Mazda 6 2017 Grand Touring: Specs & Features
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into a ride that really hit the sweet spot for many car enthusiasts: the Mazda 6 2017 Grand Touring. If you're looking for a sedan that blends sophisticated style with engaging driving dynamics and a heap of premium features, then this is the car you've probably been eyeing or maybe even already own. Mazda has a reputation for making cars that are genuinely fun to drive, even in their more mainstream models, and the 2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring is a prime example of that philosophy. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about enjoying the journey, and this particular trim level really ramps up the experience. We're going to break down what makes this car tick, from its performance chops to its interior comforts and all the tech goodies packed inside. So, buckle up, guys, because we're about to explore everything you need to know about this fantastic machine.
Performance and Handling: The Zoom-Zoom Factor
Let's kick things off with what Mazda is arguably most famous for: the driving experience. The Mazda 6 2017 Grand Touring comes standard with a peppy 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Now, it might not have the horsepower figures that’ll blow your socks off compared to some rivals, but trust me, it’s more than capable. We're talking about 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. What this means in the real world is smooth acceleration for daily commutes, confident merging onto highways, and a generally responsive feel that makes driving less of a chore and more of a pleasure. Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology plays a huge role here. It’s not just about the engine; it’s a holistic approach to engineering that focuses on improving fuel efficiency and performance through lightweight construction, optimized engine design, and precise transmission tuning. Speaking of transmissions, the 2017 Grand Touring typically came with a choice between a six-speed manual (for the purists!) or a six-speed automatic. While many modern cars are pushing towards more gears or CVTs, Mazda’s six-speed auto is known for its quick, decisive shifts that mimic a manual transmission more closely than many others, contributing to that engaging feel.
But where the Mazda 6 Grand Touring truly shines is in its handling. This is where the Mazda 6 2017 Grand Touring sets itself apart from a lot of its competitors in the mid-size sedan segment. Mazda engineers really focused on the chassis and suspension tuning. You get a beautifully balanced ride that feels planted and composed, whether you're navigating winding back roads or cruising down the highway. The steering is precise and communicative, giving you confidence to place the car exactly where you want it. It’s this combination of a willing engine and superb handling that gives the Mazda 6 its signature “Zoom-Zoom” character. It feels more athletic and agile than you’d expect from a family sedan, making everyday driving feel a bit more special. Even when you’re just running errands, you’ll find yourself looking forward to those turns. Plus, with features like G-Vectoring Control (GVC) – introduced in some later models and potentially present or hinted at in the 2017 lineup – Mazda actively works to smooth out cornering forces, further enhancing both driver comfort and vehicle control. It’s this attention to detail in the driving dynamics that makes the Mazda 6 Grand Touring a standout choice for those who appreciate a car that’s as enjoyable to pilot as it is practical.
Interior Comfort and Design: A Premium Experience
Moving inside the Mazda 6 2017 Grand Touring, you’ll quickly notice that Mazda didn’t skimp on the premium feel, especially in this top-tier trim. This is where the Grand Touring designation really earns its keep. First off, the seats are a highlight. You get leather-trimmed upholstery standard, and they’re not just any leather seats; they’re designed for comfort during longer drives. The driver’s seat often includes 8-way power adjustability with power lumbar support, allowing you to find that perfect driving position with ease. Heated front seats are also a standard feature, which is a godsend during those chilly mornings. The overall cabin design is clean, elegant, and driver-focused. Mazda has a knack for creating interiors that feel more upscale than their price point might suggest. The materials used are generally soft-touch and well-assembled, minimizing rattles and squeaks that can plague less well-built cars. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with physical buttons and knobs for essential functions like climate control and audio volume, which many drivers still prefer over purely touch-based systems. This thoughtful ergonomics means you can adjust things without taking your eyes off the road for too long.
