Updated 2016 Mazda6 remains fun, but limited

Mazda’s midsized family sedan is refreshed for 2016, building upon its attractive styling, agile handling, and impressive fuel economy. But it is a car that goes up against tough, balanced competitors with few tricks up its sleeves.

The 2016 is distinguished by a light exterior freshening, with a revised grille, headlamps, decklid spoiler, and wheels. The real changes are inside, where the Mazda6 gets a redesigned center stack and an entirely new control setup. Available on all versions, save for the manual-equipped sport trim, the controls include a dial-joystick down by the shifter that interfaces with a high-mounted screen to access all audio, phone, and navigation functions.

When in park, the digital screen has full touch capabilities, but when in drive, all but the most basic functions are blocked out. Underway, you must rely on the controller knob and the convenient toggles on the steering wheel. There is definitely a learning curve here, but once mastered, it turns out to be logical.

Unlike many typical midsized sedans, such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the Mazda6 is more agile in the corners, making it a compelling choice for an enthusiast with a growing family. That said, it’s not quite as rewarding to drive as a Ford Fusion.

Coming from a sports car, one might forgive the firm ride, but we think most consumers will regard the 6 to be stiff and uncomfortable. Pair that with an excessive amount of noise emanating from the road and wind and you have the makings of a relatively harsh commute experience compared with most of its competitors, particularly the Subaru Legacy and Toyota Camry.