Discover Whether the Mazda3 or Mazda6 Best Meets Your Needs

Mazda6

When you start looking for your next Mazda, you will have to make a few decisions, starting with the type of vehicle that you want. If you are interested in a sedan or a hatchback, you will be limited to the Mazda3 and Mazda6, either of which is a great choice for Virginia families and individuals. Both are reliable and fun vehicles packed with features. However, the Mazda3 will appeal to certain drivers while the Mazda6 will be a better choice for others. By doing a bit of research, you will have a better idea of which one you should choose.

Mazda3 or Mazda6: Pricing and Size

The very first thing to consider when looking at the Mazda3 and Mazda6 is how much you can afford to spend on a vehicle. The Mazda6 is larger, which makes it a bit more expensive, although still highly affordable. The 2017 Mazda6 starts at $21,945**. The 2017 Mazda3 starts at just $17,845** for the 4-door and $19,095** for the 5-door. Of course, the higher starting price of the Mazda6 is because of its larger size, its slightly longer list of standard features, and its better standard power. For example, the Mazda3 has a 12.4-cubic-foot trunk while the Mazda6’s has 14.8 cubic feet. The interior volume is 96.3 cubes in the Mazda3 and 99.7 in the Mazda6.

Body Styles and Configurations

Whether you are interested in the Mazda3 or the Mazda6, you will have the choice of the Sport, Touring, or Grand Touring trim level. The Mazda3 Touring is available with either a 2- or 2.5-liter engine, but all Mazda6 models have the same engine. When you factor in the choice of a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback, the Mazda3 has eight main configurations while the Mazda6 has 3. If one of the Mazda6 configurations has everything you need, you will not need the extra choices offered by the Mazda3. However, if you want a hatchback, the Mazda3 will be the way to go.

Comparing the Mazda3 or Mazda6 Engines

Speaking of engines, both the Mazda3 and Mazda6 have a SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet. Although this is the only engine on the Mazda6, it is the upgraded one on the Mazda3. The Mazda3 comes standard with a SkyActiv-G 2-liter 4-cylinder with 150 pound-feet and 155 horsepower. This means that you will have to upgrade to get the same power in the Mazda3 that comes standard in the Mazda6. However, the Mazda3 does have an efficiency advantage. It gets up to 28 mpg* combined with the base engine and 32 mpg* combined with the 2.5-liter. The Mazda6 can get up to 30 mpg* combined, making the Mazda3 ideal if you make efficiency a priority.

For help choosing between the Mazda3 and Mazda6, talk to the friendly team at Berglund Mazda Salem in Salem, Virginia.

*Your actual range may vary based on several factors including temperature, terrain, and driving technique

**MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) excludes tax, license, registration, and options. A delivery, processing, and handling fee may be charged separately. Dealer prices may vary.

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