Under the Hood

The Mazda6 features a front and rear independent suspension. Four-cylinder and V-6 options are normal in this segment, but the standard six-speed manual transmission (with the four-cylinder) plays up Mazda's performance roots. There are also two automatic transmission offerings: The four-cylinder engine can have an optional five-speed automatic transmission, and the V-6 comes with a standard six-speed automatic (it can't be had with a manual). Mechanical features include:

* 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 167 pounds-feet of torque * 272-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 with 269 pounds-feet of torque * Six-speed manual transmission * Optional five- and six-speed automatic transmissions * Optional push-button start * Optional keyless entry and start system

    See also:

    Immobilizer System (with Advanced Key)
    The immobilizer system allows the engine to start only with an advanced key the system recognizes. If someone attempts to start the engine with an unrecognized advanced key, the engine will not s ...

    Safety
    Front dual airbags come standard, and side-impact and side curtain airbags are optional. All-disc antilock brakes with brake assist are standard on s models and optional on i models. Traction cont ...

    Exterior
    The CX-9 manages to avoid the chunkiness of many SUVs, in part because of its angular nose and carlike grille. The crossover's shoulder line rises as it heads rearward, and the sides are free of c ...