The 2016 Mazda6 is powered by a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder gasoline engine (roughly 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque). In some markets, a 2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D diesel engine was offered as an alternative.
Engine options by market
United States — gasoline engine
The US-spec Mazda6 typically uses the 2.5L SKYACTIV-G as the standard powertrain. It is a naturally aspirated inline-four designed for efficiency and smooth operation, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission depending on trim.
Key specifications:
- Displacement: 2.5 liters
- Configuration: inline-4
- Valvetrain: DOHC with variable valve timing
- Fuel type: regular gasoline
- Horsepower: ~184 hp
- Torque: ~185 lb-ft
- Transmission options: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
The US configuration emphasizes a balance of performance and efficiency, with a choice of transmissions across available trims.
Europe and other markets — diesel option
In Europe and several other regions, Mazda offered a 2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D diesel as an alternative to the gasoline engine. The diesel version is turbocharged and emphasizes improved fuel economy and higher torque at low revs. Availability depended on local market specifications, and it was not offered in the US for the 2016 model year.
Key specifications:
- Engine: 2.2L SKYACTIV-D
- Configuration: inline-4 diesel
- Turbocharged
- Power and torque: vary by market
- Transmissions: typically paired with manual or automatic transmissions available in that market
Concluding note: The diesel option provided a different balance of fuel economy and torque for customers in appropriate markets.
Summary
The 2016 Mazda6 offered a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder gasoline engine as the standard powertrain in the United States, with a 2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D diesel available in some international markets. No hybrid or V6 was offered for the 2016 model year. Transmission options included both manual and automatic configurations across trims, reflecting Mazda’s focus on efficiency and driving dynamics.