Despite the fact that a leader has long been established in the D segment, many cars in this class are constantly trying to “squeeze” it out. Toyota Camry or Mazda 6, champion or updated, bright contender? Let's make a detailed comparison and find out which is better.
A little history
Toyota released its first model back in 1982. However, the car gained popularity only in the early 2000s. In 2002, the fifth generation Camry began production, which was loved both for its interior and appearance. It was this version that began to form the reputation that the car currently has.
Then, in 2008, a redesigned version of the Camry 40 was released, remaining in the hearts of many. And in 2012, sales of the seventh generation began. It finally defended the title of sales champion in segment D on the Russian market. After 3 years, the model received a restyling: some configurations changed, the suspension was redesigned, but, in general, the car remained the same.
Mazda 6 began its history much later - the first version of this model was released in 2002. In 2005, the “six” received a restyling. However, the interior has undergone more changes; the exterior has remained untouched. The second generation was produced from 2008 to 2012. But the most interesting for us is the third generation of the sedan. It, like the Camry, began production in 2012, and in 2015 the model underwent a restyling. Therefore, regarding the release of the latest generation versions, both opponents are the same age.
In 2021, manufacturers introduced completely new modifications that have undergone huge changes. However, they will go on sale on the Russian market only in 2021. Therefore, for now we will compare the 2015-2016 models. But enough history. It's time to compare them!
Reviews from car owners
Peter, 41 years old, St. Petersburg
I purchased a Camry sedan with a 181-horsepower engine at the beginning of 2021, the mileage during the year of operation was 25 thousand km. Before purchasing, I conducted a comparative analysis with competitors; Toyota was satisfied with both its appearance and dynamic characteristics. The headlights provide good illumination of the road at night, and there is a function to automatically switch operating modes when oncoming traffic appears. In the cabin you can hear noise from the tires and impacts of stones and sand on the bottom and wheel arch liners.
Leonid, 38 years old, Moscow
I was choosing a new business-class car, and after visiting car dealerships of several manufacturers, I decided to purchase a Mazda 6 (I have experience in operating several older-generation “sixes”). I was attracted by the bright red color of the body; the capabilities of the 150-horsepower engine are enough for quiet driving in the city and on the highway. While driving, I can hear the impacts of stones on the fender liners and the sound of the engine; later I plan to install additional sound insulation. The interior is decorated with soft plastic; decorative elements have a matte surface on which traces of dirt are not visible.
Outside
Toyota Camry is positioned as a presentable car for businessmen, designed to emphasize their status and solidity. Therefore, only clear, discreet lines are visible in the exterior design.
Sharp corners predominate, which is an innovation compared to the Camry v40. It was for this reason that many refused to accept the new appearance of the car in the first years of production. No roundness or relief on the side doors. The exterior is extremely restrained and strict.
The car creates the impression of a calm and confident fighter, a leader by nature, who does not require unnecessary lines to assert himself. The car seems to say that it doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. He is the best!
Mazda 6 is completely different. She is faster, more playful and creates a lot of impressions. Moreover, this can be seen not only in appearance. A little later you will understand what we wanted to say. Mazda is more aggressive. It has become significantly larger than the previous generation. Even compared to Toyota, it is 15 mm wider and 45 mm longer. Only in height is the “six” inferior – 1450 versus 1480 mm.
From the front, the massive radiator grille, whose lines smoothly flow into the headlights, immediately attracts the eye. The head optics, as well as the fog lights, are LED. They look very nice and create a fighting image for the whole car.
The turn signals on the headlights spoil the mood a little. They are halogen, which looks extremely strange. All lights are LED, but the turn signals are not. Is it really savings?!
Be that as it may, the appearance of the sixth Mazda is beautiful, and there is hardly a person who will be indifferent to the exterior of the “Japanese”. The car has become brighter: unlike the pre-restyling version of 2013, more chrome parts have appeared here, allowing you to notice the “six” from afar.
The 19-inch wheels installed on the SupremePlus and Executive trim levels are tinted. Probably, they didn’t want to “overdo it” with chrome.
At this stage it is difficult to draw a definite conclusion. Yes, Mazda 6 is brighter. Its design is truly eye-catching. The Camry does not stand out from its opponent; the body lines, although quite aggressive, are clearly not flashy. This is not a disadvantage, it is a character trait. In addition, the car's design is balanced and pleasant. What you like depends on your character and even your riding style. It's difficult to determine a favorite yet. Let's move on.
