2018 Mazda6

2018 Mazda6

Episode 3750
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Date: August 2018
Mileage: 3,100

Ever since the 2018 Mazda6 arrived on our lot, it’s been hard to get the keys. It seems like someone is always driving it. In fact, we’ve already put 31-hundred miles on it during it’s first month. 

The new turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T I4 produces 227-horsepower on regular… and fits right in with our enthusiastic driving preferences. The 6-speed automatic is quick. Steering is precise with good feedback. The suspension is sporty tight while comfortable on long trips. 

Headroom is a little snug for one of our taller drivers, but that’s often a sacrifice with a power moon roof.

So far we’re averaging 31.2 miles per gallon. That’s already better than the EPA combined of 29 and we think it’ll go up from here.

Date: October 2018
Mileage: 7,000

We’re just back from a long road trip in our 2018 Mazda6. The 11-hundred mile trek took us south to Tennessee… then over the mountains for some hiking in North and South Carolina. A 4-day 18-hour round trip was a good way to get to know this sporty sedan. Interstates along the mostly rural route get boring, but the eager I-4 turbo and smooth shifting 6-speed automatic kept it interesting. The Adaptive Cruise Control expertly adapted to the changing traffic speeds throughout the trip. 

The driver-oriented cockpit is quiet, with plenty of legroom, and we never tired of the newly redesigned seats during this long haul. 

After lots of highway driving, we’re now averaging 26-point-6 miles-per-gallon on regular. At 3 months the odometer is already approaching 7,000-miles, as this Mazda6 reminds us how pleasurable a well-designed family sedan can be.

Date: November 2018
Mileage: 11,000

Our 2018 Mazda6 midsize sedan is a popular choice around here for long road trips. A recent trek towards the Midwest helped push the odometer to 11-thousand miles or so. Extended hours behind the wheel add to our appreciation for the newly redesigned seats, quiet cabin, comfortable yet sporty suspension, and advanced safety features.

Since driving matters most to us, we love the liveliness of the 227-horsepower SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter turbo I4 and the quick shifting 6-speed automatic. 

One driver was frustrated by not being able to release the trunk using the exterior release button while the car is parked but still running. 

In that situation it will release with the key fob nearby, or using the dash trunk release switch on the dash.

 All those highway miles are keeping the mpg’s up to 27.4… which is not our best showing… but above the government’s combined rating.

Date: December 2018
Mileage: 13,000

This 2018 Mazda6 mid-size sedan remains a popular choice among our drivers… even after 7-months and 13,000 miles. The 227-horsepower from the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter turbo-4… and responsive 6-speed automatic still generate praise.

The Mazda6 continues to offer the most engaging drive in its segment; there's no denying that. The new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is a big reason why we think this is the drivers mid size. Plus, our infotainment system received an update to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are quickly becoming a must-have feature.

Short trips or long… fast or slow… the new suspension remains athletic and comfortable. So far we’re averaging 28.1-miles per gallon. But the most recent period reached 33.3, our best tally yet. No wonder this “6” rates a “10” with us.

Date: January 2019
Mileage: 15,000

It’s hard to keep track of our 2018 Mazda6 as it seldom sits still. Almost 15-thousand miles have quickly zoomed by in this sporty midsize sedan.

Winter’s chill has set in, but with a 227-horsepower turbocharged I-4, quick shifts, and sporty suspension, trips both long and short remain something to look forward to. 

Even after 7-months, the only complaint has been snug headroom for drivers over 6-feet tall, mostly because of the power moon roof. But everyone finds the comfortable and nicely supportive front seats perfect for every outing. 

Even though colder temps impact fuel economy, we’re still averaging a fine 27-point-5 miles-per gallon, slightly better than the government’s combined rating. With front-wheel drive winter traction is also better than expected, so we see many more cool miles ahead for this Mazda6.

Date: March 2019
Mileage: 17,000

Another 24-hundred miles have passed in our 2018 Mazda6 mid-size sedan… which brings our total up to almost 17-thousand. That’s not surprising considering how popular it is around here. 

The 227-horsepower turbocharged SKYACTIV-G I-4 and quick shifting 6-speed automatic are a good team… whether on long road trips or the daily commute. The sporty suspension and precise steering make even mundane errands the kind of driving experience we look for.

"Spring is just around the corner and if we could drive there we'd be happy to do so in the Mazda6. Cold temps and slushy roads did not keep us from driving and it handled itself pretty well considering its low profile all-season tires. Engine power continues to be a high point and mechanically speaking we have no complaints. What more can you ask for?"

We’re now averaging 27-point-8 miles-per-gallon on regular… which is still better than the government’s combined rating. Even after 9-months of driving… the Mazda6 reminds us a practical family sedan can still be a lot of fun.

