Mazda 6 vs Hyundai Sonata Comparison – The Mazda 6 and Hyundai Sonata are two of the most popular midsize sedans to choose from when it comes to picking one. Which automobile has the most features and performance?
When comparing these two automobiles, there are a number of factors to consider. The Mazda 6 has a larger cabin than the Sonata, and it is first and foremost. If you have passengers in your vehicle on a regular basis, this might be quite helpful.
In addition, both automobiles have great fuel economy ratings, with the Mazda 6 outclassing its Korean competitor in terms of emissions credits. Ultimately, whichever automobile you purchase will provide excellent value for your money.
Summary: Mazda 6 vs Hyundai Sonata
Mazda 6
The Mazda 6 was formerly very common. It has been a constant presence in Mazda’s passenger car lineup since its inception. The eventual demise and demise of the classic mid-size sedan may have been avoided if Mazda had made a decade-sized shift to SUVs a decade ago.
The 2023 Mazda 6 isn’t a complete makeover or a revolution that includes electric powertrains, quirky hybrid features, or other quirky weight-saving technology. Instead, the revised 6 mirrors the Japanese firm’s innovative approach with its bestselling CX-5; there are numerous modifications.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata was initially marketed as a competitor to the Toyota Camry and Nissan Maxima. The sonata has been in production since 2009, and it is now Hyundai’s top seller.
Its design language may date back several years, but it features cutting-edge technologies like High Definition Audio and Automatic Collision Prevention brakes with pedestrian detection.
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata comes in Sporty Edition trim with leather upholstery on the seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front and rear seats plus a sunroof, Limited trim adds a keyless entry/start system and proximity key for the trunk.
You’re not alone if you’re thinking about a sedan like the Hyundai Sonata. Hyundai, like most mainstream automakers, is focused on providing a variety of vehicles that suit various needs. The Hyundai Sonata, which competes for your attention alongside the i40, is one of two mid-size sedans available in the Hyundai lineup.
Hyundai has issued a substantial update to the reportedly sluggish-selling Sonata in order to compete with newcomers such as the new Camry and Mazda6, but have they done enough?
Design
Mazda 6
Mazda’s Kodo exterior design allows for a top-and-tail update without altering the automobile’s iconic appearance. All of the front panels forward of the doors have received new bumpers, headlights, and a 3D grille. New 19-inch wheels are also available on the GT and Atenza.
The indicators are now eyebrow-style LEDs along the top edge of the fog lights, which have been moved into the LED headlamp assembly. The front spoiler of the redesigned bumper is different.
With a thinner (okay, plastic) grille outline that is slimmer and wider, the automobile looks more spacious and stylish. Much of what you see is inspired by the Vision Concept vehicle from the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.
With a redesigned boot lid, bumper, and more aggressive twin-exhaust treatment, the pipes have a bigger diameter and a more “sculpted” appearance. Mazda usually skips adding side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a rear wing, allowing the aftermarket brigade to do the body kit modification.
A tiny rear spoiler covers the back window of the wagon, however. You may be surprised to learn that the steering wheel, several switches, and the top of the gear selector are all unchanged from the previous model in interior photos.
The former one wasn’t bad, but this new one seems to be much more cohesive. Just the air-conditioning buttons are housed in the center console, which is less cluttered. An overhead console with a sunglass rack currently houses seat belts or airbag lights, for instance.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata was totally refurbished for 2021 in order to match it to more recent models like the i30 and Kona. The redesigned bumper and front guards, as well as the new cascading business grille with clearer cutouts, are all part of this.
The back end has been similarly sharpened with new rear quarter panels and tail lights, and the number plate has been moved from between the lights to within the bumper. By reprofiling the boot lid, the Sonata’s fastback roof profile has been emphasized.
Both models have an upgraded dashboard with metallic controls under the multimedia unit, and both come with customized steering and alloy wheels.
Read also: 2022 Ford Escape Titanium Hybrid – The Perfect AWD SUV?
