2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring: A Detailed Look

Hey car enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into the 2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, a car that really shook things up in its segment. This wasn't just another mid-size sedan; Mazda really aimed for a premium feel without the premium price tag, and for the most part, they nailed it. If you're looking for a car that balances style, driving dynamics, and a decent amount of tech, the Grand Touring trim of the 2017 Mazda 6 is definitely worth your attention. We're going to break down what makes this car special, from its stunning exterior design to the luxurious interior and the tech that keeps you connected and safe. So, buckle up, grab your favorite beverage, and let's get into the nitty-gritty of this fantastic machine.

The Exquisite Exterior Design

The Mazda 6 2017 Grand Touring is a real head-turner, guys. Mazda's Kodo design language, which means "Soul of Motion," is on full display here, and it's just gorgeous. From the moment you see it, you notice the sleek, flowing lines that give it an almost liquid-like appearance. The signature grille, with its chrome accents, gives the front end a bold and sophisticated look that's instantly recognizable as a Mazda. The headlights are sharp and modern, often featuring LED technology that not only looks cool but also improves visibility. Move along the side, and you'll see how the body panels are sculpted to catch the light, creating dynamic shadows and highlights. It’s a design that feels more European luxury car than mainstream sedan. The roofline slopes elegantly towards the rear, contributing to its sporty profile without sacrificing too much rear headroom. Even the wheels on the Grand Touring trim are usually something special, often 19-inch alloy wheels with a design that complements the car's athletic stance. The rear end is just as well-executed, with slim taillights that echo the design of the headlights and a neatly integrated bumper. The overall impression is one of refinement, sportiness, and a level of design sophistication that was pretty rare in this class back in 2017. It’s a car that looks good from every angle, and it holds up incredibly well even by today's standards. The attention to detail is phenomenal, from the way the doors feel when you open and close them to the precise fit and finish of every panel. This isn't just a car; it's a piece of rolling art, and the Grand Touring trim really accentuates that with its premium styling cues.

A Cabin That Exudes Luxury

Now, let's talk about stepping inside the Mazda 6 2017 Grand Touring, because this is where things get really impressive for its class. Mazda really outdid themselves with the interior, aiming for a premium feel that genuinely rivals some luxury brands. The first thing you'll notice is the quality of the materials. We're talking about soft-touch plastics, genuine leather upholstery, and tasteful wood trim or metallic accents, depending on the specific package. The seats are supremely comfortable and supportive, making long road trips a breeze. The driver's seat often comes with power adjustments and even lumbar support, ensuring you can find that perfect driving position. The layout of the dashboard is clean, intuitive, and driver-focused. Everything is exactly where you'd expect it to be, minimizing distractions. The instrument cluster is clear and easy to read, with a central tachometer and speedometer that give it a sporty feel. The infotainment system, usually a 7-inch touchscreen, is responsive and user-friendly. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of the latest systems, it handles navigation, audio, and phone connectivity effectively. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto weren't standard back then, but the Bluetooth connectivity is solid for calls and streaming music. The sound system, often a Bose premium audio setup on the Grand Touring, delivers crisp and clear sound, making your commute or weekend drive much more enjoyable. The cabin is also impressively quiet, thanks to excellent sound deadening. You’ll notice a distinct lack of road noise and wind noise, allowing for comfortable conversations or just enjoying your music. Even the rear seats are surprisingly spacious, offering good legroom and headroom for passengers. The overall ambiance inside the 2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring is one of understated elegance and comfort. It’s a place you’ll actually want to spend time in, whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a cross-country adventure. It truly feels like a special place, far removed from the typical plastic-heavy interiors of many competitors.

Performance and Driving Dynamics: The Mazda Way

When you think Mazda, you think driving dynamics, and the Mazda 6 2017 Grand Touring absolutely delivers on this front. Under the hood, you'll typically find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces around 184 horsepower. Now, that might not sound like a ton on paper compared to some rivals, but Mazda knows how to make a small engine feel potent and engaging. The engine is paired with either a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission or, if you're lucky and find one, a six-speed manual. The real magic happens when you start driving. Mazda's SKYACTIV technology is all about optimizing every aspect of the vehicle for efficiency and performance. This means the engine has a high compression ratio for better power and fuel economy, and the chassis is lightweight yet strong. The steering is precise and communicative, feeding you just enough information about what the front wheels are doing. It’s a stark contrast to the numb steering found in many other sedans. The suspension is tuned brilliantly, offering a fantastic balance between a comfortable ride and sporty handling. You can tackle twisty roads with confidence, feeling the car grip and respond eagerly to your inputs. It doesn't feel floaty or disconnected like some competitors; instead, it feels planted and agile. Even in everyday driving, the ride quality is excellent, absorbing bumps and imperfections with ease. The brakes are also responsive and provide good stopping power. While it might not be the fastest car in a straight line, the way the 2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring handles corners and feels connected to the road is truly its strong suit. It makes even mundane drives feel a bit more exciting, which is a rare treat in the sedan segment. It’s a car that encourages you to take the scenic route, just to enjoy the drive itself. Mazda engineers clearly put a lot of thought and effort into making this car fun to drive, and it shows.

Advanced Technology and Safety Features

For 2017, the Mazda 6 Grand Touring came equipped with a solid suite of technology and safety features that were quite advanced for the time, making it a smart choice for safety-conscious buyers and tech lovers alike. The infotainment system, usually controlled via a 7-inch touchscreen or a commander control knob on the center console, is the heart of the car's tech. It includes features like Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB and auxiliary input jacks, and an available navigation system. While it predates widespread adoption of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the interface is generally intuitive and easy to use. The available Bose premium audio system is a standout feature, offering rich sound quality that enhances the driving experience. On the safety front, Mazda really stepped up. The Grand Touring trim often included advanced safety technologies like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. These systems act as vigilant co-pilots, helping to prevent accidents by alerting you to potential hazards you might have missed. Adaptive front lighting, which swivels the headlights to illuminate curves as you steer, was also an available option and a really cool feature for nighttime driving. Furthermore, the 2017 Mazda 6 achieved excellent safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA, thanks to its strong body structure and a comprehensive array of airbags. Features like a rearview camera, stability control, and traction control were standard across the lineup, providing a solid foundation of active safety. The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) was another innovative feature, capable of automatically applying the brakes if a frontal collision is imminent at lower speeds. This collection of technology and safety features in the Grand Touring trim really cemented the 2017 Mazda 6 as a safe, secure, and modern vehicle that offered peace of mind to its owners, proving that you don't need to break the bank for cutting-edge safety and convenient tech.

The Verdict: Is the 2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring Still a Great Buy?

So, wrapping things up, is the 2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring still a relevant and great car to consider today? Absolutely, guys! For anyone looking for a used sedan that offers a compelling mix of sophisticated styling, a premium interior, engaging driving dynamics, and a solid set of features, it's hard to beat. It stands out from the crowd with its elegant Kodo design, which still looks fresh and modern. The cabin offers a level of refinement and comfort that punches well above its weight class, making it an excellent choice for daily commuting or longer journeys. The driving experience is where the Mazda 6 truly shines; it’s fun to drive, responsive, and feels connected to the road in a way that many competitors simply don't. Plus, the safety features and technology available on the Grand Touring trim provide that extra layer of confidence and convenience. When you factor in the strong reliability ratings Mazda generally achieves, the 2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring represents a fantastic value on the used car market. It’s a car that proves you can have style, comfort, and driving pleasure without compromising on practicality. If you're in the market for a mid-size sedan that feels a bit more special than the average offering, definitely put the 2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring at the top of your list. You won't be disappointed by its blend of sophistication and driving fun.