More than three decades after its debut, the MX-5 Miata is still a best seller for Mazda and is one of the most unique sports cars available today. While many sports cars have become bigger, more powerful, and utilizing turbochargers or electrification, the Miata sticks with its tried-and-true recipe: a lightweight chassis, naturally aspirated engine, rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, and fun driving dynamics. For 2026, Mazda refines the Miata, adding technology and safety updates while preserving the Miata’s personality.
Base Price: $38,450
As Tested: $40,280
Horsepower: 181
Mileage: 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined
The MX-5 Miata was introduced in the U.S. for the 1990 model year. It’s currently in its fourth generation, which debuted for 2016. For 2026, the Miata gets some interior and exterior tweaks.
The 2026 MX-5 Miata is available in three trims: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring. Starting prices range from $30,430 to $41,900. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while Grand Touring models are available with either the manual or a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all trims.
Every MX-5 Miata is a convertible. The Sport trim comes with the traditional soft-top. The other trims are offered with the soft-top or the RF (retractable fastback) hardtop.
The Miata is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.
On paper, those numbers don’t look like much, but the MX-5 has never been about sheer power. It’s always been about driver engagement. And its relatively small curb weight of 2,366 pounds to 2,513 pounds, depending on the body style, makes the Miata feel agile and responsive in ways that heavier and larger sports cars can’t match.
The engine revs willingly to its 7,000-rpm peak, encouraging enthusiastic driving. The six-speed manual transmission remains one of the finest gearboxes available in any production vehicle, with short and precise throws. The clutch is light enough for everyday driving while providing excellent feedback – going through the gears is part of the fun of driving the Miata. Taking it out on twisty roads is especially enjoyable. Steering is quick, the chassis stays balanced, and the Miata encourages you to use every bit of available performance.
That said, those wanting neck-snapping acceleration may be disappointed. The Miata is quick but isn’t as fast as turbocharged hot hatches and performance sports cars. And road and wind noise are noticeable much of the time, which can get tiring on a long trip. But all in all, the Miata delivers on its promise of joyful driving engagement!
Fuel economy is decent, as you’d expect in a lightweight vehicle. EPA ratings are 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined. I got 32 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
In the cabin, the Miata continues to prioritize the driver. The cabin is simple but built with higher-quality materials than many competitors in its price range. Controls are easy to reach, and the driving position is excellent for spirited driving. The interior is snug, especially for larger and/or taller folks. Seats are comfortable but rather narrow. And with only two seats, there’s no extra space in back to stash a handbag or other smaller items. The instrument cluster has an analog feel with its three round gauges.
The infotainment system has an 8.8-inch display screen which is smaller than what you’ll find in many new vehicles. The screen is not a pure touchscreen, rather many functions are controlled by a rotary controller on the center console, which can be cumbersome. The display does turn into a touchscreen when your phone is connected. The Sport trim has wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the upper trims have wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Amazon Alexa and two USB-C ports are standard.
Cargo space is minimal, as you’d expect in a two-seater. There are just 4.6 cubic feet in the trunk with the soft top, and 4.5 cubes with the hard top. This means you can only pick up a few things at the grocery store and you have to pack lightly for a weekend outing. But let’s face it – no one is going to buy the Miata because they want a lot of space!
Here are the trim levels of the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Sport – MSRP $30,430. This trim comes with the six-speed manual transmission and is the entry point into the Miata lineup. Options include a rear lip spoiler, doorsill trim plates, an appearance upgrade package, and premium paint colors.
- Proximity keyless entry
- Push-button start
- Manual climate control
- Two removable cup holders
- Cloth upholstery
- Leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Leather-trimmed shift knob and parking brake
- Six-speaker audio system
- Infotainment system with 8.8-inch display screen
- Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Amazon Alexa
- Two USB-C ports
- Manually operated black cloth roof
- Wind-blocking panel
- 16-inch alloy wheels with high-performance tires
Club – MSRP $33,930 with the soft top and $41,900 for the retractable hardtop. This trim is aimed at enthusiasts and is arguably the sweet spot in the lineup. Options for the soft top include doorsill trim plates, premium paint colors and a Brembo/BBS/Recaro package for $5,050 that includes Brembo front brakes with red calipers, gunmetal-finished 17-inch BBS forged wheels, heated Recaro sport seats, and an aero body kit. The Brembo/BBS/Recaro package is standard on models with the retractable hardtop.
- Black cloth seats with suede inserts
- Heated seats
- Nine-speaker Bose audio system with headrest speakers
- Satellite radio
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Sport-tuned suspension with front shock tower brace
- Bilstein dampers
- Track mode
- Asymmetric limited-slip differential
- 17-inch wheels
Grand Touring – MSRP $35,730 for the soft top with the six-speed manual transmission and $38,450 for the retractable hardtop with the six-speed. This trim is also available with an automatic transmission with an MSRP $36,650 for the soft top and $39,420 for the hardtop. This trim sacrifices some of the Club’s driving focus for comfort, and is aimed at buyers who want a sports car with a more premium feel. Models with the automatic transmission come standard with adaptive cruise control, speed alert, and following-distance speed alert. Options include an appearance upgrade package, tan leather upholstery ($300), and the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package.
- Automatic climate control
- Heated leather seats
- Navigation
- Adaptive headlights
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- 17-inch wheels
Standard driver assistance technologies include
- Forward collision warning
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Available driver assistance technologies include
- Adaptive cruise control (only available with automatic transmission)
- Following-distance alert (only available with automatic transmission)
- Speed alert (only available with automatic transmission)
- Traffic-sign recognition
- Adaptive headlights
- Automatic high-beam headlights
The good:
Affordable starting price for a sporty convertible
Soft- and hardtop options
Exceptional handling that prioritizes driver engagement
Excellent manual transmission
Good fuel economy
Attractive, minimalist cabin
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Fun, fun fun!
The not-so-good:
Noticeable road and wind noise
Tight cabin for taller occupants
Minimal cargo space and storage
Dated infotainment system
Limited practicality
Pricing info:
My 2026 MX-5 Mazda Miata Grand Touring with six-speed manual transmission starts at $38,450. The Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint is $595. The delivery fee is $1,235, bringing the grand total to $40,280.
Bottom line:
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata is unique. Few automakers produce lightweight, naturally aspirated, rear-wheel drive convertibles, and that’s what makes the Miata so charming and appealing. It’s so much fun to drive with a direct connection that many expensive and more powerful sports cars can’t replicate. The Miata isn’t the fastest, most powerful or most technologically advanced, and it sure isn’t practical. But there’s no doubt that the Miata is one of the most enjoyable cars you can drive!
