Riley Mazda compares the Mazda3 to the Mazda6 to help you shop for your next sedan!

Crossovers may be taking center stage across the nation, but at our Stamford Mazda dealership in Connecticut we still get customers coming in from Norwalk and beyond who are looking for a low-to-the-ground, nimble vehicle. Our two most popular options include the Mazda3 and the Mazda6. If you've wondered which one is the best for you and your driving lifestyle as you commute around Danbury and/or Milford, keep reading and we'll break down the differences.

Size & Body Style

As one would expect, the Mazda3 is a smaller vehicle than the Mazda6. The Mazda3 is great for solo or couple drivers, whereas the Mazda6 (which is 12-inches longer) is a midsize sedan that could be used for small families. Tall drivers have also noted how comfortable owning an Mazda6 is.

Another big difference between the two is that the Mazda3 is available in two body styles: sedan or hatchback. The Hatchback is great if you need a little more cargo space, but don't want to size up to a crossover. The Mazda6 is only available as a sedan.

Performance

All Mazda models are known for their surprising performance and zippy handling that's fun when you're on the highway or cruising around a downtown. With the Mazda3 you get two engine choices, with the smaller one delivering 155 horsepower and the larger one delivering 184 horsepower! The Mazda6 also has two engine options. There is one with 187 horsepower or you can go all out on the turbo that has 250 horsepower and a ton of torque.

Luxury

Both models look great, though the Mazda3 does have a more youthful side, whereas the Mazda6 and its longer wheelbase is very stately. If you're a Greenwich driver who wants more luxury features, the Maza6 is the one to choose. You can get two options for leather seating (regular or Nappa leather), Sen Wood inserts, and two versions of a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Mazda3's top trim does have refined perforated leather seats, but you won't find the other appointments that help the Mazda6 really stand out.

Convenience Technologies

Below are impressive convenience technologies you can find on both vehicles

There are some variables, of course. For example, the Mazda3 has a 7-inch touchscreen and the Mazda6 comes with an 8-inch version. On the active driving display you have to wait until the top trim on the Mazda3 to get one, but it's available on the second to last trim on the Mazda3.

There are also some technologies you can only get on the Mazda6. These include an available 7-inch LCD information screen, a 360-degree camera for easy parking, and power seating for the passenger. Starting in September of 2018, dealers will install Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ on Mazda6 Touring trims and higher for free! Basically, if you have any trim above the base you can get these exciting smartphone integrations.

Safety Technologies

Mazda is also serious about technologies that help keep drivers and passengers safer on the road.

On the Mazda3 trim lineup you can find city smart brake support (standard), blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and rain-sensing wipers. If you add on the Premium Package to the top trim level, you can get the following: high beam control, adaptive front-lighting system, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, radar cruise control, smart brake support, and traffic sign recognition.

With the Mazda6 you get the technologies above sprinkled across the lineup and you get the option to add on the i-ACTIVSENSE® Package to the base model, meaning you can still get a lot of advanced safety features. All Mazda6 trims also come standard with auto-leveling LED headlights.

Both models bring a lot to the table. To see which one has the right style and amount of technologies for your daily driving needs, stop into our dealership this week for a test drive!