Practicability
Mazda 6
The Mazda 6 has always been a roomy sort of place, but the interior dimensions have remained unchanged. If you’re 185cm tall, you’ll have plenty of space in the backseat, but your head might touch the (new) roof. The sedan has 474 liters (VDA) of boot space, while the wagon has 506 liters.
The wagon’s smaller dimensions allow for more luggage space or cargo of greater size, allowing the wagon to expand to 1648 liters.
In the wagon, a tonneau cover is standard. Instead of being extraordinary, storage is practical. While the front seat passengers are not using their cupholders, they have a neat cover.
While the center console is on the smaller side, there’s a decent phone cubby under the climate controls to make up for it. A pair of cupholders, a space to hold a phone or small tablet upright, and a tiny lidded tray with two USB ports are all found in the fold-down rear center armrest.
The turbo petrol and turbo diesel can tow 550kg unbraked/1550kg braked, respectively. The sedan and wagon have different turning radii.
The wagon turns in 11 meters, while the longer sedan (yes, really) has a turning radius of 11.2 meters. The 6 isn’t an off-road vehicle due to its 125mm ground clearance.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata was already one of the larger mid-size sedans on the market, with enough legroom for rear-seat passengers, enough cabin width to deal with three people on short trips, and a stunning amount of rear headroom.
The sunroof of the Premium cuts headroom by 40mm, reducing it for passengers behind them. Because of the increased cabin length of this large SUV, fitting a rearward-facing baby seat without infringing on front passenger legroom is now much more likely.
The Premium’s retractable door blinds are a far more elegant solution than the window socks that have become a fundamental of modern parenting, and there are two ISOFIX child seat mounts back there for optimum fitment.
The center console has a cupholder for both front and rear passengers, as well as a bottle holder in each door, which is located in the fold-down armrest.
Despite conventional wisdom suggesting the VDA figure should be lower, the back seat folds 60/40 to increase above the generous 462 liters/510 liters. You may surprise your pals with the hidden boot release button at the top of the H in Hyundai’s badge by actioning the split-fold using either the cabin or boot pulls.
Both Sonatas feature a full-size alloy spare wheel instead of the more prevalent space saver under the boot floor, which is one notable feature. Nonetheless, the 1300kg maximum braked tow rating for both versions is rather low.
Price and features
Mazda 6
There are fourteen distinct variants of the 6, including four trim levels and three engine choices. To help you know how much you’ll pay and what you’ll get, our range review includes a complete model comparison and price list.
A starting guide – your final drive-away price will be determined by you and your dealer – prices are RRP. Just one engine, a 2.5-liter 140kW/252Nm naturally aspirated petrol, is available in the first model of the range, the Sport in sedan and wagon forms.
Mazda claims that the redesigned 6 Sport offers $3000 in extra value for no extra cost. The sedan costs $32,940 and the wagon costs $33,790.
Among the standard features are 17-inch alloys, a head-up display, LED headlights, power mirrors, power windows in each door, auto headlights, and rain-sensing wipers.
There is also a dual-zone climate control air conditioning system with rear parking sensors and GPS sat navigation. The wagon version comes with roof rails, an intermittent rear wiper, a cargo cover, and a cargo net.
The Touring is the next model in the range. You may also choose the twin-turbo diesel engine with 140kW and 450Nm in both sedan and wagon variants.
Prices range from $36,690 to $40,990. Leather seats, power heated and retracting mirrors, electric front seats, 11 Bose-branded speakers (including a subwoofer), leather steering wheel and gear shifter, smart key (keyless go and keyless entry), front and rear parking sensors are included in the Sport edition’s features.
The Grand Touring then moves to the 2.5-liter turbo with 170kW and 420Nm, which The GT replaces the naturally aspirated petrol with.
Between $43,990 and $46,390, the diesel stays and prices are available. 19-inch wheels, black or white leather seats, heated front, and back seats, and an intelligent front lighting system are among the GT’s features.
Adaptive front LED lights, white or walnut Nappa leather seats with suede details, and wood trim characterize the top-of-the-range Atenza. The diesel versions are somewhat more costly than before, ranging from $46,390 to $50,090.
