2017 Volkswagen Passat vs Mazda6

October 24th, 2017 by

For an affordable combination of interior luxury and speedy acceleration, check out mid-size sedans like the 2017 Volkswagen Passat and Mazda 6. These models have everything you need for a long commute – or frequent road trips – including cushy seating, spacious cabins, and high-tech infotainment features. But which model is worth your hard-earned cash? Read our comparison guide to learn more.

2017 Volkswagen Passat vs Mazda6

Creature Comforts

Inside, the 2017 Volkswagen Passat feels like an expensive European luxury car – but it doesn’t hit your bank account like one. Both rows are spacious, which means plenty of head and leg room for growing kids. Seat cushions strike a coveted balance between support and softness, making your Passat the perfect commuter ride.

The Mazda 6 offers a sportier style, with options like bright metallic trim to brighten your commute. Like the Passat, the Mazda 6 offers leather upholstery for a little extra luxury on the highway. However, the Mazda 6 doesn’t deliver the same upscale style as the Passat, which combines simplicity and functionality for a luxurious effect.

Safety

The Passat also impresses with its high-tech safety gear and superlative crash-test scores. In government crash tests, it earned a perfect five-star rating for overall protection. This mid-size sedan also comes standard with a bevy of driver aids, including forward collision warning, to let you know when danger is lurking nearby.

The Mazda 6 crash-test scores will also put you at ease. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety even named it a 2017 Top Safety Pick+. However, if you want high-tech driver aids, like forward collision warning or blind-spot monitoring, you’ll have to pay extra for them.

Power & Performance

Like its fellow Mazdas, the Mazda 6 is the right pick for driving enthusiasts. With responsive handling and quick steering, you’ll fly through city grids and down winding roads along with the wind. This sedan also earns up to 27 city/35 highway mpg, so you don’t end up overspending on your powerful ride.

As you cruise the highways, the 2017 Volkswagen Passat delivers a smooth, refined ride. It also provides impressive fuel economy, earning up to 23/34 mpg. It’s not quite as sporty as the Mazda 6, but the Passat is never short on refinement.

Tech Features

The Passat’s Car-Net infotainment system is everything you want in this technology. That technology includes a responsive touchscreen and an intuitive menu system, both of which make it easy to get to the features you want. Car-Net also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for complete smartphone integration. This technology projects smartphone apps onto your central touchscreen, and it also lets you use your phone’s voice controls. You can even ask the system to read your texts aloud, so there’s no reason to look away from traffic.

The Mazda 6 infotainment screen sits atop the dash, putting apps like navigation right in your line of sight. It’s also responsive and easy to use, which makes your commute simpler. No frustrating touchscreen interfaces here. However, the Mazda 6 doesn’t include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, cutting down on smartphone integration options.

Learn More about the Volkswagen Passat

Both of these mid-size sedans have their high points, but the 2017 Volkswagen Passat is all encompassing. It’s got everything you need for a luxurious ride to work or a smooth cross-country road trip, from a spacious cabin to a speedy ride. The Passat is also incredibly tech-savvy. Smartphone integration features keep you connected, and you can use voice controls to call home without looking away from traffic. The Passat also puts safety first, with emergency telematics features and high-tech driver aids to keep you protected.

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