Main technical characteristics
The interior and exterior of a car are important components, but most car enthusiasts value them for their performance and behavior on the road. A test drive of these models showed that they almost completely matched their appearance and performance on the track.
Toyota Camry continues to confirm its reputation as a leisurely and measured car. It seems that even this slowness is more than what the situation requires. After pressing the gas, the car does not immediately begin to move - one gets the feeling that it simply lacks traction at low speeds. At the same time, such leisurely behavior has absolutely no effect on fuel economy.
But there are also unconditional positive aspects. Toyota Camry has an exceptionally smooth ride, so you won't notice any imperfections in the road surface when driving this car. This sedan has excellent road holding, so only very deep holes or open sewer hatches can throw it off balance. This plus also has a downside - the Camry's handling leaves much to be desired. The car not only reacts late to pressing the gas pedal, but also to turning the steering column, which makes you worry when entering a turn.
Inside
Sitting in the driver's seat, you can observe a similar picture as in appearance. The interior of the Toyota Camry looks more solid, while the Mazda 6 looks more modern and sleek.
Ergonomics
In certain trim levels, Toyota offers a large 10-inch display, which its opponent cannot boast of. However, the response of this display is far from fast.
This seems to have become a Toyota feature. In Rav 4, for example, there are problems with almost frame-by-frame delayed switching of buttons on the touch screen. Of course, this happens occasionally, but it looks undignified. We were pleased with the large and conveniently located buttons, which you can access without looking. The downside for many car owners was “pseudowood” - plastic that creates the illusion of noble wood. The Mazda 6 does not have such feigned prestige.
Ergonomics are in perfect order on both machines. The Mazda center console is stylish and comfortable. The dashboard, like Toyota's, is easy to read and harmonious.
It is noteworthy that the Mazda 6 does not have a parking brake handle. This function is now activated from the button. It is located to the left of the 6-speed automatic transmission lever next to the sports mode button.
Front seats
The significant difference between the two models is the seats. In the sixth Mazda, lateral support is clearly expressed; large people may feel uncomfortable in such a seat.
This would not be a disadvantage if the manufacturer provided the opportunity to buy other seats, as, for example, in the new Ford Mondeo (the Japanese and American companies are strategic partners).
In Toyota there is simply no lateral support - the driver can smoothly spread across the seat regardless of body size.
For large owners this is an indisputable plus, but for thin owners it is a controversial point. Some say that they relax in such chairs and can travel hundreds of kilometers tirelessly, while others consider them a disadvantage.
Rear sofa
The Camry does not have sporty stitching or intricate seat textures. And this also applies to the rear sofa. It is large, wide, monotonous, but comfortable.
The armrest of the maximum configurations includes cup holders, climate control buttons (here it is 3-zone), sofa tilt buttons and multimedia system adjustment keys.
In the Mazda 6, the armrest is quite simple, except for adjusting the seat heating, there are no buttons. There is also no recline for the rear seat.
Surprisingly, despite the length advantage, there is less space in the second row than in the Camry. Of course, the Mazda 6 is also comfortable, but the difference is noticeable. Perhaps this is what makes Toyota the sales leader in the D segment.
Trunk
If we compare the trunk volume, the contender for leadership loses again: 483 liters for Mazda versus 506 for Toyota. At the same time, under the floor of the Camry there is a full-fledged wheel with an alloy disc, while the Mazda6 has a low-profile wheel. By the way, the size of the tire is slightly smaller than the diameter of a full-fledged wheel, so you won’t be able to accelerate on it. Complete disappointment.
Options
Regarding options, not everything is so clear. Mazda 6 was an unpleasant surprise again. At a price of 1 million 877 thousand rubles. Even the maximum configuration does not have a heated windshield. But it boasts a high-quality rear camera with a phenomenal viewing angle. Together with it, there is a warning system for vehicles crossing your path, a blind spot monitoring system and lane keeping monitoring system. Such equipment allows you to perfectly feel a car almost 5 m long.
Until recently, Toyota Camry did not have these systems, but in recent years the leader has caught up. Starting with the Elegance configuration, the car is equipped with an air ionizer, thanks to which it is really easy and pleasant to breathe in the cabin. Toyota is also equipped with a wireless charger for smartphones. But you should be careful - not all phone models can be charged by this system.
Both models have light and rain sensors.
An interesting innovation in the Mazda 6 is the i-ELOOP system, which uses braking energy to charge the climate control and multimedia systems. This takes the load off the engine and reduces exhaust emissions.
