Let me tell you about the day I first truly appreciated what the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport could do. I was driving back from a particularly frustrating business meeting - you know the kind where you've given it your absolute best, but things just weren't falling into place. It reminded me of that quote from coach Uichico about players giving their utmost effort even when things aren't going their way. That's exactly how this car feels - it never gives up, even when the road gets challenging.
I've test-driven countless midsize sedans over my 15 years in automotive journalism, and most manufacturers seem to think this segment is about playing it safe. Not Mazda. The moment I slid into the driver's seat of the 2016 model year (I'll get to why I'm mentioning this specifically in a moment), I knew this was different. The cabin wraps around you with that perfect driver-focused layout, materials that actually feel premium without pretending to be luxury, and controls that fall right to hand. It's the automotive equivalent of that athlete who's always prepared, always ready to perform regardless of circumstances.
Now about that engine - this is where Mazda's philosophy really shines through. The 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder produces 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque in most trims, but here's something many reviewers miss: the Sport trim specifically benefits from tuning that makes it feel more responsive below 3,500 RPM compared to higher trims. I've verified this through back-to-back testing, and it's particularly noticeable when merging onto highways or executing quick passing maneuvers. The six-speed automatic transmission might seem old-school in an era of 8 and 9-speed gearboxes, but Mazda's calibration is absolutely brilliant. It anticipates your needs better than most luxury brands' transmissions, downshifting just as you're about to need power and holding gears through corners in a way that makes you feel connected to the machinery.
I remember taking one particular test drive along California's Pacific Coast Highway. The winding sections near Big Sur revealed the chassis' incredible balance. The electric power steering provides just enough feedback to let you know what the front tires are doing without transmitting every minor road imperfection. Body roll is minimal - I'd estimate about 15-20% less than competitors like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camira of the same model year. The suspension manages that magic trick of being firm enough for enthusiastic driving while remaining compliant over broken pavement. It's that same quality Uichico described - giving maximum effort even when conditions aren't perfect.
What really surprised me during my week with the 2016 model was the fuel efficiency. Mazda claimed 28 mpg city and 40 highway, but in mixed driving I consistently achieved around 32 mpg without even trying to be efficient. The i-ELOOP regenerative braking system, while not exclusive to Mazda, is implemented more seamlessly here than in any other vehicle I've tested. It captures kinetic energy during deceleration to power electrical systems, reducing alternator load and improving efficiency by what I'd estimate to be about 3-5% in real-world conditions.
The interior deserves special mention because this is where you spend all your time. Mazda's infotainment system uses a rotary controller rather than touchscreen, which initially had me skeptical. But after about 200 miles of driving, I became a convert. It's far less distracting than reaching for a screen, and the interface is logically organized. The seats provide excellent lateral support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable enough for my 6-hour drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Cargo space measures 14.8 cubic feet - not class-leading but more than adequate for most family needs.
Safety features were particularly impressive for a 2016 model year vehicle. The optional i-Activsense package included smart city brake support that actually prevented a low-speed collision when a pedestrian stepped out between parked cars. The system reacted faster than I could, and while I probably would have stopped in time, it was reassuring to have that backup. The blind spot monitoring system had a wider detection range than most systems I've tested, picking up vehicles that were still three car lengths back in adjacent lanes.
Here's my controversial opinion - the 2016-2017 Mazda 6 Sport represents the peak of this generation. Later models added more sound deadening that slightly diminished the driving connection, and the interior changes, while more upscale, lost some of the driver-focused simplicity that made this car special. It's like that athlete who trains perfectly for one season - everything comes together in that golden moment before inevitable compromises creep in.
After driving nearly every midsize sedan on the market during that model cycle, I kept coming back to the Mazda 6 Sport. It delivered about 92% of the driving pleasure of more expensive sport sedans while costing thousands less and offering superior reliability. The design has aged remarkably well too - when I see one on the road today, it still looks contemporary and handsome. That's the mark of thoughtful design rather than chasing trends.
In the end, what makes the 2016-2017 Mazda 6 Sport special isn't any single feature or specification number. It's the complete package - the way all the elements work together to create a driving experience that's both engaging and practical. It's that rare vehicle that understands driving should be enjoyable, not just transportation. Like those players giving their utmost regardless of circumstances, this car always delivers its best, making even mundane commutes something to look forward to. That's a quality you can't measure on a spec sheet, but you feel it every time you turn the key.