10 Mazda Mazda6 Competitors to Consider

2019 Mazda Mazda6 Red Driving Front Quarter ・ Photo by Mazda

With 10 Mazda Mazda6 competitors to consider, making the ultimate choice can’t be rushed. It’s only right to weigh some options, although the Mazda6 is (by most experts’ reckoning) in the top three midsize sedans - maybe even the top two. But, not everyone supplies the features a buyer might want. For example, the Chevy Malibu has a rear seat alert, the Subaru Legacy comes with all-wheel drive, and some manufacturers offer hybrids.

Pricing for the 2019 Mazda6 was undisclosed when making this list; the 2018 range started at around $23,500 with a manual transmission, but standard equipment is generous. The Mazda6 also has a driving experience that’s as well-judged and attractive as its styling. However, here are some alternatives.

2019 Chevrolet Malibu

In the midsize sedan class, most of the attention is directed toward the Japanese contenders. They’re usually the top sellers and therefore considered to be benchmarks. But don't ignore this excellent home-grown competitor.

The Chevy Malibu has been revised for 2019, receiving a fresh (and, subjectively speaking, improved) nose and tail design, while the list of standard equipment includes a new 8-inch infotainment touchscreen (part of an updated system), keyless entry/ignition, and even a rear seat warning feature (if a driver has left anything important in the back — like shopping, dry cleaning, or a child). Chevrolet also offers a hybrid version. And even though the base 1.5-liter engine is turbocharged, it’s okay to use regular unleaded gasoline instead of stretching to premium.

Photo by General Motors

2019 Ford Fusion

Ford has been talking about ditching its portfolio of sedans to concentrate on crossovers. There is, however, a 2019 model of the Fusion, which is an exceptionally fine example of the midsize sedan genre.

Ford and Mazda have several attributes in common, with both having a particular flair for suspension tuning — bringing poise and agility while retaining a wonderful smoothness. This makes a perfect foundation for the V6 Sport version, running with 325 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Even the 175-hp basic S version still comes with an impressive inventory of standard equipment, including many driver aids. Trunk space is 16 cubic feet, except in the hybrid version, which gives four cubic feet over to the extra hardware.

Photo by Ford

2019 Honda Accord

Even though there are some great choices among these 10 Mazda6 competitors to consider, the Accord is probably the one buyers should go for. Build quality, reliability, reputation, space, equipment (including safety features) and even some engaging dynamics all contribute to the Accord’s standing as one of the best-selling midsize sedans ever.

This generation is still extremely fresh, having debuted for the 2018 model year. Pricing for 2019 had notyet been announced when compiling this piece, but the 2018 range started at around $24,500 for the LX with a 192-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Higher up the trim levels, a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 252 horses becomes available. Trunk space is 16.7 cubic feet.

Photo by Honda

2019 Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata has evolved over the generations to become a choice that few could argue against. The standard engine makes 185 hp, the styling hits several aesthetic high notes in its lines and shapes, equipment levels are generous, pricing is keen, and the driving experience is sufficiently refined (if not particularly thrilling). The range also encompasses a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Even resale values are improving as the car improves.

If there’s any complaint, it’s that the Sonata tries to cover so many bases that it lacks a certain charm. Then again, squaring the family finances every month and not waiting by the side of the highway for roadside assistance to show up is charming enough for most people.

Photo by Hyundai

2019 Kia Optima

A few years ago, a Kia would not have made it into a list of 10 Madza6 competitors to consider, but this marque has come an impressively long way in a short time. The Optima is sister to the Hyundai Sonata, with the same kinds of drivetrains (including the hybrids), plus standard and optional equipment offerings, but comes with its own distinct design.

Both cars have lower starting prices than the Mazda6 (around $23,300 for the 2019 Sonata; roughly $24,000 for the 2019 Optima), but which to choose between these Korean stablemates might come down to styling preferences and/or which dealer can come up with the right package. Either way, both cars come with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Photo by Kia

2018 Mazda CX-5

Let’s put forward a different argument. Although the rest of these rivals are like-for-like sedans, most purchasing decisions aren’t quite so clear-cut. What if someone wanted the sleek and classy styling, impressive driving talents and high-class-almost-premium cabin materials for which Mazda is renowned, but wasn’t averse to a crossover?

Considering how popular crossovers are right now, this seems like a feasible premise. The Mazda CX-5 could be the ideal choice. Pricing and equipment levels are similar. And even though the CX-5 competes in the compact crossover arena, rear legroom is a generous 39.6 inches, while cargo carrying versatility beats a regular trunk. The CX-5 even achieves 31 mpg on the highway (front-wheel drive).

Photo by Mazda

2019 Nissan Altima

What might have been the forgotten car among midsize sedans has just been given the power to make a more memorable impact. An all-new generation of Nissan Altima debuts for 2019, featuring several advanced safety features, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and an 8-inch infotainment display. It’s also one of the few cars in this class to offer all-wheel drive.

Some partially autonomous features are on the options list, while the new Altima even comes with styling that’s arguably more agreeable than its predecessor. The entry-level engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit developing 188 hp, rated at 39 mpg on the highway (with front-wheel drive).

Photo by Nissan

2019 Subaru Legacy

All-wheel drive comes as standard on the Subaru Legacy, which might be a crucial point for some buyers. No need to spend extra on adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation or lane-keeping assistance, either. They’re all included, as is Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A 175-hp four-cylinder engine in the lowest-level 2.5i model is adequate rather than advantageous, but still manages 34 mpg on the highway despite having to power all four wheels.

Like other vehicles from this company, the Legacy doesn’t really make a virtue of styling, but that never seems to bother the Subaru faithful who like their solid and reliable purchases. But having steel wheels on the base model is a bit disappointing these days.

Photo by Subaru

2019 Toyota Camry

Alongside the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry is the other big seller among midsize sedans. Just like its main rival, the Camry entered a new generation for 2018, and with every successive iteration the Camry moves further away from its old reputation as the archetypal boring car.

The basic engine has a healthy 203 hp, while an 8-speed automatic transmission makes it sprightly off the line yet still able to achieve useful fuel economy (41 mpg on the highway). For greater fuel savings, a hybrid version is part of the range. The Camry retains its high standards of build quality, and its reliability is beyond doubt. Improvements have come in the ride and handling departments, and also in the cabin’s materials.

Photo by Toyota

2019 Volkswagen Passat

The Volkswagen Passat is getting a little old these days, but it does have a trick up its metaphorical sleeve. Its rear legroom of 39.1 inches is among the most generous in the class (although the Accord now has 40.4 inches).

This model year sees a rationalization of the Passat range. The sole engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 174 hp. Trim levels are reduced to two: Wolfsburg Edition and SE R-Line. Forward collision mitigation and blind spot monitoring are standard, along with 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/ignition, heated front seats, satellite radio, and a 6.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The six-year/72,000-mile warranty also is a good thing to have.

Photo by Volkswagen