Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.When it Comes Sports Cars, Less Can Be Way MoreIt's not often we get to drive cars that are uncomplicated. Why? Well, for the most part, they don't really exist anymore. With the rise of big screens, countless apps, and deeper levels of driver assist technology, it's almost impossible to find a truly simple automobile that does doesn't center around any of these. Almost. The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata remains one of the simplest and most affordable automobiles that's also ridiculous fun behind the wheel.At a time when even compact cars are laden with panoramic dual screen setups, touchscreen climate controls, and automatic emergency braking, the Miata remains a reminder that driving enjoyment doesn't require layers of technology or gobs of safety features. Its continued success as the world's best-selling roadster highlights just how unnecessarily over-techy and expensive many modern vehicles have become. The base price of a Miata is $30,430, about twenty-grand less than the average price of a new car in 2026. How's that for refreshing?The Miata Focuses on Driving FirstMazdaEver since its introduction in 1989, the MX-5 Miata has always followed a simple formula: low weight, great balance, responsive handling, manual transmission, and zero turbos. The 2026 model (ND) stays true to that philosophy. There's not much to weigh it down, nor is there so much technology that the driving experience gets buried in the morass of equipment. The Miata is an enthusiast's delight because it has everything you need and nothing extraneous that detracts from the driving fun.Amos KwonMazda doesn't even put a plastic shroud over the engine. Why? That adds weight (and cost). What you see immediately after popping the hood is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with none of it covered. It's this wonderfully thrilling engine that delivers power without turbochargers, hybrid systems, or artificial sound enhancement. 181 horsepower isn't going to light anyone's hair on fire, but it's more than enough power to thrill. Plus, it's an easy engine to work on, which also keeps costs down.Amos KwonAdvertisementAdvertisementThe available six-speed manual transmission remains one of the best in the business, offering a level of driver involvement that many modern performance cars have abandoned. What makes the Miata special isn't its horsepower figure or 0-60 time (but it can still do it in under 6 seconds!). It's the direct connection between the driver, the car, and the road. Every steering input, gear change, and corner is balletic and rewarding.Physical Controls Are Still BetterAOne of the biggest frustrations in modern vehicles is the disappearance of physical buttons. Functions that once required a simple twist of a knob or press of a button now require navigating through touchscreen menus. Even the Miata's automatic climate controls consist of just three large physical knobs in the center stack. You can operate them quickly and easily. Contrast that with the BMW M5's setup below, which looks like it requires a PhD.2026 BMW M5 SedanAIts infotainment system is straightforward, and many key functions are controlled through physical switches and rotary controls. Drivers can make adjustments by feel rather than taking their eyes off the road. This may sound old-fashioned, but it's actually a better user experience. Simplicity often leads to greater convenience, and the Miata demonstrates that not every function needs to be buried inside a digital interface.Technology Supports the Driving ExperienceMazdaThe Miata isn't anti-technology. It offers modern conveniences like smartphone integration, a modest set of driver-assistance features, and connectivity options that buyers expect in 2026. The difference is that these technologies serve the driving experience rather than dominate it. Even the triple gauges are still analog, a refreshing throwback that wasn't exactly an anomaly a decade ago.MazdaAdvertisementAdvertisementFor most cars today (and not just the premium models), technology precedes the driving experience. Add on the technology, the big screens, the fancy interface, and they all contribute to higher vehicle prices. The Miata flips this formula by focusing on driving first and foremost, and the tech supports that effort. The car's lightweight chassis, balanced handling, and open-top driving experience remain the focus, and the driver is rewarded with a purer experience.Final ThoughtsThe 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata serves as a reminder that great cars need less, not more. Less weight, less tech, less distractions. Its simple controls, lightweight design, and focus on driver engagement highlight how far many modern vehicles have drifted from what delivers joy behind the wheel. We hope the Miata never goes electric, never gets heavy, and never gets a panoramic display screen slathered across its dash.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.