Mazda offers two different sedans for buyers to pick between. Both the 2020 Mazda3 and the 2020 Mazda6 are good options for drivers. But what are the differences between the two, and which should you pick to get the most for your money?

The 2020 Mazda6 is larger than the Mazda3

The two cars are different sizes since the Mazda3 is a compact car and the Mazda6 is a midsize car. However, space in the front seats is pretty similar in the two cars. The latter has more room in the rear seats and trunk. They do have different shape options too. The Mazda3 is available as a sedan or a hatchback, while the Mazda6 is available only as a sedan.

Ratings from Consumer Reports

One difference between the Mazda3 and the Mazda6 is their ratings from Consumer Reports. The 2020 Mazda6 comes out ahead in this comparison, receiving an overall score of 80 and a road test score of 79 out of 100. It also has four out of five for both predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction.

The 2020 Mazda3 has an overall score of 68 and a road test score of 75 out of 100. Its predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction scores are both three out of five.

The Mazda6 has more powerful engine options

The Mazda3 has two transmission options, but the Mazda6 has two engines available. All-wheel drive is available on the Mazda3 with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda3 hatchback is available with a manual or an automatic transmission.

The Mazda3 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It has 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Mazda6 has the same 2.5-liter engine on the Sport and Touring trims. The Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature trims have a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine has 250 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is not available in the Mazda6.

The Mazda6 has more luxury finishes

The Mazda3’s interior is finished with high-quality materials, giving it a luxury feel; however, the Mazda6 is even more luxurious. It has options for Nappa leather-trimmed seats, wood accents, and heated rear seats.

A power driver’s seat and heated front seats come on the top two trims of the Mazda3 and on all except the base trim of the Mazda6. In addition, the top two trims of the Mazda6 provide power passenger seats and heated rear seats.

Safety and technology options

Both cars include many of the same safety and technology features. The Mazda3 includes the standard advanced safety features of cruise control with stop and go, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and driver attention alert. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is available in the Select, Preferred, and Premium trims but not on the base trim.

The Mazda6 does not offer driver attention alert, but the other four features are standard on all trim levels. In addition, emergency braking with pedestrian detection and emergency braking with collision warning are standard as well. The Mazda6 also offers a 360-degree view monitor, front and rear parking sensors, and traffic sign recognition on the top Signature trim.

In both the Mazda3 and Mazda6, all trim levels except the base are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mazda3 has an 8.8-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda6 has an 8.0-inch touchscreen. For music lovers, the Mazda3 includes either eight or 12 speakers. The Mazda6 has fewer, with either six or 11 speakers.

Which car is a better value?

With four trim levels, the starting prices of the Mazda3 range from $21,500 to $26,500. The Mazda6 has five trims with starting prices between $24,100 and $35,400. Most buyers will choose between the two based on the size needed or whether all-wheel drive is desired. All-wheel drive in the Mazda3 does add $1,400 to the price.

Generally, the Mazda3 provides better value, with more features in its higher trims than in the lower trims of the Mazda6. Buyers looking for the more powerful engine and additional luxury features may still be interested in paying extra for the midsize sedan’s higher trims.