The MX-5 is Mazda’s two-door, two-seat sports car. The MX-5 has always been known for its lightweight design, which largely influences its driving dynamics through its balance and excellent weight distribution. Also known as the MX-5 Miata in the United States, the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a continuation of the fourth generation, which has been in production since 2016.MazdaAvailable from late 2025 and early 2026, the 2026 Miata maintains the fourth generation’s Skyactiv four-cylinder engine and the six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The exterior design remains largely unchanged, while the 8.8-inch infotainment screen in the cabin is carried over from the previous model year. Meanwhile, black Alcantara is now available on the dashboard, while Mazda’s i-Activsense safety features now include Driver Attention Alert and Secondary Collision Reduction. However, a new generation is earmarked to drop in late 2027 for 2028 and will be powered by a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-Z engine. 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Engine and Performance Specs Engine And Transmission Via: Mazda Reports claim that the next generation of the MX-5 will be an electrified version. Some reports claim it will be a mild-hybrid setup with a 48-Volt architecture being paired with a more powerful 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. However, for now, the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata is powered by the generation’s SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated inline-four engine is known for high redline and responsive acceleration. It produces 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm.Performance Specs:For a balanced weight distribution, the engine is placed longitudinally behind the front axle centerline, but in front of the passenger compartment. This engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission on all trims as standard, while a six-speed automatic transmission is available on the Grand Touring trim.Mazda also has the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster version, which it released in 2025. The 2.0-liter engine is heavily modified in this version to produce up to 200 horsepower. Mazda produced only 200 units of this version and sells it exclusively in the Japanese market. Handling and Suspension MazdaMazda designed a sophisticated suspension system and paired it with the vehicle’s lightweight chassis and 50:50 weight distribution to provide excellent handling. The MX-5 runs on an independent suspension system, which includes a multi-link setup in the rear and double wishbones in the front. It’s also fitted with the Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) system, which helps the suspension and brakes suppress body roll during cornering. The Asymmetric Limited-Slip Differential, which is only available on the manual transmission of the Club and Grand Touring trims, helps increase stability and improve steering precision. Fuel Economy and Driving Range Mazda According to the EPA, the manual transmission of the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata has fuel economy ratings of 26 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, and a combined rating of 29 to 30 MPG. The automatic transmission on the Grand Touring trim produces 35 MPG on the highway, making it better for long-distance trips. The Miata is equipped with an 11.9-gallon fuel tank. In the city, it is capable of a range of 309 miles, while on highway travel, it can travel as far as 416 miles before needing refuelling. 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Trim Levels and Pricing Trim Pricing and Features David Alpert / HotCars / Valnet The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata is available in three levels: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring. All three trims are fitted with the six-speed manual transmission as standard, while the Grand Touring trim has the six-speed automatic as an available option.Pricing for the Sport trim starts at $30,430. It comes fitted with 16-inch metallic black alloy wheels, blind spot monitoring, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as standard. The Club trim features 17-inch metallic black alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein dampers, and a 9-speaker Bose sound system for $33,930. For $35,730, the Grand Touring trim comes with automatic climate control, heated leather-trimmed seats, and an adaptive front-lighting system that turns the headlights with the steering wheel.Pricing Options: Available Packages and Options Performance Package David Alpert / HotCars / Valnet The Brembo/BBS/Recaro Package is the performance package available on the 2026 Mazda MX-5. This package is only available on the Club trim. It is an option on the soft-top Club trim, but standard on the retractable fastback Club trim. This package costs an additional $5,050. The package features high-performance red front brakes with fixed-piston calipers, side sill extensions and a black rear bumper skirt, heated Nappa leather and Alcantara bucket-style seats with enhanced side bolstering, and 17-inch dark gunmetal forged