“Technology isn't as good as Nissan- It only has a 4 cylinder -BUY THE TURBO MODEL. No room in the back seat for adults-Otherwise a good car steering and brakes are great.”
2021 Mazda MAZDA6: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Mazda6 is that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard on every trim. This is a modest update rather than a redesign, with a new Carbon Edition and smaller upgrades for turbo and Signature models.
About the 2021 Mazda MAZDA6
3rd generation (2014-2021 U.S.), late-cycle final U.S. model year; no redesign for 2021.
Mazda positions the Mazda6 as a midsize sedan for drivers who want everyday practicality without giving up style or road feel. Mazda’s own language centers on distinctive styling, a crafted interior, engaging driving dynamics, and standard safety technology. Compared with more appliance-like rivals, the Mazda6’s core draw is that it feels sharper to drive and more upscale inside, especially in turbo trims, while still working as a comfortable family sedan.
The 2021 Mazda6 range starts with the Sport as a well-equipped commuter, while the Touring adds heated seats, synthetic leather, and a moonroof. Grand Touring introduces the stronger turbo engine, and Grand Touring Reserve adds leather, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display that projects information onto the windshield. The Carbon Edition gives that upscale turbo package unique styling, while Signature tops the range with Nappa leather, real wood trim, navigation, and a 360-degree camera.
What changed, by category
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard on every trim. Turbo trims also gain wireless Apple CarPlay.
Styling
The new Carbon Edition combines Grand Touring Reserve equipment with special exterior and cabin details, including a rear spoiler, distinctive mirror caps, and unique interior accents. Turbo trims also receive a turbo badge on the trunk.
Safety
Signature gains rear automatic braking and a driver attention alert.
Powertrain
The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine’s output rises to 320 lb-ft of torque when running on premium fuel.
2021 Mazda MAZDA6 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 187 hp | 227 hp | 227 hp | 227 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.7 cu-ft | 14.7 cu-ft | 14.7 cu-ft | 14.7 cu-ft | 14.7 cu-ft | 14.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Mazda6?
The biggest change is standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every 2021 Mazda6 trim, including the base Sport. The year brings several smaller equipment updates but no redesign.
Is the Carbon Edition new for the 2021 Mazda6?
Yes, the Carbon Edition joins the Mazda6 lineup for 2021. It pairs the turbo engine and upscale features with special exterior and interior details, including a rear spoiler, distinctive mirror caps, and unique cabin accents.
Which 2021 Mazda6 trims have wireless Apple CarPlay?
The turbocharged 2021 Mazda6 trims have wireless Apple CarPlay: Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, Carbon Edition, and Signature. Other trims still include wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Did the 2021 Mazda6 receive new safety features?
Yes, but the new safety features are limited to the Signature trim. It gains rear automatic braking and a driver attention alert for 2021.
Was 2021 the final Mazda6 model year in the U.S.?
Yes, 2021 was the final Mazda6 model year sold in the U.S. Mazda ended U.S. Mazda6 sales after this late-cycle update.
2021 Mazda MAZDA6 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Mazda MAZDA6.
4.2
2021 Mazda MAZDA6
(120 reviews)
“Good car overall. It's currently better than Altima/Camry. Good price for features included. Unfortunately discontinued now.”
“All vehicles these days are disappointing to someone who enjoys driving. Thus, choose something that will be reliable. Mazda6 has excellent reputation for reliability.”
Sources
- news.mazdausa.com — Vehicles 2021 Mazda6
- news.mazdausa.com — 2021 Mazda6 Spec Deck
- mazdausa.com — 2021 / Mazda6 / 2021 Mazda6 Brochure
- news.mazdausa.com — Vehicles 2020 Mazda6
- news.mazdausa.com — 2021 05 21 Statement on Mazda6 and CX 3
- news.mazdausa.com — 2020 08 13 Introducing New Carbon Edition For Select Mazda Vehicles