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It won’t be long and the 2021 Mazda6 will be driving on city streets along with its competitors. This new model promises to bring a few new things to the mix, and all for pretty affordable prices for a family sedan.

However, this Mazda seems to be missing something that could be pretty important when you compare it to its competitors. What is that missing feature and will it affect sales of the Mazda6? Car and Driver reviewed the 2021 model and shared their thoughts on it. 

Can the 2021 Mazda6 compete with its rivals?

A Mazda6 on display at an auto show
A Mazda6 on display | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

The 2021 model promises to bring a new trim level to the mix. The Carbon Edition is sliding into the lineup after the Grand Touring Reserve and before the top-of-the-line Signature trim.

Mazda is also offering the Carbon Edition for a couple of other vehicles, the CX-5 and the CX-9. This will add polymetal gray paint body color with black exterior accent pieces. The interior offers red leather upholstery, gray-colored stitching, and black trim pieces.

Car and Driver thought the interior was classier than any of its competitors. They even went on to claim that, “The 6 looks like a much pricier car than it actually is”. Mazda used high-quality materials on the inside, along with comfortable seating and upscale features that aren’t overly designed. The ride quality is also impressive, and the cabin is nice and quiet.

There were a few annoyances noted by Car and Driver. Some of the controls didn’t work like they would have liked. Also, they weren’t too pleased with the way the rear seats folded down. You can’t bring the seats down from the inside of the vehicle. You have to release the levers that can only be reached from the trunk. They had no real complaints, however, with the amount of cargo space the sedan has. 

What feature has Mazda ignored for the 2021 Mazda6?

The Mazda6 has a lot going for it, but there’s one feature we’re not seeing for the 2021 model, which is a hybrid version. We’re in an age where hybrids and electric cars are being introduced like never before, but for some reason, Mazda hasn’t gotten on board and sent out an eco-friendly model. 

Instead, 2021 will bring two gasoline engine choices. One will be the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder that puts out 187 hp. The other motor will be a turbocharged version that will generate 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. However, the extra torque will only happen if you choose the turbo engine, and use 93-octane fuel. 

Will the lack of a hybrid version hurt Mazda?

Most of Mazda’s rivals have a hybrid model out on the market right now. It’s rather strange to see this automaker deliberately keep out an eco-friendly version from its lineup. Especially since more consumers seem to be turning to hybrids these days to save money on fuel. 

Car and Driver expects the base engine to get 26 mpg in the city, and 35 mpg on the highway. When you compare those figures with one of Mazda6’s competitors, like the Honda Accord, which has a hybrid model, those figures don’t even come close. The 2020 Accord hybrid has a rating of 48 mpg for city driving and 47 highway mpg, as U.S. News and World Reports states. 

Mazda6’s lack of an eco-friendly version could disappoint the consumers who are conscious about how much fuel they’re paying for. They’re likely to drive past the Mazda dealership and move on to the Honda lot instead.

Those that don’t find fuel economy to be as important, aren’t likely to find the Mazda6 disappointing at all. Both engines that Mazda offers with this vehicle aren’t too bad. But the EPA ratings aren’t as good as what you’d find with a hybrid. 

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The Mazda6 promises to bring some decent performance and quiet ride. But it doesn’t promise a hybrid version. At least not yet.

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