Mazda Mazda3 Sedan vs. Mazda Mazda6

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan and Mazda Mazda6 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan and the Mazda Mazda6.

When we compare the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan's and the Mazda Mazda6's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and overall quality score. The Mazda Mazda6 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan's and the Mazda Mazda6's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan is a better car than the Mazda Mazda6.

Pricing: A used 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan ranges from $16,984 to $25,431 while a used 2021 Mazda Mazda6 is priced between $18,276 to $28,457.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan loses 33.3 percent of its value and the Mazda Mazda6 loses 37.9 percent of its value. This means the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan retains 4.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda Mazda6.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan is 8.9 out of 10 while the Mazda Mazda6's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan being ranked 7 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Mazda Mazda6 being ranked 3 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan is 8.2 out of 10. For the Mazda Mazda6 the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Mazda Mazda6 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan’s base engine makes 155 horsepower, and the Mazda Mazda6 base engine makes 187 horsepower. The Mazda3 Sedan is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 475 miles. The Mazda6 is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 574 miles.This gives the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Mazda Mazda6 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Mazda Mazda6, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mazda Mazda3 Sedan, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front leg room and rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan and the Mazda Mazda6 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.