2020 MAZDA 6 SEDAN REVIEW

Detailed Review

The Mazda 6 is Mazda’s flagship midsize sedan, blending premium craftsmanship, dynamic handling, and advanced safety since its GJ/GL generation debuted in 2012. Built on SKYACTIV-Vehicle Architecture, it rivals European sedans with precise driving feel, refined interiors, and strong reliability.

The 2020 model sharpens Mazda’s KODO design with a bold grille, adaptive LED headlights, sculpted bodylines, and subtle facelift updates that give it an upscale presence.

Engine options include a 2.0L petrol (155 hp), a 2.5L petrol (187 hp), and a 2.5L turbo (227–250 hp), all paired with a smooth 6-speed automatic for responsive performance.

Inside, the cabin offers leather upholstery, premium trim, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and available Bose audio, with advanced i-ACTIVSENSE safety features standard or optional.

Combining elegance, engaging dynamics, and luxury touches at a competitive price, the 2020 Mazda 6 remains one of the most compelling midsize sedans available.

For those considering the Mazda 6 Sedan, we have prepared a dedicated Buyer’s Guide with detailed insights into trims, engines, ownership costs, and common issues to watch for when buying used. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.

2020 Mazda 6 Sedan Trim Levels

20S (Essential Elegance):
The entry petrol model, powered by the 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine, emphasizes accessible sophistication with LED headlights, fabric upholstery, and Mazda Connect infotainment. Features 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and comprehensive i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies. Positioned for drivers who value Mazda’s engineering quality in a refined yet affordable package.

25S (Dynamic Balance):
Upgrading to the 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G petrol engine, the 25S delivers stronger performance with the same premium fundamentals. Features include larger 19-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and upgraded interior appointments. Designed for buyers seeking enhanced power and refinement while maintaining everyday usability.

25S L Package (Luxury Dynamics):
This luxury-focused trim adds premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and advanced comfort features. Features Bose premium audio, power-adjustable seating with memory function, and wood or Ultrasuede interior accents. Combines Mazda’s performance-oriented engineering with upscale craftsmanship.

XD (Refined Diesel):
Powered by the 2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D turbo diesel, the XD emphasizes efficiency and torque-rich driving character. Standard features include alloy wheels, advanced safety technology, and premium cabin appointments. Tailored for long-distance drivers who prioritize economy without compromising refinement.

XD L Package (Luxury Diesel Dynamics):
This higher-grade diesel variant combines the strong SKYACTIV-D powerplant with premium appointments such as leather upholstery, Bose audio, ventilated seating, and advanced i-ACTIVSENSE features. It delivers the ideal balance of efficiency, performance, and luxury for discerning buyers.

Exclusive Mode (Flagship Sophistication):
The top-tier model showcasing Mazda’s pinnacle craftsmanship with exclusive Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, Ultrasuede and real wood trim, adaptive LED headlights, and a 360-degree camera system. Represents the ultimate expression of the Mazda 6 Sedan, combining maximum performance, advanced technology, and luxury refinement.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2020 Mazda 6 Sedan interior emphasizes elegant design, premium craftsmanship, and driver engagement. The cabin layout centers on a horizontal dashboard with an 8-inch Mazda Connect display positioned high for optimal visibility, complemented by a traditional analog instrument cluster with a 7-inch TFT multi-information screen that conveys essential driving data.

Mazda prioritizes tactile precision with its rotary-controlled infotainment interface, ensuring intuitive navigation without distracting from the driving experience. Higher trims showcase Nappa leather upholstery, genuine wood or Ultrasuede accents, and extensive soft-touch surfaces, creating a cabin that rivals entry-level luxury sedans

Passenger accommodation is particularly generous, befitting its midsize dimensions. Front seats are ergonomically sculpted with available heating and ventilation, offering excellent support for both spirited driving and long-distance comfort. Rear passengers benefit from ample legroom and headroom, enhanced by a long wheelbase and premium trim detailing that extends throughout the cabin.

The SKYACTIV-Vehicle Architecture optimizes cabin layout with low, supportive seating positions that contribute to Mazda’s engaging driving feel. Attention to ergonomics ensures all controls fall naturally to hand, while thoughtful detailing elevates both comfort and refinement for every occupant.

Cabin Storage

The Mazda 6 Sedan provides intelligently designed storage solutions that balance everyday usability with premium presentation. Front occupants benefit from large, felt-lined door pockets, twin cup holders with damping covers, and a deep center console armrest box with integrated connectivity options. Higher trims feature wireless charging pads, dual USB ports, and power outlets strategically placed for convenience. Rear passengers are supported with seatback pockets, wide door bins, and fold-down armrests with integrated cupholders.