One of the defining characteristics of the Mazda 6's interior is its quietness. Mazda put a significant effort into sound deadening for the 2017 model year, making the cabin a serene sanctuary from the outside world. This makes for a more relaxed driving experience, whether you’re on a long road trip or just stuck in traffic. The Mazda 6 2017 Grand Touring also boasts a good amount of passenger space. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom for adults, making it a comfortable choice for families or for carrying friends. The trunk is also generously sized, offering plenty of space for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. The rear seats can typically be folded down in a 60/40 split, further enhancing the cargo versatility. Beyond the comfort, the aesthetic is refined. The Grand Touring trim often came with unique interior accents, like specific wood trim or stitching patterns, adding a touch of sophistication. The infotainment system, while perhaps not the most cutting-edge by today’s standards, was user-friendly, featuring a central display screen and the Mazda Connect controller knob located conveniently between the front seats. This setup allows for easy navigation of menus for audio, phone, and navigation functions without being overly distracting. In essence, the interior of the Mazda 6 2017 Grand Touring provides a refined and comfortable environment that punches above its weight class, making every drive a more enjoyable and premium affair.
Technology and Safety: Smart Features for Peace of Mind
When you're looking at the Mazda 6 2017 Grand Touring, you're not just getting a car that drives well and feels luxurious; you're also getting a solid package of technology and safety features that were quite advanced for its time. Mazda equipped this trim level with a suite of amenities designed to enhance convenience, connectivity, and, most importantly, safety. Let's talk tech first. The infotainment system, Mazda Connect, typically featured a 7-inch touchscreen display. While 7 inches might seem small compared to the giant screens in cars today, it was a good size for 2017 and offered clear visuals. It integrated features like AM/FM/SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and often included navigation as part of the Grand Touring package. The control knob for Mazda Connect, located on the center console, was a standout feature, allowing for intuitive operation of most functions while minimizing driver distraction. This smart design is something Mazda has continued to refine over the years.
Beyond entertainment and navigation, the Mazda 6 2017 Grand Touring came loaded with safety technologies that provided drivers with an extra layer of confidence. Many models were equipped with the i-ACTIVSENSE package, which is Mazda’s comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. This often included features like: Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots; Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), extremely useful when backing out of parking spaces; Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), an automatic emergency braking system designed to help mitigate low-speed collisions; and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), which alerts you if you unintentionally drift out of your lane. Some advanced adaptive cruise control systems might also have been available, helping to maintain a set distance from the car ahead. These features weren't just gimmicks; they were genuinely helpful in everyday driving scenarios, actively working to prevent accidents or reduce their severity. The car also received excellent safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA, a testament to its robust construction and the effectiveness of its safety systems. For instance, it often earned the coveted TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation from the IIHS, signifying superior performance in crash tests and advanced front crash prevention. The combination of a well-built chassis, multiple airbags, and these advanced electronic aids made the Mazda 6 2017 Grand Touring a very safe vehicle for you and your passengers. It’s this thoughtful integration of technology, both for convenience and safety, that makes the Grand Touring model such a compelling package.
What Makes the Grand Touring Trim Special?
So, why choose the Mazda 6 2017 Grand Touring over other Mazda 6 trims like the Sport or Touring? Well, the Grand Touring designation is all about getting the most premium experience Mazda had to offer in this model for 2017. It’s the top-of-the-line trim, meaning it comes equipped with almost every bell and whistle available for the Mazda 6. As we’ve touched upon, this includes the full leather interior with heated front seats and the 8-way power driver’s seat with memory functions. You also often get LED fog lights and adaptive front lighting (AFS), which adjusts the headlights’ aim to better illuminate corners as you turn, improving visibility at night. The exterior might also feature unique wheel designs specific to the Grand Touring trim, giving it a more distinguished look compared to lower trims. Inside, beyond the leather, you might find premium materials and finishes, perhaps even some subtle wood trim accents that add to the sophisticated ambiance. The navigation system was typically standard on the Grand Touring, whereas it might have been an option or unavailable on lower trims. The i-ACTIVSENSE safety suite, which includes features like Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Smart City Brake Support, was also often standard or more comprehensively included on the Grand Touring. This means you’re getting the most advanced safety and convenience technologies right out of the box. Essentially, the Grand Touring trim is for the buyer who wants it all – the best engine and handling the Mazda 6 offers, coupled with the most luxurious interior and the most advanced tech and safety features available. It’s the complete package, designed to deliver a premium driving experience without the premium price tag of a luxury brand vehicle. If you’re looking for a Mazda 6 2017 Grand Touring, you’re aiming for that top-tier feel and all the associated benefits. It represents the pinnacle of the Mazda 6 lineup for that model year, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and technology that’s hard to beat in its class.
