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The 2014 Mazda6 i Grand Touring stands out as a high-water mark for midsize family sedans. When Mazda redesigned the Mazda6 for the 2014 model year, it introduced the striking Kodo design language alongside the efficiency-focused Skyactiv mechanical suite. While base models appealed to budget-conscious buyers, the top-tier Grand Touring trim blurred the line between mainstream practicality and entry-level luxury. It delivers sharp handling, an upscale cabin, and highway fuel economy that rivals smaller economy cars.
Buying or selling one today requires looking past glossy marketing brochures to examine real-world performance, long-term reliability, and common mechanical quirks. This breakdown covers everything you need to know about specs, interior features, known problems, and ownership costs for the 2014 model year.
Powertrain and Performance Specs
Under the hood, the 2014 Mazda6 i Grand Touring features a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine. Unlike many competitors that offered thirsty V6 upgrades, Mazda engineered this naturally aspirated four-cylinder to punch above its weight class.
- Horsepower: 184 hp at 5,700 rpm
- Torque: 185 lb-ft at 3,250 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic with manual shift mode and paddle shifters
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
The power delivery feels responsive off the line thanks to a high 13:1 compression ratio, though it runs smoothly on regular 87-octane fuel. The 6-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and avoids the hunting behavior common in early CVT transmissions.
Fuel economy remains one of the car's strongest selling points. According to the EPA Fuel Economy Guide, the 2014 Mazda6 achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 40 mpg highway when equipped with the optional i-ELOOP regenerative braking system, or 26 city and 38 highway without it. Real-world highway driving easily matches or exceeds these figures.
Interior Design and Technology Features
The cabin of the Grand Touring trim separates it from the Sport and Touring models. Standard amenities focus on driver and passenger comfort, utilizing materials that rival entry-level European luxury sedans.
Leather-trimmed upholstery comes standard, along with an 8-way power driver's seat with memory settings and a 4-way power passenger seat. Both front seats include multi-stage heating. The dashboard layout emphasizes clean lines, soft-touch materials, and an analog-digital instrument cluster featuring a 5.1-inch multi-information display.
Key interior and exterior technology features include:
- Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound: An 11-speaker premium audio system designed specifically for the cabin acoustics.
- Active Driving Display: A clear, color head-up display projecting speed and turn-by-turn navigation onto a transparent panel above the instrument cowl.
- Lighting: Adaptive bi-xenon HID headlights that pivot into corners, accompanied by LED signature daytime running lights and LED taillights.
- Infotainment: A 5.8-touchscreen display running the TomTom-based navigation system, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, and Pandora internet radio integration. (Note: This pre-dates Mazda's modern Mazda Connect system).
Safety Ratings and Driver Assist Tech
Safety forms a core component of the Grand Touring trim package. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2014 Mazda6 a Top Safety Pick+, earning top marks in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests.
The Grand Touring trim also unlocks access to advanced safety packages. Key safety features include:
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Uses radar sensors to alert drivers to vehicles in adjacent lanes.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns of oncoming traffic when reversing out of parking spaces.
- Smart City Brake Support: A low-speed automated emergency braking system designed to mitigate rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic.
- Lane Departure Warning System: Audibly alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts across lane markings without an active turn signal.
Common Problems and Reliability
While the 2014 Mazda6 generally earns high marks for reliability, owners and mechanics have flagged a few specific issues to watch out for, especially on high-mileage examples.
- Infotainment Freeze: The 5.8-inch touchscreen head unit can occasionally freeze, fail to connect to Bluetooth, or reboot spontaneously. Updating the firmware usually resolves this glitch.
- Electric Parking Brake Failure: The electronic parking brake actuator motors can fail over time, throwing a warning light on the dashboard. Inspecting the rear calipers for proper release is crucial during a pre-purchase check.
- Serpentine Belt and Tensioner Wear: The auxiliary belt tensioner can wear out prematurely, creating a rattling or squealing noise upon cold startup.
- Front Bumper Clearance: Due to the low-slung front fascia and sleek front overhang, the lower bumper scrapes easily on steep driveways and parking curbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2014 Mazda6 i Grand Touring have all-wheel drive?
No. The 2014 Mazda6 is strictly front-wheel drive (FWD). Mazda did not offer an all-wheel-drive configuration for this generation of the sedan.
What is the difference between the Touring and Grand Touring trims?
The mid-level Touring trim features leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The Grand Touring adds true leather seats, a power moonroof, a Bose audio system, a head-up display, bi-xenon adaptive headlights, and memory seating.
Can the infotainment system be upgraded to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
Yes. While it didn't come with smartphone integration from the factory, Mazda released an official hardware and software retrofit kit that brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to the 2014 model's screen.
How does the i-ELOOP system work?
The i-ELOOP (Smart Energy Loop) system captures kinetic energy when you decelerate and stores it in a capacitor. It then uses this stored electricity to power the car's electrical components, reducing the engine's workload and saving fuel.
