The mid-size sedan market is no longer what it used to be. With SUVs being the popular sub-2 million choice for most consumers, the mid-size sedan has been slightly overshadowed in the showrooms. Still, that hasn't stopped automakers from stepping up their offerings by adding features and amenities that justify their premium price tags.

Topping the sales charts in this segment is the Toyota Camry and fresh from a minor model change last year. With its slant towards luxury, the Camry is as close as one can get to experiencing a Lexus. At the opposite end, the Mazda 6 injects sportiness to an otherwise plush segment. Also coming from an update, the 6 is gunning for the executive who wants a sporty drive. For this episode of head to head, we take a look at two different interpretations of the good old executive sedan.


On this episode of head to head pits two mid-size sedans, the plush Toyota Camry and the sporty Mazda 6. Let's take a look at these premium sedans and what they have to offer.

Being bigger cars, one can expect bigger than usual engines providing power. In the Camry, it gets a 2.5 liter, inline four engine with Dual VVT-i in the G to V models. For those variants, it puts out 178 PS and 231 Nm of torque. The most powerful engine available in the Camry is a 3.5 liter, V6 engine that pumps out 277 PS and 346 Nm of torque. Moving to the Mazda 6, it too has two engine options available. Standard models are powered by a 2.5 liter, inline four with SkyActiv technology with an output of 188 PS and 250 Nm of torque. Instead of a V6, the Mazda 6 offers a 2.2 liter, turbodiesel as its top of the line engine. With SkyActiv-D tech, the diesel Mazda 6 puts out 175 PS and 450 Nm of torque.

Both use six-speed automatic transmissions with manual shift mode. Typical in this segment, the Mazda 6 and Toyota Camry are front wheel drive. Mazda 6 uses MacPherson Struts in front and a multi-link set up at the rear. Toyota Camry also uses MacPherson Struts in front but utilizes dual-link struts for the rear.

Stepping inside, the Mazda 6 boasts a sporty interior with a hint of luxury. In tune with its sporting theme, the cabin features a wraparound dashboard with leather trim and stitching. In tune with the sporting theme, it also gets thick bolstered seats with extra side support plus a thick-rimmed three spoke steering wheel trimmed in leather. Three hooded dials make up the Mazda 6's instrument cluster and also houses the car's multi-information display. Air conditioning is provided by a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The rear passengers meanwhile get their own air conditioning vents for extra comfort. Depending on which exterior color is chosen, the interior leather is either black or white.

The Toyota Camry meanwhile is slanted towards luxury with wood trim, leather and padded surfaces throughout the interior. While the entry-level Camry gets fabric seats, the rest of the lineup gets leather as standard. It too gets air conditioning for the rear passengers and, in the 2.5 V and V6 models, power reclining rear seats.


Also adding the upmarket feel of the Camry is a power rear windshield sunshade rear window sunshades and triple zone automatic climate control for 2.5 V and V6 models. Flipping down the armrest in higher trim lines reveals controls for the sunshade, audio, air conditioning and rear seats. Moving back to the driver's side, the instrument cluster has two large dials and a multi-information display on the center.

The Mazda 6 comes with a 7-inch LCD screen mounted on top of the dashboard. It can be controlled either by touching the screen or through a scroll wheel on the center console. Functions include CD, MP3, Auxiliary input, USB and Bluetooth. Also standard in the Mazda 6 is an 11 speaker audio system powered by Bose. In addition, the Mazda 6 also has a head-up display.

In the Toyota Camry, entry to mid-level models get a 2-DIN audio system with CD, MP3, WMA, Auxiliary input and USB. The higher trim levels get a touchscreen that includes all of the 2-DIN head unit's functions plus Bluetooth. Sound is channeled through six speakers across the range.

Refreshed last year, the Toyota Camry now has a revised front fascia. It now has a new shape headlights as well as a three-bar grill and reshaped hood. The bumper is also new following the model update and sees the foglights moving to the large air intake and a pair of smaller intakes at the corners of the front. Also updated are the tail lights and the addition of the S model line that adds a sportier mid-level variant to the lineup.

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