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Review
2026 Mazda 6e Atenza review
David Toscano
August 28, 2026
The Mazda 6e electric sedan arrives at a critical time for the Japanese brand in Australia as it looks to withstand the emergence of new Chinese brands. With EV sales growing quickly, Mazda finally has a strong option for buyers looking to make the switch.
Together with the upcoming Mazda CX-6e SUV, the 2026 Mazda 6e family sedan finally gives the Japanese carmaker something it has lacked until now: a credible EV offering capable of competing with the top-selling electric vehicle brands, namely BYD and Tesla.
To get here, the Mazda 6e has taken a different path to other models in Mazda’s showrooms. Developed through the brand’s long-standing joint venture with Changan in China, the 6e shares its underpinnings with vehicles produced by Chinese brand Deepal. So, it’s not a ‘pure’ Mazda in the traditional sense.
While that may matter to some brand loyalists, the partnership has enabled Mazda to bring a far more competitive and affordable EV to market than it probably could have developed alone.
For most buyers, though, the more important question is simple: is it a good car and value for money?
After spending time with the top-spec Atenza grade, the answer is largely yes. While it isn’t perfect and there are some notable compromises, the Mazda 6e combines standout design, impressive cabin presentation and a comfortable driving experience at a very attractive price.
How much does the Mazda 6e cost and how does it compare?
The 2026 Mazda 6e range opens with the entry-level GT (priced from $49,990 plus on-road costs) before stepping up to the Atenza tested here, which starts at $52,990 plus ORCs. Power for the Atenza comes from a 190kW rear-mounted electric motor paired with a 78kWh battery.
This sees the Mazda 6e Atenza undercut the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD (from $54,900 plus ORCs) and match the BYD Seal Premium dollar-for-dollar (from $52,990 plus ORCs). The Kia EV4 also figures in this equation, starting from $49,990 for the base Air variant and $59,190 for the longer-range mid-tier Earth (both plus ORCs).
Standard equipment on the Atenza is generous and includes a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10.2-inch digital instrument display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, tri-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, 14-speaker Sony premium audio system, 360-degree camera with see-through view and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies.
Equipped with a CCS Type-2 charging port, the Mazda 6e is capable of DC charging from 30 to 80 per cent in as little as 15 minutes, according to Mazda, and offers a claimed driving range of up to 560km on a single charge, based on the WLTP standard.
The Mazda 6e Atenza cabin feels more expensive than the price tag suggests.
Mazda 6e drivers are forced to rely heavily on the centre touchscreen.
Rear seat space is not as generous as the Mazda 6e dimensions suggest.
The cargo area for the Mazda 6e is also not as spacious as you might expect in a family sedan.
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What is the Mazda 6e like inside and out?
While beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder, design is arguably the 2026 Mazda 6e’s biggest strength.
A sweeping roofline, distinctive lighting, attractive 19-inch wheels and liftback rear end help it stand out from the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal. It’s also a design that appeals to a broad audience. Everyone I showed the vehicle to commented positively on its styling (no doubt helped by Mazda’s much-loved Soul Red paint), and it’s easy to understand why it was named the 2026 World Car Design of the Year.
The long bonnet and front-end fascia also help the 6e look familiar to buyers transitioning from a conventional petrol sedan compared to other EVs.
What’s surprising is just how big the 6e actually is. At 4.92 metres long, it’s longer than both the latest Toyota Camry and the last Australian-made Holden Commodore, yet it disguises its dimensions remarkably well – it never really feels as large as the measurements suggest.
Inside is where the 6e may surprise people most. The tan leather and faux suede trim, combined with the overall fit and finish, create an interior that just feels far more expensive than the price tag suggests. During testing, several people guessed the car was worth considerably more than its asking price, with estimates commonly landing in the $70-80K price range.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and at 5ft7in I found the driving position easy to settle into. Taller drivers may want to spend a little more time assessing legroom and headroom, though. The seating position is slightly higher than a traditional sedan and, combined with the low-slung roofline, could feel restrictive for some. The panoramic sunroof goes someway to delivering an airy feeling when opened.
The rear seat presents a similar story. Space is adequate for children and average-sized adults, but taller passengers may find toe room beneath the front seats somewhat limited. The rear seat base is also relatively flat, which may impact overall comfort on longer trips.
