Used 2021 Mazda MAZDA6 for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Mazda MAZDA6 cost?

Prices have softened 3.38% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 169 listings available, which suggests a modest but workable amount of inventory for shoppers.

Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA6 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Mazda MAZDA6 earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel, Performance, and Safety.

It stands out as a stylish, high-quality midsize sedan that puts driving enjoyment ahead of the usual family-car formula. The cabin and exterior are described as premium and distinctive, and the car is especially appealing if you value a satisfying steering feel and a genuinely fun drive.

The main trade-offs are that all-wheel drive is not available and the technology is outdated. Even so, it remains a strong fit if you want a four-door family car that feels more engaging than most rivals.

Only 37.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market is somewhat selective rather than deeply discounted.

Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA6 reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The Mazda6 is described as a well-built, high-quality sedan that Mazda equips generously rather than relying on gimmicks. Its safety and driving dynamics also support confidence in everyday use, and the expert review notes that the car remains smooth, accurate, and predictable in operation.

The performance tuning emphasizes a natural, engaging feel, and the safety systems are comprehensive across the lineup. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about basic competence and more about living with an older design and its aging technology.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Mazda MAZDA6?

At 60.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a careful pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had bodywork or any prior collision repair. Focus on panel alignment, paint consistency, tire wear, and how the car drives at low and highway speeds.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sport and Touring use a 186-horsepower Skyactiv 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the rest get a turbocharged 250-hp version of that powerplant. The base setup is simpler, while higher trims add more luxury and convenience equipment, with the Signature bringing the most upscale cabin materials and features.
• Powertrain: Most versions use a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. A six-speed automatic sends power to the front wheels, and all-wheel drive is not available.
• Safety package: Every 2021 Mazda6 includes i-Activesense with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Grand Touring Reserve adds adaptive headlights, a wiper de-icer system, and an Active Driving Display, while Signature adds driver-attention alert, traffic-sign recognition, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, and front and rear parking sensors.
• Infotainment: The Mazda6 uses an 8-inch screen and includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, internet radio, text-messaging support, and E911 automatic emergency notification. Grand Touring and higher add wireless Apple CarPlay, while Android Auto remains wired.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbocharged version gets 26 mpg in combined driving, and testing returned 26.1 mpg.

Which 2021 Mazda MAZDA6 trim should I buy?

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA6 is offered in 6 trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, Carbon Edition, and Signature.

Here's the short version:

• Sport: This is the entry point if you want the Mazda6’s style and driving character at the lowest price. It gives you the core experience, but it is the trim most likely to feel lightest on luxury and convenience features.
• Touring: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it keeps the Mazda6’s appealing driving feel while adding more everyday comfort and equipment than the Sport.
• Grand Touring: This is the trim to consider if you want a more polished tech and comfort experience, including wireless Apple CarPlay and the Bose premium audio system.
• Grand Touring Reserve: This is the step up if you want the stronger turbocharged setup plus added safety and convenience features such as adaptive headlights, a wiper de-icer, and the Active Driving Display.
• Carbon Edition: This is the style-focused pick, with exclusive Polymetal Gray paint, red leather and contrast stitching, and black metallic wheels. It is based on the Grand Touring Reserve, so it comes well equipped.
• Signature: This is the luxury-leaning choice, with premium Nappa leather, genuine Sen wood trim, and the most complete feature set in the lineup.

The safety package starts with i-Activesense on every trim, while Grand Touring Reserve and Signature add extra driver-assistance and visibility features.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Mazda MAZDA6?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have some room to shop carefully without expecting huge discounts everywhere.

• Deal availability: 37.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 169 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.38% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 60.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $18,811, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA6's resale value?

The current average of $19,442 sits slightly below last year's $20,122.

That softer pricing suggests the model has already moved through some of its depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price. Because the market is not overheated, resale value will likely depend more on condition, mileage, and trim than on broad demand spikes.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA6 safe?

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA6 earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and five-star ratings from NHTSA in nearly every assessment.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Mazda’s i-Activesense suite is standard and includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims add adaptive headlights, a wiper de-icer, an Active Driving Display, driver-attention alert, traffic-sign recognition, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, and front and rear parking sensors.

One caveat is that the system does not include lane-centering, which some rivals offer.

Should I buy a 2021 Mazda MAZDA6 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 37.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 60.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.38% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 stands out for its stylish design, engaging driving feel, premium interior materials, and strong safety tech.

The bottom line: If you want a used midsize sedan that feels more upscale and more enjoyable to drive than most rivals, the 2021 Mazda MAZDA6 is a smart target year. If you are shopping primarily on price and want the broadest selection, you can still compare nearby years, but the 2021 offers a compelling mix of value, style, and driving enjoyment.

How does the 2021 Mazda MAZDA6 compare to the 2021 Honda Accord?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Mazda MAZDA6:

• Pros: Stylish design, Fun to drive, Premium interior materials.
• Cons: All-wheel drive not available, Outdated technology.

2021 Honda Accord:

• Pros: Stylish design, Great handling, Spacious.
• Cons: All-wheel drive not available, Outdated technology.

Our experts score the 2021 Mazda MAZDA6 8/10 and the 2021 Honda Accord 9.2/10. The Mazda6 leans harder into style and a premium-feeling cabin, while the Accord brings a higher expert score, stronger practicality, and more space. If you care most about driving enjoyment and interior ambiance, the Mazda6 is appealing; if you want the more well-rounded sedan, the Accord has the edge.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.