2023 Mazda Mazda6 — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Sedan

2023 Mazda Mazda6

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $25,630–$32,895
Fuel Economy 27 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $1,944/yr
The 2023 Mazda Mazda6 scores 8.4/10 at Carivo, ranking #6 of 1310 sedans and an estimated $1,944/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2023 Mazda Mazda6

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$25,630–$32,895

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2023 Mazda Mazda6

Our scoring places the 2023 Mazda Mazda6 at 8.4/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.0/10, while Reliability at 7.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.8/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.8/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.

Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.7/10. The Mazda Mazda6 delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 9.0/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.

Priced from $25,630–$32,895, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Mazda Mazda6 sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.4/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Our take: The 2023 Mazda Mazda6 is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2023 Mazda Mazda6 ranks #6 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 100% of the segment. Its 8.4/10 overall score is 0.9 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $25,630 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 7%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $35k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2023 Mazda Mazda6

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$9,720 ($1,944/year at $3.50/gal)
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which Mazda6 Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2020 Mazda Mazda6 scores 8.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 8.4 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2023 (this review) 8.4/10$25,630
2021 8.0/10$23,177 Read review →
2020 8.1/10$22,413 Read review →
2019 7.9/10$21,649 Read review →
2018 7.9/10$20,885 Read review →
2017 7.8/10$20,121 Read review →
2016 7.9/10$19,357 Read review →
2015 7.7/10$18,593 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Mazda Mazda6

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
  • Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features

✗ Where it falls short

  • Few standout weaknesses — review individual sub-scores for nuance
  • Some competing models offer a higher overall score at a similar price

Common Questions — 2023 Mazda Mazda6

Is the 2023 Mazda Mazda6 reliable?

We rate the 2023 Mazda Mazda6's reliability 7.8/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.

Is the 2023 Mazda Mazda6 worth buying?

It scores 8.4/10 overall, ranking #6 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 100% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2023 Mazda Mazda6 cost?

The 2023 Mazda Mazda6 starts at $25,630 and ranges up to $32,895 across trims (MSRP when new). At 27 MPG, expect roughly $1,944/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which Mazda6 years should you avoid?

Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Mazda6 years we've rated are 2015 (7.7/10), 2017 (7.8/10), 2019 (7.9/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.

Owner Essentials — Mazda Mazda6

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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