2023 Mazda Mazda6
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $25,630–$32,895 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
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 →
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 →
| Fuel (75,000 miles) | ~$9,720 ($1,944/year at $3.50/gal) |
|---|---|
| Insurance | Varies 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.
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.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 → |
We rate the 2023 Mazda Mazda6's reliability 7.8/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
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.
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.
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.
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