Mazda Mazda6 Photo Gallery

Front fender arch much better integrated than before, mirrors roofline.

No light show. If it's not functional, it's probably not here.

Much leaner, more athletic proportions than Fusion or Sonata.

Revs enthusiastically with a satisfying snarl. Yet also very efficient.

A large grille that is actually tasteful. Single chrome accent repeated on the trunk lid.

More than a hint of Maserati.

Note distance between front wheel and base of A-pillar. An extra inch or so makes a big difference.

Rear fenders less showy, but subtly attractive.

Maserati vs. Aston Martin.

Fusion has a much more massive butt.

White-on-black instruments. Knobs and buttons could hardly be easier to reach and operate.

Lots of red stitching, but not enough bolstering.

Adequate room, but cushion is too low.

Unlike in the pretty but fatally flawed early 1990s Mazda 929, a competitive trunk.

Unlike most, no mess under the engine cover.

Big grille, but not too big. Chrome highlight subtly adds visual interest.

Boldest appearance from this angle.

Front fender arches better integrated than before.

The Grand Touring's 19-inch wheels are sexier. But the car doesn't look bad with the 17s.

Fusion SE Sport has 18-inch wheels. Which car is more attractive? Depends on personal taste.

Unlike the Fusion and Accord, the Mazda's proportions are almost those of a rear-drive car.

I can't decide--elegantly understated, or a bit plain? Area around the rear wheel lacks something.

Chrome highlight on the trunk lid mirrors that around the grille.

More business-like than others. But easily worthy of a $22,000 price.

Don't notice much of a difference? (This is the Grand Touring's interior.)

Better materials but more confusing controls in the Ford Fusion. Red stitching even with cloth.

Nothing fancy, though the upper instrument panel is soft to the touch.

Simple, easy-to-operate controls and clear instruments. Excellent driving position.

Cloth trim helps compensate for modest side bolsters. Headrests a bit too far forward.

Viable rear seat, but others are roomier and more comfortable.

Competitive trunk space.

Decent power, sounds good when revved.

Why cover this up?

Tweaks for 2018 give the Mazda6 a more elegant and upscale face. Note new chrome trim and grille.

Pre-facelift.

Proud front fender recalls the RX-8 of a decade earlier.

The Honda has a bolder, more polarizing design.

Clean body sides.

No mirror of the front fender in the plainer rear fender.

Clean finish.

More going on.

An unusually well-appointed interior for a car with a price in the mid-30s.

Accord Sport trim. But even the Touring has far more hard plastic surfaces than the Mazda.

Just pure, clean design with excellent materials, including synthetic suede across the IP's face.

The Mazda6 interior before the refresh.

Better controls than most.

Perhaps the weakest aspect of the interior. A good seat, but not a great one.

Much less rear legroom than some competitors.

Decent trunk. Rear seat folds to expand it.

The engine cover doesn't suggest anything special.

Skyactiv technology--now with a turbo (behind the engine in the photo).