Mazda claims the 2018 model offers the additional value of roughly $1000 for a minor increase (Atenza) or decrease (GT), compared to the 2017 model year 6.
The Sport and Touring models include a $3000 accessories package, with the Sport model retaining its price tag and the Touring model decreasing it. Titanium Flash (grey), Deep Crystal Blue, Blue Reflex, Snowflake White, Sonic Silver, and Jet Black are all available for free.
Additionally, Mazda’s stunningly attractive Soul Red and the understated Machine Grey are both available for a small fee. Sadly, they’re all off the menu for fans of more unusual hues like yellow, purple, or green.
The dash-mounted touchscreen and a console-mounted rotary dial are used to access Mazda’s MZD Connect multimedia system. You can connect your iPhone or Android device via USB, or wire them, or another MP3 player, up with Bluetooth (but not yet, but stay tuned), but the Yanks have it already.
The car’s various gizmos are simple enough, and the multimedia system is relatively straightforward to operate, while the navigation system is a little blocky while accurate.
A dealer can provide you with a range of accessories, including a roof rack, towbar, cargo barrier, and boot liner. Tinted windows are most likely available, and floor mats seem to be standard, despite not appearing on the spec sheet. As is proper, to be sure.
A seat belt extender, Homelink, panoramic sunroof, premium package above and beyond the basic contents, 18-inch rims, 16-inch alloys, red brake calipers, performance brakes, park assist; radio-CD player combination; CD changer; xenon headlights; projector; halogen or HID headlights are all missing from the options list.
A full-size tire can’t match the space-saver spare, but a tire repair kit is worse. Mazda expects the Touring grade to capture around a third of sales, with the other three grades accounting for roughly 20% each of sales.
If you like your model statistics, go ahead and read on. Sedans will account for two-thirds of all sixes, while diesel cars will account for only five percent (approximately 200).
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai claims to have offset the $400 rise for the base Sonata Active (now $30,990 MSRP) with an extra $2000 of value, but no one likes higher prices. An 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with built-in sat nav and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are among the 2018’s extra features.
Dual-zone climate control, a push-button start, a hidden boot release button, and chrome door knobs are also standard on the model.
A leather steering wheel and gear selector, auto headlights, a reversing camera, and rear parking sensors are among the other features available on this vehicle.
The MSRP Premier ($45,490) and the Elite are $14,500 apart, creating a significant $14,500 distinction between them. Hyundai claims that the new Premium has a $1000 higher value than the Active, thanks to LED headlights and a wireless Qi mobile phone charger.
The Premium has additional features over the Active, such as leather trim, a panoramic sunroof, proximity boot opening, heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustment, and memory settings for the driver’s seat and side mirrors.
Additional features include active cruise control, front parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, auto wipers, and 18-inch wheels.
Due to the Premium’s additional features (as well as its drivetrain benefits described below), we’d find it difficult to justify the $14,500 price difference over the Active. Sonatas are estimated to account for roughly 70% of Active’s sales, similar to Hyundai’s sales estimates.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Mazda 6
The Mazda 6 comes standard with two petrol engines and one turbodiesel engine. Both petrol employs the 2.5-liter SkyActiv engine. Naturally aspirated petrol, which produces 140kW and 252Nm (up from 138kW and 252Nm in the Sport and Touring models), is standard.
The same engine size but with a turbo added generates 170kW and 420Nm of torque for GT and Atenza owners. Both of the patrols employ Mazda’s i-loop regenerative braking technology to charge the battery and conserve fuel.
All engines use stop-start while driving around town to conserve fuel. In the non-turbo version, cylinder deactivation is also available. Mazda claims that cutting two cylinders (one and four) will save 5% in fuel consumption at a constant 80 km/h.
Additional improvements include modifications to parts, as well as a new continuous displacement oil pump, which is included in the 2.5-liter engine. There is no need to be concerned about paying for premium unleaded since both of these engines consume 91RON.
Based on the advertised combined fuel mileage rating of the turbo, that’s a simple cost savings of around $1.60 for every hundred kilometers traveled. You may get a terrible fact if you install thumbscrews on a Mazda engine – run it on 98RON and the turbo will produce about 184kW.
