2018 Mazda6 Safety Review: An In-Depth Look at Its IIHS Top Safety Pick Achievement
Mazda6's Safety Milestone: Understanding the IIHS Recognition
The 2018 Mazda6 sedan earned significant recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), securing its Top Safety Pick award—the organization's second-highest honor. This achievement highlights Mazda's commitment to vehicle safety, though with important caveats regarding trim levels and optional equipment.
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Trim-Specific Safety Qualifications
The safety award applies exclusively to two premium trim levels:
- Grand Touring Reserve
- Signature
Both require the curve-adaptive LED headlights package to qualify. This specificity underscores the importance of carefully reviewing options when purchasing a used 2018 Mazda6 for maximum safety benefits.
Crash Test Performance: Where the Mazda6 Excelled
In rigorous IIHS testing, the 2018 Mazda6 demonstrated exceptional crashworthiness:
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Perfect Crash Test Scores
- Driver-side small overlap front: Good (highest rating)
- Moderate overlap front: Good
- Side impact: Good
- Roof strength: Good
- Head restraints: Good
- Passenger-side small overlap: Good
Advanced Crash Prevention
The Mazda6 earned a rating for its standard i-ACTIVSENSE safety suite, including:
- Smart City Brake Support (forward/reverse)
- Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keep Assist
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The Headlight Dilemma: Why It Missed Top Safety Pick Plus
Despite its stellar crash performance, the Mazda6 fell short of IIHS's highest honor due to:
Headlight Performance Ratings
- Optional curve-adaptive LEDs: Acceptable (second-tier rating)
- Base trims' halogen lights: Marginal (third-tier rating)
IIHS requires Good-rated headlights for Top Safety Pick Plus status—a standard achieved by competitors like the Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy. This distinction matters for nighttime safety, as IIHS research shows vehicles with Good-rated headlights have 19% fewer nighttime collisions.
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Competitive Landscape: How the Mazda6 Stacks Up
When compared to other 2018 midsize sedans with IIHS honors:
| Model | IIHS Award | Required Equipment | Headlight Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda6 | Top Safety Pick | GT Reserve/Signature + LEDs | Acceptable |
| Toyota Camry | Top Safety Pick Plus | XLE/XSE + Premium Pkg | Good |
| Subaru Legacy | Top Safety Pick Plus | Limited/3.6R + Eyesight | Good |
Key takeaway: While the Mazda6 offers comparable crash protection, shoppers prioritizing maximum safety may prefer competitors with universally Good-rated lighting systems.
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Buying Considerations for Used Mazda6 Shoppers
When evaluating a 2018 Mazda6 purchase:
Must-Check Safety Features
- Verify trim level (VIN decoding recommended)
- Confirm presence of curve-adaptive LEDs
- Test all i-ACTIVSENSE systems during inspection
- Review vehicle history for prior collisions
Alternative Options
For buyers who prioritize:
- Headlight performance: Consider 2018 Camry or Legacy
- Value retention: Mazda6 offers better depreciation rates
- Driving dynamics: Mazda6 leads in handling precision
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Why Safety Ratings Matter in Used Vehicle Purchases
IIHS evaluations provide critical insights for used car buyers:
Real-World Protection
Vehicles with Good small overlap ratings show 15% lower driver death rates in real-world frontal crashes according to IIHS-HLDI research.
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Insurance Implications
Top Safety Pick vehicles often qualify for 5-10% insurance discounts with major providers, potentially offsetting higher trim costs over time.
MotorVero's Commitment to Objective Safety Reporting
Our automotive experts analyze safety data without manufacturer influence. Unlike some review platforms:
- We never accept automaker gifts or sponsored travel
- Our evaluations are independent from advertising relationships
- We prioritize verifiable test results over marketing claims
This approach ensures you receive unbiased, accurate safety information when researching your next vehicle purchase.
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