Date: May 2019
Mileage: 19,500

It’s hard to believe 11-months have gone by in our 2018 Mazda6. The nearly 19,500 miles that have passed under the wheels is proof this sporty sedan is a hit around here.

The turbocharged SKYACTIV-G I-4 is always ready to produce the 227-horsepower that’s effortlessly controlled by the 6-speed automatic. 

The combination makes every time behind the wheel something to look forward to… no matter where we’re going. The comfortable seats and sporty suspension offer up the kind of experience you’d expect from something with two doors instead of four.

"We've praised the Mazda 6's powertrain several times because it really is just so good, but that's what we expect from Mazda at this point. This upscale, near-luxury interior on the other hand is something they've been focusing on more recently. It's comfortable, easy to navigate and I think it adds a lot more to the driving experience than we give it credit for. "

We’re now averaging 27-point-9 miles-per-gallon on regular… which is still better than the government’s combined rating. Now that the weather is improving… we foresee a lot of weekend road trips in the Mazda6.

Date: June 2019
Mileage: 22,000

Warmer weather is back… and our 2018 Mazda6 is seeing even more of the road. The odometer is evidence of how popular this sleek sedan is around here. During the past year, we’ve driven it some 22-thousand miles.

The 227-horsepower turbocharged SKYACTIV-G I-4 matched with the smooth shifting 6-speed automatic continues to be the recipe for sporty driving even with four doors. The powertrain has consistently generated comments in our log book about how hard it is to “lay off the boost”. The steering has a good amount of feedback and the suspension does a great job of balancing a firm ride with comfort on road trips. 

And during those long hauls we really appreciate the effort Mazda put into redesigning the seats. They’re a nice addition to the upscale interior of our top trim Signature model with its driver-oriented layout. Our overall average is now 27-point-9-miles-per-gallon. And we have more drive time ahead.

Date: July 2019
Mileage: 24,000

More than a year after our 2018 Mazda6 arrived, its appeal to our staff is still going strong. The proof is in the some 24-thousand enjoyable miles on the odometer. 

The 227-horsepower turbocharged I-4 and 6-speed automatic are a great pair… and they continue to satisfy our drivers who prefer a little extra boost for passing. Mazda also added suspension tuning that delivers everyday sportiness; setting this ‘6’ apart from its mid-size rivals.

Normally after a year of testing a car, we can point to at least a few areas of degradation in a powertrain or suspension. That’s not the case with this Mazda6. The engine and transmission have yet to skip a beat and the suspension is still taught in all the right ways."

Whether it’s running errands or going on long overnighters, the Signature trim makes this a comfortable and stylish place to spend our time. Overall fuel economy is now 28-point-4-miles-per-gallon….  so there are plenty of miles between fill ups.

 

Date: August 2019

It’s time to say good-bye to our 2018 Mazda6.  We spent a year in this sleek and sporty midsize sedan, so we’ve really gotten a feel for its delightful driving manners. The energetic 227-horsepower SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter turbo I4 and the quick 6-speed automatic are a great team. After 23,500 miles, we’ve averaged 28-point-4 miles-per-gallon… which is a little better than the EPA’s combined rating. 

All it required was scheduled maintenance during our time behind the wheel. The Mazda 6 kept us comfortable and more importantly entertained mile after mile… whether during the daily commute… or long road trips.  A lot of that has to do with the sporty suspension and newly redesigned seats. 

Our Signature trim is the most luxurious, so this was also a good place to spend quality time.  The interior layout is uncluttered and the infotainment easy to use. This sedan is obviously capable of routine family duties, but with a unique fun factor as a big part of the mix… and we’ll really miss it.


Specifications

  • Engine: 2.5 liter
  • Horsepower: 227
2023 Kia EV6 GT 3

2023 Kia EV6 GT

Episode 4313
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Specifications

  • Motor Setup: Dual Motor
  • Torque: 545 lb-ft
  • Horsepower: 576
  • EPA Range: 206 miles
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Long Term Updates

Date: October 2023

Performance SUVs? Seen ’em. Battery electric SUVs? They’re pretty much everywhere. But a performance battery electric SUV? Now that’s something a little different.

This EV6 GT is Kia’s most powerful production vehicle EVER and the replacement for our current EV6 long termer. So, let’s dive into the details.

Saying goodbye is such sweet sorrow unless you’re immediately saying hello to a 576 horsepower four-door rocket. The extra 256 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque that the GT has over our outgoing EV6 comes courtesy of a 160-kW motor driving the front wheels and a 270-kW motor spinning the rears.

