2012 Mazda MAZDA6: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Mazda6 is a true carryover, with no significant changes to its trims, engines, styling, safety equipment, technology, or structure. It follows the 2011 update without a new headline feature.
About the 2012 Mazda MAZDA6
2nd generation (2009-2013), fourth model year; this is the quiet follow-up to the 2011 update and the year before the all-new 2014 Mazda6.
Mazda positioned the Mazda6 as the midsize sedan for shoppers who wanted family-car space without giving up sharp steering, athletic road manners, and a more upscale cabin feel. The big draw was personality: bolder styling than the usual midsize sedan, roomy seating and trunk space, and a trim ladder that ranged from practical four-cylinder models to stronger V6 versions. In plain terms, Mazda sold the 6 as the driver-focused alternative to the more conservative mainstream choices.
The six-trim lineup ranges from the straightforward i Sport to the more upscale Grand Touring models. Four-cylinder i trims emphasize everyday comfort, while the s Touring Plus and s Grand Touring use a 3.7-liter V6; top equipment includes heated leather-trimmed seats, Bose audio, a rearview camera, and blind spot monitoring.
2012 Mazda MAZDA6 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.7 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 5-Spd w/Manual Mode | Auto, 5-Spd w/Manual Mode | Auto, 5-Spd w/Manual Mode | Auto, 6-Spd w/Manual Mode | Auto, 5-Spd w/Manual Mode | Auto, 6-Spd w/Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 27 mpg | 31 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 272 hp | 170 hp | 272 hp |
| Torque | 167 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16.6 cu-ft | 16.6 cu-ft | 16.6 cu-ft | 16.6 cu-ft | 16.6 cu-ft | 16.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Mazda6 compared with the 2011 model?
Nothing significant changed for 2012. The trim lineup, engines, styling, safety equipment, technology, and structure all carried over from 2011.
Is the 2012 Mazda6 worth choosing over the 2011 model for newer features?
No major new feature separates the 2012 Mazda6 from the 2011 model. The 2012 is essentially the same car following the updates made for 2011.
Which 2012 Mazda6 trims have the V6 engine?
The s Touring Plus and s Grand Touring have the 3.7-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission. The four i trims use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
Was the 2012 Mazda6 redesigned?
No, the 2012 Mazda6 was not redesigned. It is the fourth model year of the second generation and carries over from 2011 without major product changes.
What distinguishes the 2012 Mazda6 Grand Touring trims?
The Grand Touring trims focus on comfort and cabin equipment, with heated leather-trimmed front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose audio, and a rearview camera. The s Grand Touring adds the 3.7-liter V6 and 18-inch alloy wheels.