The display even shows the number of trees you have saved thanks to this system.
Ride quality
This is where the key difference between the models emerges. The Camry is phlegmatic to drive. It reacts a little slower to steering wheel movements. You won't find any rushing dynamics in the Toyota driver's seat. If you love a thrilling and thrilling ride, you've come to the wrong place.
The Camry is straight forward and stable. It is important to understand that it has no handling flaws, it corners well and holds steady on any surface. It's just not created for drive.
Mazda 6, on the contrary, strives to play a game with you. There is a sense of excitement in her. It gives you an adrenaline rush and turns you into a street racer. The car wakes you up, as if forcing you to shake yourself and realize how beautiful the world around you is.
It sparkles and creates sparks in you. The steering wheel is sharper and more precise. Compared to its opponent, the Mazda 6 has a stiffer suspension.
When choosing what to buy, it is worth remembering that cars were created for radically different psychotypes of drivers. “Six” is the embodiment of moderate aggression and drive. It is such inside, outside and in management. And “Kemryukha” will appeal to lovers of comfortable and measured driving, who are accustomed to feeling full control over what is happening. She will not give you emotions. But if you don't need constant thrills, the Camry is made especially for you.
As for acceleration dynamics, the Mazda 6 shows a record 7.8 seconds on a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine. This is the best result in this segment. But be prepared that when you turn on the sport mode of the transmission and try to repeat the specified time, the amount of fuel in the tank will also rapidly decrease.
Ground clearance is approximately the same: 160 mm for Toyota and 165 mm for Mazda.
Where is the best suspension?
The rear chassis in both models are independent multi-link, but they are configured differently. The rigid suspension of the Mazda 6 gives good handling. The absence of large body rolls allows you to sharply enter turns and perform maneuvers. But the soft and slightly rolly Camry will appeal to those who love comfort and smooth ride over bumps.
Also read: Difficult choice: Mitsubishi Galant IX or Mazda 6
Options and prices
Toyota Camry offers its model with three types of gasoline engines:
- Four-cylinder 2.0 l;
- Four 2.5 l;
- V6 volume 3.5 liters.
If previously the Camry was sold with a CVT transmission, then at the end of 2017 the car is equipped with a 6-level automatic transmission.
You won't be able to choose another gearbox for the Mazda 6 either. A six-speed automatic transmission is installed on both engines offered by the manufacturer:
- 2.0 liter engine producing 150 hp.
- Unit with a volume of 2.5 liters and a power of 192 hp.
Now about the main thing! The decisive round of the Toyota vs Mazda confrontation will be the cost comparison. As of December 2021, the initial version of Camry costs from 1,377,000 rubles, and the price of the “six” starts from 1,495,000 rubles. With the maximum configuration, things are a little different: from 2,003 thousand for Toyota versus 1,877 thousand for Mazda. However, it is important to remember that the maximum version of the Toyota Lux comes exclusively with a 3.5 liter engine. If you take the package with a 2.5 liter engine, which is equipped no worse, its cost is 1,787 rubles. Whatever one may say, Mazda's price tag is higher. At the same time, it does not have heated glass, a less spacious trunk, less space in the second row, fewer options for rear passengers and a stiffer suspension.
What to choose
If you were asked which is better to buy: a Camry or a Mazda 6, what would be your answer? A pragmatic person would definitely choose Camry. It is more solid, softer and cheaper, and the technical equipment is in no way inferior to its opponent, even more interesting in places.
But the Mazda 6 offers customers something that Toyota will never have - emotions! The machine works magic! Because of her personality, she attracts you and encourages you to meet her again. She's like a cute, mischievous girl who constantly flirts with you, making you come alive! Yes, she has disadvantages, but the owner’s desire to become better next to her can outweigh all the disadvantages! Choose not only with your mind, but also with your heart - only then will the car give you joy every time!
See also:
- Comparison of Nissan Teana and Toyota Camry
- Which is better: Honda Accord or Toyota Camry?
- Comparison of Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat
- Comparison of KIA Optima and Toyota Camry
Service cost
Due to known circumstances, such characteristics of a car as the cost of its operation are of great importance. If you are a responsible car owner and do not miss visiting official dealerships for routine maintenance, then Mazda maintenance will definitely cost you more.
The fact is that the cost of standard hours and the cost of most consumables are higher for the “six”. But if serious repairs are required, and you prefer to use only original spare parts, then the situation will no longer change in favor of Toyota, and significantly - on average by 10 percent.
