Toyota Camry vs Mazda6: Which Sporty Sedan Wins Your Heart?
You’re at a stoplight, and next to you is a sharp-looking sedan with a sleek profile and a stance that just whispers “drive me”—is it the reliable icon or the driver’s secret?
Choosing between the Toyota Camry and the Mazda6 is about deciding what “sporty” means to you. Is it about sharp handling and an upscale feel, or about efficient, modern power and bulletproof confidence? This face-off pits the newly hybrid-only Camry against the beloved, driver-focused Mazda6 to help you find your perfect match.
The Quick Answer (TL;DR)
The Toyota Camry and Mazda6 take fundamentally different paths to being great sedans. The 2025+ Toyota Camry is now a standard hybrid, prioritizing exceptional fuel economy (up to an EPA-estimated 51 MPG combined), smooth, quiet power, and legendary Toyota reliability—but it trades some driving engagement to get there. The Mazda6 (offered until 2021 in the U.S.) is a purist’s choice, renowned for its agile, rewarding handling and an interior that punches above its weight class in quality, though it lacks a hybrid option. Choose the Camry for high-tech efficiency and low running costs. Choose the Mazda6 (if you can find one) for a more connected and luxurious driving experience.
Key Takeaways
- Powertrain Philosophy: The Camry is all-hybrid, focusing on efficiency. The Mazda6 uses traditional gas engines, including a potent turbo, focusing on responsive performance.
- Driving Character: The Mazda6 is consistently praised as one of the best-driving cars in its class, with excellent steering and chassis feedback. The Camry is competent and comfortable but lacks athleticism, with steering often described as vague.
- Interior & Tech: The Mazda6 offers a surprisingly upscale cabin with high-quality materials, often compared to luxury brands. The Camry’s interior is modern, spacious, and comfortable, with a larger available infotainment screen.
- The Bottom Line: You’re choosing between a smart, efficient appliance (Camry) and an engaging, enjoyable machine (Mazda6).
The Heart of the Matter: Performance & Driving Feel
This is where these two sedans diverge most dramatically. Their engineering missions are almost opposites.
The Mazda6: The Driver’s Sedan
The Mazda6’s reputation is built on its driving dynamics. Reviewers and enthusiasts love it for a sense of connection that’s rare in a family sedan.
- Handling is King: The chassis is tuned for agility and feedback. One review notes it has “an intimate level and sense of intuition” and that its steering and handling can shame more expensive sports sedans. It manages to be engaging on a twisty road while still offering a comfortable, quiet ride on the highway.
- Turbo Power Option: The available 2.5L turbocharged SkyActiv-G engine delivers 250 horsepower and a robust 320 lb-ft of torque, propelling the car from 0-60 mph in about 6.1 seconds. This gives it confident passing power and a sporty feel.
“The Mazda 6 is a marvelous family sedan because it’s beautiful, sophisticated, and fun to drive.” – Car and Driver
The Toyota Camry: The Efficient Powerhouse
For 2025, Toyota made a bold move: every Camry is now a hybrid. This reshapes its performance profile entirely.
- Hybrid Synergy: The system combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors. Front-wheel-drive models produce 225 net hp, while AWD models bump that to 232 net hp. The power delivery is smooth and quiet, with a strong initial push from the electric motors.
- Focus on Comfort: The Camry’s mission is serene, efficient travel. The steering is light and isolated, and the car is tuned for a comfortable ride over sporty handling. One reviewer summed it up as “competently complacent” and a “fine form of transportation, just one without any kind of earnest”.
- The Speed Test: Despite the power figures, the Camry Hybrid’s 0-60 mph times are in the 6.8 to 7.0 second range, making it quick enough for daily use but not as urgent as the Mazda6’s turbo.
Performance Snapshot
| Feature | Toyota Camry (2025+ Hybrid) | Mazda6 (2021, Turbo) |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 2.5L 4-Cyl Hybrid | 2.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder Gas |
| Horsepower | 225 hp (FWD) / 232 hp (AWD) | 250 hp |
| 0-60 mph | ~6.8 – 7.0 seconds | ~6.1 seconds |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | Up to 51 MPG | 26 MPG |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable (CVT) Automatic | 6-Speed Automatic |
Living With Each Car: Interior, Tech, and Practicality
Inside the Cabin
- Mazda6: Step inside, and you’re greeted by an atmosphere that rivals entry-level luxury cars. Reviews highlight its “exquisite” materials, “substantial” switchgear, and use of soft-touch surfaces and available Nappa leather. The design is restrained and sophisticated, creating a premium feel that belies the car’s price.
- Toyota Camry: The Camry’s interior is all about space, modern design, and practicality. It offers a “spacious interior” with plenty of room for adults in both rows. The design is more forward-looking than the Mazda’s, with a large, available 12.3-inch infotainment screen taking center stage. While quality has improved, some reviews note it can feel more utilitarian than luxurious.
Technology & Infotainment
- Camry’s Edge: The Camry holds a clear advantage here, especially in newer models. It features Toyota’s latest software, large digital displays, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s a more modern and connected experience.
- Mazda’s Hurdle: The Mazda6’s main weak point is its aging infotainment system. Even fans of the car criticize the smaller screen and the sometimes-confusing menu structure controlled by a center dial. It feels dated compared to the Camry’s system.
Practicality Check
Both are true midsize sedans, but with nuances:
- Passenger Space: The Camry generally has a slight edge in rear-seat headroom and legroom, making it a marginally better choice for regularly carrying taller adults in the back.
- Cargo Space: They are closely matched, with both offering about 15 cubic feet of trunk space. The Mazda6’s rear seats fold down, but the release is in the trunk, not the cabin.
Reliability, Value, and The Bottom Line
- Toyota Camry: The Camry is the default choice for long-term reliability and low cost of ownership. Its hybrid system is backed by a long warranty, and its stellar fuel economy saves money at every fill-up. It also comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features.
- Mazda6: Mazda has an excellent reliability reputation, often ranking just behind Toyota. The Mazda6’s value is in its unique blend of driving joy and interior refinement at a competitive price. However, the lack of a hybrid option hurts its long-term fuel costs.
So, Which Sporty Sedan Is For You?
Choose the Toyota Camry Hybrid if:
- Your priority is saving money on fuel with phenomenal gas mileage.
- You value the latest tech, standard safety features, and a worry-free ownership experience.
- You prefer a smooth, quiet, and comfortable commute over canyon-carving agility.
Choose the Mazda6 (if you can find a well-kept one) if:
- The way a car drives and makes you feel is your top priority.
- You appreciate an interior that feels special and upscale every day.
- You want a sporty sedan with a proven track record and are okay with slightly older technology.
The “sporty sedan face-off” ends not with a unanimous winner, but with a clear choice for two different drivers. The Camry confidently looks to the future of efficiency. The Mazda6 masterfully perfects the art of driving enjoyment. Which philosophy speaks to you?
Have you owned or driven either of these sporty sedans? Was the Camry’s hybrid smoothness the winner, or did the Mazda6’s handling steal your heart? Share your real-world experiences in the comments below!