Discover the Top 10 Features That Make the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport Stand Out

When I first slid behind the wheel of the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport, I immediately understood why this model continues to generate such passionate discussions years after its release. Having test-driven numerous midsize sedans throughout my career as an automotive journalist, I've developed a keen sense for vehicles that genuinely stand out from the crowded marketplace. The Mazda 6 Sport isn't just another sedan—it represents a carefully crafted philosophy where every component works in harmony to create something truly special. Much like the basketball coach Uichico observed about his players giving their utmost effort even when "things weren't falling our way," Mazda engineers demonstrated similar dedication in refining this vehicle, pushing through challenges to deliver exceptional performance even when conventional wisdom might have suggested taking easier routes.

The heart of any great driving experience begins with the engine, and Mazda's 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder powerplant delivers 184 horsepower with remarkable smoothness. What impressed me most wasn't just the power output—though it's certainly adequate for daily driving and confident highway merging—but how Mazda engineers managed to achieve an impressive 34 mpg highway while maintaining such responsive performance. I've driven competitors that either prioritize fuel economy at the expense of engagement or vice versa, but the Mazda 6 Sport strikes that delicate balance that so many manufacturers struggle to find. The six-speed automatic transmission deserves particular praise for its intuitive shifting behavior—it somehow anticipates your needs better than many modern CVT units while avoiding the harshness of some dual-clutch setups.

Where the Mazda 6 Sport truly separates itself from the pack is through its chassis tuning and steering feedback. During my week with the vehicle, I deliberately sought out winding backroads that would reveal its dynamic capabilities, and I wasn't disappointed. The electric power steering provides genuine communication about what the front tires are doing—a rarity in this class where most systems feel artificially weighted and numb. Combined with the meticulously tuned suspension that manages to absorb road imperfections without isolating the driver from the experience, the Mazda 6 Sport delivers driving pleasure that borders on what you'd expect from European sports sedans costing thousands more. This isn't just theoretical praise—during my testing through California's Ortega Highway, the Mazda maintained composure through successive switchbacks that would have many competitors feeling unsettled and clumsy.

Stepping inside, the cabin continues to impress with materials that belie the vehicle's accessible price point. Soft-touch surfaces appear where you most frequently interact with the interior, and the thoughtful ergonomics mean controls fall naturally to hand without requiring you to take your eyes off the road. The seats deserve special mention—after spending nearly six hours continuously behind the wheel during a coastal drive from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, I arrived feeling remarkably fresh, a testament to Mazda's understanding that comfort extends beyond mere cushion softness. The 7-inch infotainment display, controlled through a beautifully intuitive rotary knob, avoids the frustrating lag and complexity that plagues many modern systems. While some might prefer touchscreen interfaces, I found Mazda's approach significantly less distracting during actual driving conditions.

Safety features in the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport demonstrate how advanced technologies have trickled down to mainstream models. The available i-ACTIVSENSE package includes smart city brake support that can automatically apply brakes at low speeds if an obstacle is detected—a feature that genuinely works as I discovered when a pedestrian unexpectedly stepped out between parked cars during my urban testing. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert provides additional confidence when navigating crowded parking lots, though I particularly appreciated how these systems provide warnings without being overly intrusive or alarming. The structural integrity of the vehicle deserves mention too—with its ultra-high-strength steel skeleton achieving top marks in crash testing, you genuinely feel protected without the sensation of driving a tank.

Design elements both inside and out reflect Mazda's KODO "Soul of Motion" philosophy, which seeks to capture the beauty of motion in stationary objects. The flowing lines and athletic stance give the Mazda 6 Sport a presence that photographs well but looks even better in person. During my time with the vehicle, I lost count of how many pedestrians asked about the car—something that rarely happens with midsize sedans. The sleek profile doesn't compromise practicality though, with a generously sized trunk that swallowed my photography equipment, weekend luggage, and even a bulky antique chair I unexpectedly needed to transport. Sometimes you don't realize how well a design works until you live with it daily, and the Mazda 6 Sport's balance of form and function continues to reveal itself through these small but meaningful interactions.

Technology integration strikes an impressive balance between convenience and simplicity. The available Bose Centerpoint audio system with 11 speakers delivers rich, nuanced sound that made my favorite podcasts and playlists come alive in ways I didn't expect from a factory system. Bluetooth connectivity proved refreshingly straightforward to pair—unlike some systems that require navigating labyrinthine menus, the Mazda system had my phone connected in under a minute and reliably maintained that connection throughout my testing. The available navigation system provides clear guidance without the distracting animations and unnecessary features that complicate so many modern systems. As someone who values intuitive technology over feature bloat, I found Mazda's approach particularly thoughtful.

Driving dynamics extend beyond mere performance numbers to how the vehicle makes you feel during ordinary journeys. The Mazda 6 Sport possesses that elusive quality where you find yourself taking the longer route home simply for the pleasure of driving. The precise throttle response, the satisfying weighting of the pedals, the way the chassis communicates road texture without transmitting harshness—these elements combine to create an experience that engages the driver without demanding constant attention. It's this balance that makes the Mazda 6 Sport such a compelling proposition—it serves perfectly as comfortable transportation during tedious commutes yet transforms into an engaging partner when the road turns interesting. This dual personality is exceptionally rare in this segment, where most vehicles excel at one aspect while compromising the other.

Reflecting on my extensive testing, the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport represents one of those rare vehicles that delivers beyond its specifications sheet. Like Coach Uichico's observation about players giving their utmost even when circumstances weren't ideal, the Mazda 6 Sport demonstrates a similar commitment to excellence throughout every aspect of its design and execution. From the thoughtful interior ergonomics to the beautifully balanced chassis, from the efficient yet responsive powertrain to the striking exterior design, this vehicle consistently exceeds expectations. In a market segment often dominated by clinical competence rather than genuine passion, the Mazda 6 Sport stands as a refreshing reminder that practical family transportation can still stir the soul. Having driven virtually every competitor in this category, I can confidently state that the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport remains one of my top recommendations for anyone seeking a vehicle that delivers both rational virtues and emotional rewards.