aluminum wheels. Appearance Packages Mazda Miata ConfiguratorOn the exterior of the MX-5, Mazda offers packages that provide accessories to give a sportier, “ground effect” look. Buyers could get a Front Air Dam to make the front profile look lower and more aggressive. They could also include side sill extensions, a rear lip spoiler to enhance aerodynamics, and a rear bumper skirt to improve the sporty look at the back. Interior and Technology Packages David Alpert / HotCars / Valnet Inside the cabin, all trims come with an 8.8-inch center display as standard and have Alexa built in for voice-controlled navigation and entertainment features. On the Club and Grand Touring trims, a 9-speaker Bose sound system is fitted, which includes speakers in the headrests, while buyers can also replace the standard rubber pedals with the aluminum-finish “alloy” racing pedals option. Safety features like blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert come standard. While on the Grand Touring trim, SiriusXM satellite radio and Wireless Apple CarPlay come standard. Also on the Grand Touring trim, for approximately $300, buyers can get the Tan Nappa Leather option. It replaces the standard black leather with tan nappa leather and includes a contrasting color scheme. Interior Updates David Alpert / HotCars / Valnet On the interior and exterior of the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata, the model remains largely unchanged from the previous model year. However, a few features were added to the interior in 2026. For 2026, Mazda accompanied the Brembo/BBS/Recaro Package on trims where the option was exercised, with refined black Alcantara on the dashboard and center console. It includes a new light gray contrast stitching. The MX-5 also included more safety features like Secondary Collision Reduction and Driver Attention Alert. The interior also comes with new piano black finishes on the lower bezel, the engine starter ring, and the heater control dials. However, the interior cabin feels cramped for taller drivers. Reliability and Warranty Coverage David Alpert / HotCars / Valnet The MX-5 runs on a proven workhorse. The Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter engine has had few reported systemic failures since 2019. Since Mazda avoided the turbocharger and complex air suspension route, the MX-5 is not known to fail at high-mileage points like other sports cars. Owner reviews on sites like Consumer Reports consistently rank the MX-5 one of the most reliable sports cars available. Mazda offers a 3-year or 36,000-mile warranty for bumper-to-bumper protection and roadside assistance. The engine, transmission, and drivetrain also get a 5-year or 60,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first. 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs the Competition Mazda If you’re comparing the MX-5 Miata to the competition before making a purchase, your result will largely depend on what you’re looking for as a buyer. One of the competitors to the MX-5 is the 2026 Subaru BRZ. The Subaru BRZ is a bigger sports car than the MX-5. The Subaru BRZ is a 2+2 sports car (it is left to be seen who can fit into the rear seats), while the MX-5 is strictly a two-seat sports car. The BRZ features a 2.4-liter flat-four "Boxer" engine, which produces 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It weighs in at 2,820 pounds, which is 454 pounds heavier than the MX-5. The BRZ’s 6.3 cubic feet cargo capacity is 1.7 cubic feet bigger than the MX-5 offers. The MX-5 is more fuel economical, with the BRZ rated at 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.David Alpert / HotCars / Valnet Another competitor to the MX-5 is the 2026 Toyota GR86. However, the Toyota GR86 is more of a competitor to the Subaru BRZ than the MX-5. It runs on the same 2.4-liter flat-four “Boxer” engine, is a 2+2 sports car, has the same fuel economy, and features the same cargo capacity as the BRZ. However, it is nine pounds lighter. Another competitor is the Ford Mustang EcoBoost. The Ford Mustang EcoBoost is the most powerful and the heaviest of the four. Powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, this sports car weighs in at 3,588 pounds, which is over 1,200 pounds heavier than the MX-5. Its 4.5-second 0-60 mph time is 1.5 seconds faster than the MX-5 can muster. It carries four passengers more comfortably than the Subaru and the Toyota, and has 13.5 cubic feet of storage. Is the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Worth the Price? Who Should Buy It? Mazda The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a driver’s car. It is the kind of vehicle known to corner well due to its 50/50 weight distribution. Enthusiasts claim the vehicle is excellent on curvy roads and its short-throw shifter gives maximum driver engagement. The MX-5 would be great for drivers who want maximum feedback from the vehicle while driving, especially as it features a convertible roof system that opens the driver to the elements. The MX-5 would also be great for drivers who need a small second vehicle for weekend getaways or minor errands. It would also play well with drivers who value reliability. The MX-5 has a long history of reliability.