---
title: "Refreshed 2018 Mazda6 Coming to LA Auto Show, Receives Turbo Option"
description: "A new design, turbochargers, and cylinder deactivation all make their way to the midsize Mazda."
date: "2017-11-15"
modified: "2017-11-15"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Tsui"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-tsui"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/article/16115/refreshed-2018-mazda6-coming-to-la-auto-show-receives-turbo-option"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "6"
  - "Japanese Cars"
  - "mazda"
  - "mazda6"
  - "Midsize Sedan"
  - "sedan"
  - "sports car"
---

# Refreshed 2018 Mazda6 Coming to LA Auto Show, Receives Turbo Option

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2017/11/2018-mazda-6-tease-e1510758897905.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Not one to let Toyota and Honda have all of the midsize-sedan fun with new and zesty versions of the [Camry](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/13953/2018-toyota-camry-review-a-sharper-more-potent-reinvention-for-the-worlds-top-selling-sedan>) and [Accord](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/14720/2018-honda-accord-first-drive-review-can-this-all-new-family-car-save-the-sedan>), Mazda has teased a significantly refreshed [Mazda6](<https://thestore.thedrive.com/>) for 2018.

Keen followers of the *Zoom-Zoom* brand will note that the Mazda6 already received a mid-cycle refresh just two short model years ago, but this rework looks to be much more substantial than 2016's subtle nip-and-tuck. A new, more chiseled front fascia brings Mazda's mid-sizer in line with its new, more refined design language also seen in the Japanese automaker's [CX-5](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/8204/2017-mazda-cx-5-pricing-announced>) and [CX-9 crossovers](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/5969/the-2016-mazda-cx-9-signature-is-a-family-crossover-for-those-who-dont-want-a-family-crossover>). While the teaser photos can't confirm it just yet, we expect the new 6's rear end to be similarly sharpened up as well.

The [Mazda6's](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/14817/2017-5-mazda6-adds-luxury-to-an-affordable-sedan>) interior has also been spruced up, receiving a new dash unashamedly reminiscent of instrument panels found in [Audi's](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/12257/the-2018-audi-s4-review-a-power-boost-and-a-lot-more-confidence>) latest products.

![message-editor%2F1510763737695-2018mazda6teaseinterior.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1510763737695-2018mazda6teaseinterior.jpg>)
**Mazda**

Under the hood, however, is where things get interesting. Enthusiast buyers in the market for a sensible family sedan with a thirst for driving fun have lamented the current-gen Mazda6's lack of a V6 option. Well, in the current [emissions-reg](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/4996/california-votes-to-cut-greenhouse-gases-40-percent-by-2030>) situation, that train has pretty much already left the station. However, Mazda's given the 6 the next best thing: a turbo.

Yes, the 2018 Mazda6 can now be had with the same 2.5-liter, turbo four-pot SkyActiv-G engine found in the CX-9. Mazda says that it can produce torque "on par with a 4.0-liter V8," but considering the powerplant is good for 310 pound-feet of torque and 250 horsepower on premium fuel in the CX-9, we'll refrain from commenting on any V8 comparisons for now.

For those looking for a more practically-enhanced 6, Mazda has now introduced cylinder deactivation on the base 2.5-liter mill for less frequent trips to the pumps in addition to a wider suite of the brand's active safety tech, including radar cruise control and a 360° View Monitor.

Not expected to deviate too much from its current starting price of $21,945, the 2018 Mazda6 is scheduled to be revealed in full at the LA Auto Show on Nov. 29.

## Author
Chris Tsui is *The Drive*'s former Reviews Editor and current freelance automotive journalist. He's based in Toronto.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/cltsuii/>)