The midsize sedan class is certainly heating up as automakers begin rolling out their best efforts for 2021 models. With sharp competition between the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Honda Accord, it’s easy to see that the engineers are spending extra time on stepping up their game in terms of performance and available features. The 2021 Mazda6 is another contender in this class, although you might not want to tell Mazda.

The Mazda6 may think it belongs to the luxury sedan class, considering the premium appearance and high-quality materials. And the 2021 Mazda6 certainly has the looks and feels of stylish luxury.

An exterior appearance on par with luxury brands

It’s not uncommon to see critic reviews of the Mazda6 to give this car accolades on its ability to appear luxurious. And with the 2021 Mazda6, Kelley Blue Book does just that when it says the Mazda badge could get swapped out for an Audi or Tesla badge and it would still “look absolutely right.”

Creating that elegant exterior look, the 2021 Mazda6 uses sleek lines and distinctly proportional centering of the LED headlights on both sides of the aggressive grille. And the newly offered Carbon Edition only enhances the luxury style with 19-inch alloy wheels and a subtle, yet statement-making Polymetal Gray paint.

The 2021 Mazda6 is classy on the inside too

Climbing inside the new Mazda6 feels more like stepping in for a spa day of pampering. The Carbon Edition trim offers red leather upholstery with sharp, contrasting black stitching. But the other trims offer equally impressive interior touchpoints as well.

KBB and others say the Mazda6 has one of the best interiors of the overall class, with comfortable seating, clean designs, and high-quality materials for an impressive dash line. You’ll be driving a Mazda6, but it will feel like you’re at the helm of a more expensive luxury brand.

You won’t pay luxury prices for a luxury experience

Mazda has always been a brand that hovers on the fringes of luxury, which is why it continues to be popular among sedan-buying consumers. People love to feel like they’re getting luxury without paying those premium MSRPs.

Classy and comfortable affordability comes in many trim levels, including Sport ($25,270,) Touring ($27,870,) Grand Touring ($30,970,) Grand Touring Reserve ($33,470,) and Signature ($36,695.) Premium exterior paint is also available in Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Machine Gray Metallic, and the fan-favorite, Red Crystal Metallic. 

What’s new for the 2021 Mazda6?

As if it wasn’t luxurious enough, Mazda has added a few luxury extras on the 2021 Mazda6 to sweeten the deal. Both Apple and Android device connectivity platforms come standard across all trims, for example. And at higher trim levels, Wireless Apple CarPlay is now available, a feature more often associated with amenities for luxury brands.

The premium-level Signature trim adds a driver-attention monitor and a rear auto emergency braking feature as well. Under the hood, even the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder increases its torque by 10 pounds for increased pep off the line.

You’ll continue to enjoy the Mazda6 sedan’s exceptional handling and a robust menu of advanced driver features. It’s loaded with safety extras, and it’s still fun to drive, regardless of which 2.5-liter engine variation you choose. But for the critics, and most consumers, the 2021 Mazda6 will maintain its ties to the luxury world.

In a way, it’s as if this sedan doesn’t realize it’s in a midsize sedan class and not among the premium brands. That kind of dedication to design and style, while remaining within midsize sedan-level pricing, makes the Mazda6 still the best choice for value.