000, 18V402000, 19V781000 (air bag inflators) and 04V582000 (rear seat belts may not lock because of missing retaining pins)V6: The 3.0 L V6 with a 5-speed automatic is rated 19 mpg combined (17 city, 24 highway)
The 2004 Mazda6 is the lowest-ranked pick: 22 mpg combined with the 4-cylinder, side crash scores of 3 stars for the driver and 4 for the passenger, and 4 recalls listed.
Go ifBuyers who want an early Mazda6 with a V6 option
Skip ifYou want strong side crash scores or good mpg
How we ranked these
We ranked each model year on NHTSA 5-star Safety Ratings, putting years with an overall rating first and then years with only partial crash ratings; within each group, by the number of NHTSA vehicle recall campaigns listed (aftermarket equipment recalls excluded), then EPA combined mpg for the base 4-cylinder automatic, and where all of those tie, the newer year ranks higher. Years not shown share a look with a pick; the 2013 pick is illustrated by a car of the same facelift and the 2021 pick by a refreshed-generation car. NHTSA recall counts are by model year and name, and several campaigns span multiple years. We do not state used prices or reliability scores. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Mazda6 model year?
On NHTSA, EPA and recall data the 2021 Mazda6 ranks first: 5 stars overall, 5 stars in the front and side crash tests, 29 mpg combined with the 2.5 L engine and no recall campaigns listed.
Which Mazda6 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2015 and 2016 Mazda6 are rated 30 mpg combined with the 2.5 L engine and 6-speed automatic. The 2016 i-ELOOP package is rated 32 mpg combined.
Did the Mazda6 ever have a V6?
Yes. A 3.0 L V6 was offered in the first generation and a 3.7 L V6 in the second generation through 2013, rated 21 mpg combined in 2013. The third generation was sold with four-cylinder engines only.
Was the Mazda6 discontinued?
Mazda discontinued the Mazda6 in North America after the 2021 model year.
EPA combined mpg (base 4-cylinder, automatic, front-wheel drive) at a glance
2004 Mazda6 (GG)22 mpg
2007 Mazda6 (GG)23 mpg
2013 Mazda6 (GH)24 mpg
2009 Mazda6 (GH)24 mpg
2008 Mazda6 (GG)24 mpg
2021 Mazda6 (GL)29 mpg
2019 Mazda6 (GL)29 mpg
2018 Mazda6 (GL)29 mpg
2016 Mazda6 (GJ)30 mpg
2015 Mazda6 (GJ)30 mpg
Official sites
- 2021 Mazda6 (GL) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2016 Mazda6 (GJ) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2019 Mazda6 (GL) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2018 Mazda6 (GL) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2015 Mazda6 (GJ) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2013 Mazda6 (GH) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2009 Mazda6 (GH) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2008 Mazda6 (GG) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2007 Mazda6 (GG) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2004 Mazda6 (GG) · en.wikipedia.org
Sources
- fueleconomy.gov
- nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.