I would prefer the gas mileage of a 4 cyl.

Flat country - Florida driving, the only hill might be an occasional bridge.
Easy driver, when on the highway we go 70 mph, sometimes 80 when passing.
I would assume the 4 would be fine.

I have been towing a 1000 lb boat rig with a 6cyl accord. It doesn't seem to use any extra power, we often forget that it is there. I rarely tow more than 10 or 12 miles. I assume that the Mazda 4 cyl would handle it also.

 

I've had the 4 cyl Mazda6 since May and about 8500 miles on it and it's doing a great job. I can't imagine wanting any more performance for this size vehicle. Often running the Suncoast between Tampa and Crystal River at 70 with 4 people + stuff and never seems to lack power for more. Don't know about the boat towing but 1000 lbs doesn't seem like it would be that much to cause a problem.

 

Did you ever see a car and said thats the one. I was ready to buy but have been told that the owners manual states NO TOWing.

 

So does mine....



I am running the 5-speed manual though and would not recommend doing this long distance as we did. (1650 miles +/-)

 

This engine is great with a manual trans. I get upper 20s gas mileage, could do better but I tend to accelerate fast and avg over 70 on the highways.

 

Can't believe Uhaul let you leave with that trailer attached to your mazda, here in Florida they insist on attaching the trailer to your vehicle because of liability, if your car isn't rated to tow a trailer then you are turned away.

 

I have a 2010 Mazda 6i . I've only had it for a couple of weeks but the 4cyl is more than adequate and I live in CT. (hills ,hills ,hills)

 

Short distance would have been fine, but that trip was over 1600 miles. We averaged about 16 mpg.... Yeah, it was quite a ride. One I wouldn't want to repeat, especially with that wind lump. Something a bit more aerodynamic might have done better.