2019 Mazda6 Gains New Standard Safety Tech, But Loses The Six-Speed Manual

Mazda recently confirmed the 2019 Mazda6 wouldn’t be offered with a six-speed manual transmission and now they’ve officially unveiled the car.

Set to go on sale later this month, the 2019 Mazda6 starts at $23,800 which makes it $1,850 more expensive than last year’s model. That isn’t the only price increase as the destination fee also climbs from $895 to $920.

That’s a significant increase, but the 2019 Mazda6 comes with additional standard equipment. The biggest change is the addition of the i-Activsense suite of driver assistance systems. It includes advanced smart city brake support with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist and radar cruise control with a stop and go function. The model also has automatic headlights with high beam control, rain sensing wipers, a rearview camera and a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.

The entry-level Mazda6 Sport also has LED lighting units, a dual exhaust system and 17-inch alloy wheels. Other highlights include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a dual-zone climate control and an 8-inch infotainment system with a six-speaker audio system.

Power comes from a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 hp (139 kW / 190 PS) and 186 lb-ft (252 Nm) of torque. It is connected exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. While the powertrain carries over, all 2019 Mazda6 models now come with G-Vectoring Control Plus.

The Mazda6 Touring starts at $26,400 and comes with additional equipment such as leatherette upholstery, heated front seats and a six-way power driver’s seat. The model also has a power moonroof, an advanced keyless entry system and an upgraded infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Other goodies include two rear USB charging ports and larger 19-inch alloy wheels.

For $29,500, buyers can step up to the Mazda6 Grand Touring. It features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces up to 250 hp (186 kW / 253 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque.

Besides the upgraded engine, the Mazda6 Grand Touring has beefier brakes, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. Drivers will also find an 11-speaker Bose premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

Moving up to the Mazda6 Grand Touring Reserve costs $32,000. It includes heated / ventilated leather front seats, heated rear seats and a head-up display. The model also has a heated leather steering wheel, power front seats and a rear spoiler. Other highlights include power folding side mirrors, LED headlights with “signature lighting” and 19-inch wheels with a bright silver finish.

Lastly, the range-topping Mazda6 Signature costs $35,100 and is distinguished by a gunmetal front grille. Bigger changes occur in the cabin as drivers will be greeted by Nappa leather seats, Japanese Sen wood trim and UltraSuede accents. Elsewhere, there’s a frameless rearview mirror, ambient LED lighting and a seven-inch display in the instrument cluster. The model also has GPS navigation, a 360° view monitor and front / rear parking sensors.