This, on the other hand, will not be visible. The 140kW and 450Nm of torque from the 2.2-liter twin-turbo diesel engine.
Both power (from 129kW) and torque (from 420Nm) improvements are due to the diesel’s variable geometry turbos and updated injector sequence. All six wheels are front-wheel drive, thanks to Mazda’s six-speed automatic gearbox.
There isn’t a back-wheel-drive edition, either AWD or 4WD. The manual vs automatic debate is yours to choose because the option has been unavailable for a long time. Since there is no clutch to manage, manual transmission problems are a non-issue.
There isn’t any kind of LPG edition. The oil type and capacity are determined by the engine type. As you may have noticed, the engines have a timing belt rather than a chain.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata Premium variant comes with an eight-speed torque converter auto. Hyundai claims that when compared to the six-speeder previously used, the 2.0-liter turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine delivers improved fuel economy (more detail below).
The Active’s drivetrain is unchanged, and the same 138kW/241Nm 2.4-liter petrol four-cylinder engine is paired with a six-speed torque converter automatic.
Read also: Mazda 3 vs Mazda 6 Comparison
Fuel Economy
Mazda 6
According to Mazda’s calculations on the combined cycle, the 2.5-liter petrol variant will use 7.0L/100km, whereas the turbo petrol will use 7.6L/100km.
With diesel fuel economy, the combined cycle gets a 5.3L/100km rating. A combined 62-liter gasoline tank is found in all three engine types.
Hyundai Sonata
The official combined figure of the Sonata Premium has been reduced to 8.5L/100km by the new automatic knocks 0.7L/100km off it. With an unchanged 8.3L/100km combined, the Active’s simpler but less peppy drivetrain is still the better of the two.
Although neither figure seems particularly thrifty, the fact that both engines still deliver excellent mileage on 91RON unleaded gasoline compensates for this to a significant degree.
In Sydney this week, the Sonata goes some way toward balancing key rivals’ lower windscreen sticker numbers at the hip pocket, despite being 13.2c/L cheaper than the premium 95RON on average.
Driving
Mazda 6
Mazda 6s has never been a bad car to drive, and earlier versions (including the facelift) had road-noise levels that were relatively high. All of that is finally put to rest by the sixth. Mazda’s motto is “conversational clarity,” and the company has spent a lot of time promoting it.
The ability to hold and hear a conversation is fortunate since they don’t actually mean what they’re saying. My blathering would instantly ruin their KPIs. To correct noise, there must have been hundreds of individual adjustments.
Just one example is the increase in the size of the dampers, from 32mm to 35mm in diameter, which has been revised on both the front and rear suspension components. To minimize the racket from the outside getting in, a large number of parts have been changed, including the under carpet floor lining.
Only a thin, rough surface allows tire noise to enter. The conversational clarity goal is achieved at high speeds, thanks to a number of measures. Wind noise is reduced as well. What’s left is adequately covered by the sound system.
The petrol and diesel engines seem quieter, and the 2.5-liter turbo (which we already know from the CX-9) appears to be more refined. There isn’t a sound in the whole room. If at all, the performance figures of the two updated engines are likely to be similar.
While the new turbo petrol isn’t a burner by any means, it’s got a lot of power and torque. What it does is provide a notable increase in the driving performance of individuals who are dissatisfied with the standard 2.5-liter engine.
The drive is considerably more leisurely, and the in-gear performance is almost certainly better than the diesel when you compare the weight differential. While driving on the freeway, the additional power smoothes things over.
The power steering is well-weighted and accurate, but it won’t set off the fire to eager drivers. Those are the greatest three phrases to describe the 6 experiences, and much more so with the turbo petrol engine: competent, safe, and calm.
Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata’s driving experience hasn’t changed much, given the unaltered engines and suspensions. This is not a bad thing at all. It drives and handles better than you might imagine for a vehicle created primarily for the Korean and American markets, with cabin noise kept to a minimum and performing reliably.