Cargo capacity is one area where the Mazda 6e falls short of expectations. According to Mazda, the rear boot offers 337 litres of storage, which feels modest for a family sedan of this size. In practice, the boot accommodated two suitcases and several carry-on bags during an airport drop-off, but families needing to carry lots of bulky cargo or shopping might be disappointed.
The liftback design improves boot access and usability (and it sure looks good in the process), while a 72-litre under-bonnet storage compartment adds useful space for charging equipment and compact everyday items. Like many EVs, the 6e does not come with a spare wheel.
The Mazda 6e Atenza offers a stable and predictable driving experience.
The Mazda 6e cuts a striking pose, drawing in onlookers with its appealing design.
The Mazda badge will be a big drawcard for many prospective Mazda 6e buyers.
Large 19-inch alloy wheels with Michelin tyres feature on the Mazda 6e Atenza.
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How does the Mazda 6e drive?
The 2026 Mazda 6e takes a comfort-first approach. Around town, it’s quiet, smooth and very easy to drive. Low-speed ride quality is particularly impressive. It’s a relaxing car to drive in busy city and suburban traffic, soaking up road imperfections without much fuss.
As speeds increase to highway and freeway levels, the suspension’s softer side comes to the fore. The vehicle remains stable and predictable, but there is a little more vertical body movement than most would expect from a Mazda styled this sporty.
Whether that’s a positive or negative largely depends on your expectations and driving style. Some long-time Mazda owners may miss the sharper dynamics traditionally associated with the brand. Others will likely appreciate the comfortable driving character that pairs well with the instant and quiet electric drivetrain.
Performance follows a similar theme. The 6e certainly isn’t one of the quickest EVs available; in fact, it’s significantly less spritely than the Model 3 on paper. But the Mazda doesn’t feel particularly underpowered and the moderate output for an EV suits its relaxed nature. There’s more than enough power on tap for everyday driving, whether that’s navigating city traffic, merging onto freeways or overtaking on regional roads.
Like many new vehicles, and particularly EVs, the Mazda 6e frustratingly places significant reliance on its central touchscreen. Tasks such as adjusting the mirrors or changing climate settings require navigating on-screen menus, meaning simple adjustments are often best left until you’ve completely stopped, such as at the lights.
The voice control system helps in some situations, but it proved inconsistent during testing and its functionality felt pretty limited. There is a learning curve to mastering the 6e’s controls – owners will likely become more confident as they spend more time with the car.
The Mazda 6e Atenza delivers a comfortable ride, but lacks the dynamic performance often associated with Mazda cars.
How safe is the Mazda 6e?
Safety is a strong point for the 2026 Mazda 6e, with the electric sedan earning a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2025 testing protocols.
It achieved a 93 per cent score for adult occupant protection, with both side impact and far-side impact tests receiving maximum points. Child occupant protection also scored 93 per cent, achieving maximum points for child restraint installation and dynamic testing in both front and side impact scenarios.
A high-resolution 360-degree camera system, clear parking cameras and parking sensors make manoeuvring and reverse parking straightforward, helping to reduce some of the intimidation that can come with driving a low-slung, larger sedan at a time when most buyers are gravitating towards SUVs with superior visibility.
On the road, the comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) provides an additional layer of protection, although like we’ve found in many new vehicles some systems proved overzealous during testing, generating more alerts and audible interventions than really necessary and need further finetuning in an over-the-air (OTA) update. Most of these systems can be adjusted or switched off through the vehicle’s settings menu.
Alongside the upcoming CX-6e SUV, the 2026 Mazda 6e is in many ways the affordable and aspirational EV the brand has been missing.
It does come with compromises. The 337-litre boot is small, taller passengers will likely find front and rear cabin space tight, and the infotainment system should be easier to use. The reliance on touchscreen controls to undertake basic tasks might be dealbreakers for those less tech-savvy.
Those faults, however, are balanced by award-winning design, impressive interior materials and strong value overall, plus the reassurance of Mazda’s extensive dealer and service network across Australia. For buyers considering their first EV, that support network may be just as important as the car itself compared to emerging Chinese brands.
At this keen price, the 6e Atenza deserves a test drive if you’re looking for an electric sedan.
2026 Mazda CX-6e SUV first look | 🔎 RACV car reviews video
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
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