The Mazda6 currently uses a 6-speed automatic transmission, and a manual option is not offered on new models in major markets such as the United States. Historically, manual transmissions appeared on some older Mazda6 generations and a high-performance variant known as the Mazdaspeed6. This article details how Mazda6 transmissions have evolved across generations and regions.
Current Mazda6 transmission
In the latest generation, Mazda6 models are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission (often paired with SKYACTIV-G engines, including turbocharged variants). In most markets, there is no manual transmission available on standard trims for the modern Mazda6.
Transmission history by generation
The Mazda6 has used several different transmissions over its lifetime, with availability varying by market and trim. The following overview highlights the general trend across generations.
First generation (2003–2008)
During the first generation, Mazda6 models offered a range of transmissions depending on trim and market, including manual and automatic options. This generation laid the groundwork for Mazda’s approach to offering multiple drivetrains in passenger sedans.
Second generation (2009–2013)
The second generation broadened transmission choices in some markets, with automatic transmissions becoming more prevalent across trims. Manual options were still available in certain regions and configurations, but not consistently across all markets.
Third generation (2014–2021/22)
The modern Mazda6 moved toward widespread automatic transmission use, with the 6-speed automatic becoming the standard across most trims and regions. Manual transmissions were largely phased out on non-performance models in major markets during this period.
Mazdaspeed/MPS variant
The Mazdaspeed6, a high-performance variant of the Mazda6 sold in select markets, was equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged engine. This is one of the few explicit examples where a Mazda6 offered a manual transmission in the modern era.
Historically, the availability of manual transmissions on the Mazda6 depended heavily on regional market offerings and trim levels. The broad trend in recent years has been toward automatic transmissions, with manuals largely absent from standard Mazda6 lineups outside of the Mazdaspeed6 performance variant.
Bottom line
Today, the Mazda6 predominantly uses a 6-speed automatic transmission, with no manual option on standard models in major markets. Manual availability exists primarily in older generations and in the Mazdaspeed6 variant. If you’re shopping for a Mazda6 today, expect an automatic transmission unless you’re seeking a classic or performance-specific model.
Summary
In sum, the Mazda6's transmission history shows a shift from mixed manual/automatic options in earlier generations to a near-universal automatic setup in current models. The notable exception is the Mazdaspeed6, which offered a 6-speed manual. For most buyers today, the Mazda6 is an automatic sedan.