2020 Mazda6 Is The Sportiest Mid-Size Sedan But It’s Missing One Thing

We took the 2020 Mazda6 Signature out for the week to see if it’s a sedan you should put on your shopping list. We found out it’s the sportiest midsize sedan on the market but it is missing one key thing. If you are a driving enthusiast and you want a car for more than a commuter, this still could be your best fit.

Mazda definitely is about entertaining your passion for taking the curves a bit faster than the average commuter. This sedan also looks the part on the outside. Mazda designers cranked up their styling juices and have given the car a good dose of sleek. It’s also one of the safest sedans on the road. But if you need an all-weather vehicle, the Mazda6 only comes with front-wheel drive.

What’s new for 2020?

The Mazda6 returns unchanged for the 2020 model year.

Features & Options

The 2020 Mazda6 Signature ($35,300) comes standard with LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen, a sunroof, proximity keyless entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.

It also features paddle shifters, heated side mirrors, and an 11-speaker Bose sound system. Other upgrades include adaptive headlights, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, navigation, a bigger driver information display, and upgraded interior trim.

Safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist, surround-view camera system, and front and rear parking sensors. Total MSRP including destination: $36,915.

Interior Highlights

The material quality is high and the improved styling inside sets this top-trim Mazda6 Signature apart. The Chestnut Nappa leather interior on our tester looked rich and upscale. The first thing we noticed was a sweeping dash crowned by a seven-inch infotainment display screen.

The Mazda Connect infotainment system is quick enough, but the control device is somewhat uncooperative and the mapping isn’t as good as some rivals. The sport seats offer excellent support for spirited driving, and the leather gives the sedan a luxurious feel. The ventilated front seats and head-up display made this sedan feel like a more expensive car.

There’s impressive interior space up front, and there is good leg and knee room in the rear, even for taller adults. The sporty styling does cut down on the rear passenger headroom with the raked roofline, however. The split rear seats fold forward for additional cargo room, and the trunk offers 14.8 cubic feet of space with a wide opening.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs

The upper-level Signature trim is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower on 93 octane premium fuel, 227 horsepower on regular 87 octane fuel, and 310 lb-ft of torque. It comes mated with a six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Mazda6 is front-wheel drive only. EPA fuel mileage comes in at 23/31 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg.

Driving Dynamics

True to Mazda vehicles being known for their good balance and handling, the Mazda6 maintains that standard, and even ups the game a few notches on the fun-to-drive meter. The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine makes a difference when compared to the standard, naturally-aspired powerplant. 

Overall, the 2.5-liter is smooth and powerful, and it’s a joy to drive with the six-speed automatic and steering wheel paddle shifters. This engine likes to rev and the paddle shifters give you the ability to get the most from this engine. The Mazda6 came alive on the curvy roads we tested it on near Evergreen, Colorado. The steering felt solid and communicative, and the ride was firm and planted with the 19-inch wheels on the Signature trim.

If you are looking for a plush sedan ride, the Mazda6 is probably not for you. If you like to drive, it’s the best in the mid-size sedan segment. With its G-Vectoring Control, the Mazda6 applies braking to separate front wheels in the corners, shifting weight forward and increasing grip so the turn-in is more secure. When it releases, weight shifts to the rear for improved balance.

Conclusion

The top-of-the-line 2020 Mazda6 Signature ups the comfort and luxury level a few notches, and the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is the best pick for driving enthusiasts. The sedan handles exceptionally well, the ride is firm and sporty, and the response from the steering and automatic transmission is above average for this segment. The one thing it’s missing is an all-wheel-drive option.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates at Torque News!

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Photo credit: Mazda USA