Storage efficiency is achieved through subtle design choices such as a two-tiered console layout, hidden compartments, and padded storage areas for delicate items. The interior integrates practicality seamlessly into a cabin that retains its sophisticated character.

Boot Space

As a midsize sedan, the Mazda 6 provides substantial cargo capacity, with a 480-liter trunk designed to accommodate family luggage, golf bags, or weekly shopping with ease. The trunk’s wide aperture and low loading height enhance usability, making it practical for everyday use and long-distance travel alike.

Standard features include a flat load floor, premium tie-down points, and split-folding 60:40 rear seats that expand versatility for larger items. Select trims also feature a remote release function for added convenience. The trunk’s depth and efficient proportions maximize usable space while maintaining the sedan’s refined, secure storage environment.

Exterior

The 2020 Mazda 6 Sedan showcases a mature evolution of Mazda’s KODO design philosophy, delivering an elegant and commanding presence on the road. With elongated proportions, a wide stance, and flowing bodywork, the Mazda 6 balances premium sophistication with athletic intent. The front fascia is dominated by Mazda’s signature pentagonal grille finished in dark chrome or premium metallic trim, flanked by sharp LED headlights with signature light guides. The lighting not only enhances visibility but also reinforces the sedan’s upscale identity.

The sculpted bumper integrates aerodynamic air inlets and chrome accents that emphasize width and performance, while long character lines flow seamlessly from the hood through the sides to the rear, creating a sense of motion even at rest. The athletic roofline and elongated silhouette project both elegance and sportiness. Wheel options range from 17-inch alloys on entry trims to premium 19-inch multi-spoke designs finished in dark metallic tones for higher grades.

From the side profile, the Mazda 6 demonstrates its flagship sedan status with extended proportions, a sweeping roofline, and refined chrome window surrounds. Premium details include power-adjustable heated mirrors with integrated LED turn signals and chrome door accents, reinforcing its sophisticated presence. At the rear, slim LED taillights, a sculpted trunk lid, and dual exhaust outlets provide both refinement and subtle sportiness.

Higher trims distinguish themselves with adaptive LED headlights, premium chrome garnish, exclusive paint finishes such as Soul Red Crystal and Machine Grey Metallic, and unique alloy designs. Practical exterior features include automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, smart keyless entry, and power-folding mirrors, seamlessly blending luxury and functionality.

Ground Clearance: 6.5 inches (165 mm)

Safety Features

The 2020 Mazda 6 incorporates Mazda’s advanced i-ACTIVSENSE suite of active safety technologies, combined with a robust SKYACTIV-Body structure engineered for crash protection. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags (front, side, and curtain coverage), ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Hill Launch Assist, and Emergency Stop Signal.

Advanced driver assistance systems vary by trim but typically include:

• Smart Brake Support with pedestrian detection
• Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
• Adaptive LED Headlights with High Beam Control
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Blind Spot Monitoring (standard on mid to high trims)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (standard on mid to high trims)
• 360-degree View Monitor (available on flagship trims)

The Mazda 6’s body integrates high-tensile steel and strategically designed crumple zones, ensuring excellent energy absorption in collisions. This engineering, combined with Mazda’s comprehensive safety technology suite, allows the Mazda 6 to deliver strong global crash test results, reinforcing its position as a secure midsize sedan for families and professionals alike.

2020 Mazda 6 Sedan Fuel Consumption

• 2.0L SKYACTIV-G: approximately 14.8 km/l
• 2.5L SKYACTIV-G: approximately 13.2 km/l
• 2.2L SKYACTIV-D Diesel: approximately 17.8 km/l
• 2.5L SKYACTIV-G Turbo : approximately 11.5 km/l

2020 Mazda 6 Sedan Acceleration

• 2.0L SKYACTIV-G: 0–100 km/h in approximately 9.1 seconds
• 2.5L SKYACTIV-G: 0–100 km/h in approximately 8.1 seconds
• 2.2L SKYACTIV-D Diesel: 0–100 km/h in approximately 8.4 seconds
• 2.5L SKYACTIV-G Turbo: 0–100 km/h in approximately 7.2 seconds

Fuel Tank Capacity

62 liters

Service Intervals

• Minor Service: Every 6 months or 10,000 km. Includes SKYACTIV engine oil, oil filter, air filter, cabin filter inspection, and basic safety checks.
• Major Service: Every 12 months or 20,000 km. Includes oil and filter replacement, air and cabin filter replacement, brake fluid, spark plugs, transmission fluid check, suspension inspection, and i-ACTIVSENSE calibration where equipped.