It lacks the Mazda6’s sporting feel, yet it’s clear that most consumers in this class would rather have it that way. Over rough roads, the tuned suspension does a better job of keeping you comfortable. When you turn the engine into Sport mode, the new eight-speed automatic in the Premium does a great job, too.
The Active’s drivetrain is standard for the price range and more than adequate to keep up with traffic and handle the open road, so it’d be nice to have the Premium’s turbo urge.
Safety
Mazda 6
Mazda has carved out a reputation for providing sophisticated safety features across the board for each model series, and the 6 is no exception.
The entry-level Sport model offers six airbags, ABS, stability and traction control systems (DSC), high beam control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitor, radar cruise control, and forward and reverse AEB system.
To meet all of your kid’s seating requirements, you have three top-tether restraints and two ISOFIX points. The Mazda6 received a five-star ANCAP safety rating in November 2013.
Based on the findings of the initial test, a retest seems unlikely to uncover additional 5-star ratings. There is no tire pressure monitoring system.
Hyundai Sonata
In 2015, the previous iteration of the Sonata got a five-star ANCAP safety rating, but we are surprised to note that AEB does not appear on either variant of the new model.
This crucial crash avoidance technology is standard on most of Sonata’s major competitors nowadays, and it’s now available on Hyundai vehicles in the United States.
According to Hyundai Australia, our Sonatas are not equipped with AEB for the home market, and the numbers don’t add up for Down Under.
Both versions have all current status quo features, such as front and side airbags, curtain airbags covering both rows, ABS, traction, and stability control.
They are also equipped with these omissions. Driver fatigue warnings, blind-spot monitoring, lane guidance, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic monitoring, and active cruise control are all available with the Premium package.
Warranty
Mazda 6
Every engine type is given a 12-month or 20,000-kilometer service interval. Mazda’s capped-price vehicle maintenance and repair offer long-term vehicle care as well as any extra services online. Despite a few recent complaints on typical internet forums, diesel engine problems seem to be in the past.
The dependability scores and overall durability of the 6 have improved in recent years, despite repairs and problems that are common on other cars.
The three-year/unlimited mile guarantee from Mazda, as well as roadside assistance, are welcome. A dealer is likely to provide you with a warranty if you’re interested.
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai’s ‘iCare’ ownership program, which includes a five-year/unlimited kilometer warranty and free roadside assistance for the first 12 months, covers the Sonata.
The premium-engineered Turbo engine requires a service every 12 months or 10,000 kilometers, while the active-engineered drivetrain stretches out to every 12 months or 15,000 kilometers.
Service intervals differ between trim levels. The Active’s price throughout the warranty is capped at $265 (each) for the first three services, a $365 major service, with the final reverting to $265 after three years.
The Sonata comes with a lifetime capped price servicing program. With its initial three services restricted to $275, then the main service at $355, the Premium is similar in that regard.
Final Verdict
The new Mazda 6’s redesign accomplishes everything it needs to produce an attractive and sophisticated car for a good price. Given the Mazda flagship’s load of features that would give the Camry a run for its money, it’s hard to understand why the 6 wouldn’t be on your list.
In the range, it’s difficult to find a nice spot. The 2.5-liter Touring is a decent car, but the turbo GT is tough to pass up when it comes to value for money.
The new engine really pulls the whole thing together. So, wait for Mazda to offer a turbo Touring or accept the non-turbo 2.5. The 6 has always had a special place in my heart, despite the fact that I’ve had to overlook numerous faults.
Now that they’ve practically vanished, I don’t have to respond with “but…” when questioned. This new automobile has thousands of alterations, and each of them has been an improvement.
The Hyundai Sonata Elite’s powerful turbo engine and the fact that both variants have full-size spare tires and run on regular gasoline get top ratings from reviewers for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Hyundai offers a five-year warranty as well. While it is a decent automobile in general, the AEB omission from the 2018 spec sheet is a letdown.
In terms of an overall package, the Premium is the obvious winner, but in our opinion, the Active’s $14,500 lower cost makes it the better option. Yet, the Sonata seems to be corrected by the new Camry and Mazda6.