And it has no problem spinning the rears when set to drift mode. The under-floor battery pack is still 77.4-kWh but with all that extra “umph”, EPA-estimated range is down to 206 miles.

Draped in Runaway Red paint, the GT’s body looks even sleeker with more aggressive front and rear fascias. Wheels measure 21-inches and come wrapped in Z-rated Goodyear rubber. Brakes are considerably bigger and considerably greener.

Inside, dimensions are the same as our 2022 EV6 Wind. Notable additions are these sports seats and a special GT drive mode button the steering wheel which unlocks full power potential.

Keys to unlock this car’s potential come at a price of $63,575.

We’ll have our first long term update soon, but in the meantime, if you have any questions or comments during our year long test of this Kia EV6 GT…reach out to us on your social site at MotorWeek.

Date: November 2023Mileage: 1,500


We all know how awesome it is to get an upgrade; well we just replaced our 2022 Kia EV6 with this 2023 Kia EV6 GT and my oh my, what an upgrade!

While the EV6 was a very attractive SUV by any measure, it clearly sheds the commuter car vibe for a much more purposeful design here, with the GT’s lower stance and performance hardware on full display.

And not only is it a more powerful EV6, it’s the most powerful Kia ever, with 576-horsepower coming from a dual-motor setup featuring a 160-kW front motor and 270-kW rear.

That’s 256 more horsepower than what we were dealing with in our EV6 Wind.

But, with the same 77.4-kWh battery, the GT is rated for just 206-miles compared to 274.

Though as we’ve quickly learned over 1,500-miles so far, those miles are packed with a lot more smiles, and it’s plenty to get most of us through a weekend’s worth of errands.

In our short time so far with this EV6 GT we’re finding that, just like in our outgoing EV6 Wind, the range estimate is pretty spot on. Now I will say we’re watching those miles tick off a little faster due to our inability to ignore that little voice telling us to trigger GT Mode and go full send. But to be fair, that happens in gas-powered cars too.

It’s going to be a great year plugging into this one!

Date: January 2024Mileage: 2,500


This 2023 Kia EV6 GT is not the first EV we’ve had as a long-term test vehicle here at MotorWeek, but it’s definitely the most fun…by a wide margin! And miles have been adding up quickly, with some 2,500 over our first 2-months of driving.

Overall performance really is exceptional in this fast, cool, and smooth utility. But things truly get interesting when you engage GT Drive Mode, or “hit the NOS” as we like to call it around here. Supercar performance at the press of a button with power delivery, braking, steering, suspension, limited slip differential, and stability control all set to their most dynamic.

The all-wheel drive traction for putting power down out of corners can easily turn your commute into an amusement park ride. Though as we race into winter we’ll have to be mindful that colder temperatures won’t likely play nice with the performance tires currently mounted on these 21-inch wheels.

Even winter can’t grip this EV6 GT with all its bountiful torque, which in some cases, can be useful. For instance, compared to a standard EV6, the turning radius isn’t quite as tight. But under the right circumstances, Drift Mode can take care of that…

With its 77.4-kWh battery, the EV6 GT is rated for just 206-miles, but we’ve routinely seen over 230 available in the gauge display; and a recent attempt to take it down to zero had us traveling 215-miles before pulling up to the charger on whatever the EV equivalent to running on fumes is…let’s call it ‘rolling on electrons.’

Date: February 2024Mileage: 5,000


Our 2023 Kia EV6 GT has been on the move a lot recently, as we’ve just passed the 5,000-mile mark in only 4-months.

Winter hasn’t impeded things at all, just requiring us to take a little extra caution with the GT’s performance tires. Everything else remains solid as the EV6 GT truly is a joy to drive.

The cabin is lovely too, and the dash setup has it appearing more traditional than many EVs; though, the GT’s splashes of additional color and accent lighting go a long way in making it special, as do the aggressively bolstered sport seats, and the unique themes that appear when changing drive modes, which we occasionally do accidentally by grazing the large steering wheel buttons.

“Recently, every time I’ve hopped in for a cruise with this EV6 GT, the drive mode has been set to ECO, which is a bit unusual for us. But I think it’s because we’re all realizing that it’s been helpful in two ways this winter. One, it takes some of the responsiveness out of the accelerator, decreasing the likelihood of unwanted wheel spin; and two, we’re extending our range.”

Indeed, recent news headlines have pointed out that cold weather does have an impact on EVs, particularly when it comes to batteries, charging, and range. But it’s certainly not a deal-breaker as very cold weather impacts everything else too. EVs just require a little bit of thinking ahead, like making sure the battery and interior are warmed before unplugging to minimize range loss. Much like remote starting has done for internal combustion cars for years.