Mazda 6 vs Toyota Camry: Spec-to-spec comparison

While the auto enthusiasts’ craze for SUVs has grown over time, sedans have their own fanbase. These offer suburban living and commuting to the customers along with hi-tech creature comforts and capable performance. Nearly all major car brands have their player in this arena and today we are going to pit two out of them viz. Mazda 6 and Toyota Camry, which have been competing against one another for several years. 

Mazda 6 hit the Malaysian shores back in 2013 for the first time, since then this evergreen D-segment sedan enticing Malaysian auto enthusiasts with its style, sportiness, and power. It is available in two trims - 2.0L and 2.5L The Mazda 6 price starts at RM 170,000 and goes all the way to RM 206,000. On the other side of the spectrum, we have the Toyota Camry, a sedan that received a new avatar in 2018 by giving up the tag of uncle’s car. The Toyota Camry price for the single 2.5V trim starts at RM 188,763. So, without any further ado, let’s see how these two models stack up in our spec to spec comparison.

Mazda 6 vs Toyota Camry: Dimensions

Specs	Mazda 6	Toyota Camry
Length	4865 mm	4885 mm
Width	1840 mm	1840 mm
Height	1450 mm	1445 mm
Wheelbase	2830 mm	2825 mm
Boot space	489 litres	493 litres

Comparing the two sedans’ dimensions, the Camry is slightly longer than the Mazda 6. However, the width, height, and even wheelbase of the two models are almost the same. Just like length, the Camry boot space is also slightly bigger than the Mazda; 4 litres to be exact. Overall, we can say that the dimensions are not a matter of concern when we are comparing the Mazda 6 with the Toyota Camry.

Mazda 6 vs Toyota Camry: Exterior

When it comes to looks, both Mazda 6 and Toyota Camry portray a striking and luxury appeal. They look modern while carrying a design theme that impresses young buyers. Despite these basic design similarities, the two sedans boast different front fascias, the liking of which is totally subjective.

Based on the Mazda KODO - Soul of Motion design language, the sedan flaunts a stylish front propped with a wide gap grille. The standard kit includes LED headlights integrated with LED DRLs and LED fog lights, LED tail lights, dual-exhaust outlets, rain-sensing wipers, body-coloured door handles, and 19-inch black metallic alloy wheels.

Toyota Camry, on the other hand, features a huge blacked-out grille with a thick slat of chrome at its upper area. The standard exterior kit comprises LED headlights with LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, LED tail lights, dual exhaust tips, hydrophilic auto-retractable wing mirrors, auto wipers, and 18-inch rims.

Mazda 6 vs Toyota Camry: Interior

Mazda and Toyota, both have put in a lot of effort to make their sedans comfortable and convenient for all passengers on board. Let’s see what they offer, starting with the Mazda 6 sedan.

Its standard features list includes a 4.6 inch TFT LCD instrument panel, heads-up display, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone auto climate control, 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, 6-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, leather upholstery, 8.0-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system with voice command, Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, 11-speaker Bose Audio system, reverse camera, keyless entry, and push start button.

On the contrary, the Toyota Camry specs sheet gets an 8-inch Display Audio with a navigation system, a 7-inch multi-information display, and a head-up display. Also part of the standard kit is dual-zone automatic climate control, 8 -way powered driver seat with memory and lumbar support, 8-way powered front passenger seat, leather upholstery, cruise control, and wireless charging. Android Auto and Apple Carplay are a big miss in the Camry 

Mazda 6 vs Toyota Camry: Engine and Performance

Specs	Mazda 6 2.0L	Mazda 6 2.5L	Toyota Camry
Engine	SKYACTIV-G 2.0L DOHC 16-Valve 4 Cylinder With VVT	SKYACTIV-G 2.5L DOHC 16-Valve 4 Cylinder With VVT	2.5V In-line, 16-valve DOHC with dual VVT-I and ACIS
Maximum power	162 hp at 6000 rpm	192 hp at 6000 rpm	179 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Peak Torque	213 Nm at 4000 rpm	258 Nm at 4000 rpm	235 Nm @ 4,100 rpm
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic with Manual Shift Mode	6-Speed Automatic with Manual Shift Mode	6-speed Automatic with Super ECT & Sequential Shifter
Fuel economy	15.38 kmpl	14.29 kmpl	13.5 kmpl

From the above table, it is pretty clear that the Mazda 6 wins the race against Toyota Camry on the mechanical front. The Mazda 6 comes in two engine options - 2.0L and 2.5L producing 162 hp and 192 hp, respectively, while the Camry comes only with a single engine option i.e. 2.5V In-line that churns out a maximum power of 179 hp. Also, the Mazda 6 delivers higher torque and better fuel economy.

Mazda 6 vs Toyota Camry: Safety

Every Mazda car is designed in a way to maximise the safety of every passenger on board and the Mazda 6 sedan is no exception. The car is equipped with the brand’s i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety technologies, including Adaptive LED Headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane-Keep Assist System, Driver Attention Alert, and Smart City Brake Support. Other safety bits on board are 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, hill launch assist, traction control, and emergency stop signal.

Standing neck-to-neck against the Mazda 6, the Toyota Camry safety net is also equipped with 7 airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, hill start assist, electric parking brake, rest assist, blind spot monitoring, dynamic radar cruise control, emergency stop signal, pre-collision system, and lane departure alert. Thus, there is no question regarding the safety of these two sedans.

Verdict

Deciding whether to buy Mazda 6 or Toyota Camry is quite tricky as both have such close similarities. So, ultimately it comes down to the buyer's preferences and requirements.

Also read: Check out these new Mazda Mizuno driving shoes, priced at RM 1,500