The Mazda 6 was introduced in Mazda’s lineup as a sedan, wagon, or hatchback option in 2003 and remained popular through it’s final year of sale in 2021. Mazda vehicles are known for their unique styling and the Mazda6 also has the features consumers expect from today’s cars, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Mazda 6?
The Mazda 6 has a towing capacity of 3,306 to 3,527 pounds.
There’s a bit more to know about Mazda 6 towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2021 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the Mazda 6 can tow a maximum of 3,527 lbs when properly equipped.
It’s important to note that Mazda USA states that the Mazda 6 is not recommended for towing, but also lists the Mazda 6 as towing-capable in other countries where it is sold.
For those reasons, we’ll be referring to Mazda’s stated towing capacities on the 6 for other countries throughout this guide.
| Mazda 6 Trim Level | Engine | Axle Ratio | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| Sport | 2.5L I-4 | 4.09 | 187 hp | 186 lb.-ft | 3527 lb / 1600 kg |
| Touring | 2.5L I-4 | 4.09 | 187 hp | 186 lb.-ft | 3527 lb / 1600 kg |
| Grand Touring | 2.5L Turbo I-4 | 4.325 | 250 hp | 320 lb.-ft | 3527 lb / 1600 kg |
| Grand Touring Reserve | 2.5L Turbo I-4 | 4.325 | 250 hp | 320 lb.-ft | 3527 lb / 1600 kg |
| Carbon Edition | 2.5L Turbo I-4 | 4.325 | 250 hp | 320 lb.-ft | 3527 lb / 1600 kg |
| Signature | 2.5L Turbo I-4 | 4.325 | 250 hp | 320 lb.-ft | 3527 lb / 1600 kg |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Mazda 6 Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Mazda 6 Braked Towing Capacity: 3,527 lbs.
Mazda 6 Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Mazda 6 Towing Capacity Factors
As we covered earlier, the fact of whether your Mazda 6 is of a certain trim level or body style (sedan, hatchback, wagon, or liftback) will not affect the max towing capability.
Mazda 6 Engine Specs
The Sport and Touring trim levels of the Mazda 6 have a 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4 cylinder gas engine that’s paired with a six speed automatic transmission that includes a manual shift and Sport mode.
This engine offers a max 187 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft of torque.
The Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, Carbon Edition, and Signature trim levels offer a turbocharged 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4 cylinder engine that has 250 hp and 320 lb.-ft of torque.
Mazda 6 Tow Packages
Does The Mazda 6 Have A Tow Package?
Mazda did not offer a towing package or factory-installed tow hitch for the 6, so you’ll need to install one yourself.
In fact, it’s important to note that Mazda itself actually states in the vehicle’s owner’s manual for most years of the Mazda 6 sold in USA that this vehicle is not designed to tow anything!
However, most Mazda dealers in other countries and towing experts here in USA will tell you that you can tow up to 3,527 lbs when it’s properly equipped with a tow hitch.
You’ll also need to install a wiring harness that allows the trailer’s brake lights and turning signals to light up in sync with your vehicle.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Mazda 6?
If you plan on towing anything with your Mazda 6, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Mazda 6 Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Mazda 6 fits a Class 1, 2, or 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Mazda 6 Class 1 trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 1 hitch package is rated for 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. Add versatile towing options to your vehicle with this class 1 trailer hitch. It provides a standard, square 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch and comes with a ball mount with a 3/4-inch ball hole to connect a small trailer
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this tow hitch is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 1 hitch kit fits select model years of the Mazda 6
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 1 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specifications for safety on the road ahead
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your 6:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Mazda 6 Tow Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your 6, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Mazda 6 trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With Mazda 6?
The Mazda 6 does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame-mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Mazda 6 Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your 6 to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your 6.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2020 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2020 Mazda 6 had the same 3,527 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as the 2021.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
2019 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2019 Mazda 6 had the same 3,527 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as the 2020-2021 model years.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
2018 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2019 Mazda 6 had the same 3,527 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as the 2019-2021 model years.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
2017 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2017 Mazda 6 had the same 3,527 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as the 2018-2021 model years.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
2016 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2016 Mazda 6 had the same 3,527 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as the 2017-2021 model years.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
2015 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2015 Mazda 6 had the same 3,527 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as the 2016-2021 model years.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
2014 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2015 Mazda 6 had the same 3,527 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as the 2015-2021 model years.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
2013 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2013 Mazda 6 had the same 3,527 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as the 2014-2021 model years.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
2012 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2012 Mazda 6 had the same 3,527 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as the 2013-2021 model years.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
2011 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2011 Mazda 6 has a towing capacity of 3,307 pounds across all body styles and trim levels.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,307 lbs / 1,500 kg |
2010 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2010 Mazda 6 has a towing capacity of 3,307 pounds across all body styles and trim levels.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,307 lbs / 1,500 kg |
2009 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2009 Mazda 6 has a towing capacity of 3,307 pounds across all body styles and trim levels.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,307 lbs / 1,500 kg |
2008 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2008 Mazda 6 has a towing capacity of 3,307 pounds across all body styles and trim levels.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,307 lbs / 1,500 kg |
20007 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2007 Mazda 6 has a towing capacity of 3,307 pounds across all body styles and trim levels.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,307 lbs / 1,500 kg |
2006 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2006 Mazda 6 has a towing capacity of 3,307 pounds across all body styles and trim levels.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,307 lbs / 1,500 kg |
2005 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2005 Mazda 6 has a towing capacity of 3,307 pounds across all body styles and trim levels.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,307 lbs / 1,500 kg |
2004 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2004 Mazda 6 has a towing capacity of 3,307 pounds across all body styles and trim levels.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,307 lbs / 1,500 kg |
2003 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2003 Mazda 6 has a towing capacity of 3,307 pounds across all body styles and trim levels.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,307 lbs / 1,500 kg |
2002 Mazda 6 Towing Capacity
The 2002 Mazda 6 has a towing capacity of 3,307 pounds across all body styles and trim levels.
| Mazda 6 Body Type & Trim Level | Maximum Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum Braked Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,609 lbs / 730 kg | 3,307 lbs / 1,500 kg |
