2018 Mazda3 vs. 2018 Mazda6: Worth the Upgrade?

Which Mazda Sedan is Right For You?

Mazda makes two sedans for the North American market – the Mazda3 and the Mazda6. Both are formidable contenders that compete with the best vehicles in each of their classes. But how do they compare when matched up head to head?

Both models have received significant upgrades for the 2018 model year. Mazda3 Touring and Grand Touring models are powered by the available 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Sport model now comes standard with Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support safety system.

The Mazda6 has been upgraded even more. The car’s trim lineup has been realigned, there’s a new dashboard design, and more premium cabin materials have been added. A new turbocharged engine is also available. Mazda6 Sport and Touring models come equipped with a 2.5-liter engine that has standard cylinder deactivation.

This slideshow takes an in-depth look at each model’s strength and weaknesses, comparing the cars side by side to show which model wins in each category. At the end, we’ll choose an overall winner.

The ratings on this list may not perfectly match up with the U.S. News rankings. Ratings can change as more information becomes available.

Click through this slideshow to read about the Mazda3 and Mazda6.

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Price

Winner: 2018 Mazda3

The Mazda3 is the winner in this category since it has a lower starting price ($18,095) than the Mazda6, which starts at $21,950. Even the Mazda3’s most expensive trim, which starts at $24,945, is just a few thousand dollars more expensive than the Mazda6’s base trim.

The Mazda3’s starting price is on the low end compared to other compact cars. Similarly, the Mazda6’s base MSRP is the lowest among midsize cars, while its top price of $34,750 is average compared to other models in its class.

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Reliability

Winner: 2018 Mazda6

The Mazda6 has a better predicted reliability score than the Mazda3, helping it win this category. Still, neither model does particularly well compared to rivals from other brands. The Mazda6 scores a below-average 2.5 out of five in our ratings, while the Mazda3 has a two out of five rating. Both models are backed by a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

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Seat Comfort

Winner: 2018 Mazda3

The Mazda3 has comfortable and roomy seats for a compact car, but the Mazda6 has a lack of legroom for rear-seat passengers compared to other midsize cars. Because of that, the Mazda3 is the winner in this category.

The front seats of the Mazda3 are comfortable and supportive, even on road trips. Its rear seat easily fits two adults or three children. The Mazda6’s front seats are more spacious than its rear bench seat. Getting in or out of the second row isn’t easy for taller adults in the Mazda6 due to the sloped roofline.

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Cargo Space

Winner: 2018 Mazda3

The Mazda3 is offered in sedan and hatchback variants. Sedan models have 12.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which is less than the typical compact sedan. The 20.2 cubic feet of storage room behind the hatchback’s rear seats is more than the Mazda6 can offer. With the rear seats folded, the Mazda3 hatchback has over 47 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Mazda6 has below-average cargo room for a midsize sedan, with 14.8 cubic feet of trunk space. Its rear seats fold down to accommodate longer objects, and the trunk has a wide rear opening. However, it can’t match the overall cargo capacity of the Mazda3 hatchback, so the smaller model wins this category.

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Interior Quality

Winner: 2018 Mazda3

The Mazda3 and Mazda6 are noted for having fine interiors, especially in their upper trims, which rival the quality of some luxury sedans. However, the Mazda3 stands out more when compared to other models in its class, helping it win this battle.

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Interior Features

Winner: 2018 Mazda6

The Mazda6 comes loaded with more standard features than the Mazda3. Standard features in both models include push-button start, a rearview camera, a six-speaker audio system, the MazdaConnect infotainment system, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and the Smart City Brake Support system.

The Mazda3 also comes standard with two USB ports and a 7-inch touch screen. The Mazda6 has a larger standard touch screen (8 inches), and it also comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control and a USB port. Additionally, the Mazda6 is available with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, unlike the Mazda3 which offers neither smartphone integration system.

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Acceleration

Winner: 2018 Mazda6

The Mazda6 is quicker off the line than the Mazda3 when equipped with the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes up to 250 horsepower, giving it the win in this category. A naturally-aspirated 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder comes standard in the Mazda6.

The Mazda3 is powered by a base 155-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, though a 184-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is available. The larger engine provides the most opportunity for fun behind the wheel.

Both models have no problem getting up to speed and passing on the highway.

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Fuel Economy

Winner: 2018 Mazda3

The Mazda3 is more fuel-efficient than the Mazda6. Its base engine achieves 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, which are good numbers for its class. The larger engine gets 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

The base Mazda6 gets 26 mpg city and 35 highway. With the turbocharged engine, the Mazda6 achieves 23 city and 31 highway. These numbers are typical for a midsize car.

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Ride and Handling

Winner: Tie

The Mazda3 and Mazda6 deliver what many cars don’t – a well-executed blend of comfort and athleticism at a budget-friendly price. The Mazda3 is smaller and a touch nimbler, but both models are designed for drivers who want an engaging experience behind the wheel.

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Safety

Winner: 2018 Mazda6

The Mazda6 and Mazda3 have received the same crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Mazda6 comes standard with more safety features than the Mazda3, including blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. Those features are options in the smaller car.

Both models have available forward collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, rear parking sensors, and traffic sign recognition. The Mazda6 is also available with rain-sensing windshield wipers, lane keep assist, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.

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The Winner Is …

2018 Mazda3

The Mazda3 and Mazda6 are good cars. They take turns performing better than the other in various categories, but the truth is that they are both some of the best cars you can buy. However, in this head-to-head the Mazda3 just squeaks out a victory.

If you are looking for a small car, the Mazda3 should be on your test drive list. It has the athleticism to make driving fun, a low starting price, and a terrific interior. If you need gobs of cargo space, opt for the five-door hatchback variant.

The midsize Mazda6 is especially good when equipped with the available turbocharged engine. The Mazda6 bests its smaller sibling in a few ways, like having a longer list of standard and optional tech and safety features.

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More Shopping Tools From U.S. News and World Report

To learn more about the Mazda3 and Mazda6, check out their reviews. Then, see how they stack up to the competition by exploring our new car rankings.

When it comes time to buy, use our Best Price Program to get the best deal on your new car purchase. Buyers save over $3,000, on average, by using the program.

In addition to savings off MSRP, getting the best interest rate on your car loan can save you thousands as well. Compare rates from up to four lenders with MyAutoloan to get the best deal.

2018 Mazda3 vs. 2018 Mazda6: Head to Head

• Price - Winner: 2018 Mazda3
• Reliability - Winner: 2018 Mazda6
• Seat Comfort - Winner: 2018 Mazda3
• Cargo Space - Winner: 2018 Mazda3
• Interior Quality - Winner: 2018 Mazda3
• Interior Features - Winner: 2018 Mazda6
• Acceleration - Winner: 2018 Mazda6
• Fuel Economy - Winner: 2018 Mazda3
• Ride and Handling - Winner: Tie
• Safety - Winner: 2018 Mazda6