Spare Parts and Availability

In Kenya, spare parts for the Mazda 6 are available through authorized Mazda dealerships and specialized import dealers. Genuine parts and high-quality aftermarket alternatives are accessible, though availability varies depending on trim level and engine variant. As a premium midsize sedan, the Mazda 6’s spare parts may cost more than common alternatives, but its established presence in the Japanese import market ensures reliable long-term support.

For service parts and body components, Visit: https://yokaspares.co.ke/

Stability and Handling

The 2020 Mazda 6 delivers benchmark handling in its class, embodying Mazda’s “Jinba Ittai” philosophy of driver-and-car harmony. Built on the SKYACTIV-Vehicle Architecture, it employs a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, balancing comfort with sharp, controlled dynamics.

The sedan’s electric power steering system provides natural weighting and precise response, enhancing driver confidence across a range of conditions. Higher trims benefit from sport-tuned suspension calibration, offering excellent body control during spirited cornering while maintaining refined ride comfort on long-distance journeys.

Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC+) further optimizes handling by subtly adjusting engine torque during cornering, improving stability and passenger comfort. Combined with the car’s rigid chassis and advanced suspension geometry, the Mazda 6 delivers a driving experience that blends athletic precision with luxury refinement.

Reliability

The Mazda 6 Sedan continues Mazda’s reputation for robust build quality, proven SKYACTIV engineering, and long-term dependability. Its naturally aspirated SKYACTIV-G petrol engines and efficient SKYACTIV-D diesel unit are built with high-compression technology and advanced materials that ensure durability over extended ownership. The available 2.5L turbocharged SKYACTIV-G, while more performance-oriented, has also shown strong reliability when serviced regularly with high-quality fuel and proper maintenance intervals.

Owners report the Mazda 6 to be mechanically dependable, with its strong chassis, refined transmissions, and i-ACTIV all-wheel drive system (where equipped) performing reliably across different driving conditions. Mazda’s precision manufacturing and strict quality control standards contribute to its consistent performance and low incidence of major mechanical faults.

In Kenya and other markets, professional servicing and genuine parts availability are increasingly supported by both official dealerships and specialized importers. While maintenance costs may be higher than some mainstream alternatives, they are justified by the premium engineering and long-term durability of the sedan.

Resale Value: Good

2020 Mazda 6 Sedan Competitors

The Mazda 6 Sedan competes in the midsize premium sedan segment against:

• Toyota Camry
• Honda Accord
• Nissan Teana
• Volkswagen Passat
• Hyundai Sonata
• Subaru Legacy

What We Like About the 2020 Mazda 6 Sedan

• Elegant KODO design with upscale proportions
• Premium cabin materials and Japanese craftsmanship
• Strong engine lineup, including the refined SKYACTIV-D diesel
• Engaging handling with driver-focused dynamics
• Excellent stability and steering precision
• High safety ratings with comprehensive i-ACTIVSENSE suite
• Quiet, comfortable ride with sport-sedan character
• Premium feel that rivals entry-level luxury sedans

What We Don’t Like

• Higher maintenance and parts costs than mainstream sedans
• Rear seat space slightly tighter than some rivals (e.g., Honda Accord)
• Infotainment system can feel dated compared to newer rivals
• Some premium features reserved for higher trims

Conclusion

The 2020 Mazda 6 Sedan stands as one of the most refined and engaging midsize sedans available from Japan. Blending sophisticated styling, high-quality interiors, and rewarding dynamics, it appeals to drivers who value more than just practicality in a family sedan. Its SKYACTIV powertrains deliver a mix of efficiency, reliability, and strong performance, while the ride quality balances comfort with Mazda’s signature driver engagement.

Although maintenance costs can be higher than mainstream alternatives, the Mazda 6’s premium craftsmanship, comprehensive safety systems, and exceptional handling make it a compelling alternative to both mainstream sedans and entry-level luxury models. For discerning buyers in Kenya seeking a durable yet premium midsize sedan, the 2020 Mazda 6 is a standout choice that continues to deliver long-term value and satisfaction.

For those considering the Mazda 6 Sedan, we have prepared a dedicated Buyer’s Guide with detailed insights into trims, engines, ownership costs, and common issues to watch for when buying used. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.

If you are looking to import the Mazda 6 to Kenya, click here to fill out our contact form, and we will get back to you immediately, or email us directly via [email protected].

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