The fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata was all-new in 2016 and underwent its last major update in 2024. In many ways, the Miata is in its own class as an affordable compact sports car, but people will often cross-shop rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sporty coupes such as the Toyota GR86 and the Subaru BRZ. The only other two-seat convertibles in this space include the much pricier BMW Z4 and the Porsche 718 Boxster. The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata is available in both soft- and hard-top configurations, with the former offering Sport, Club, and Grand Touring trims, while the RF (retractable fastback hard-top) offers only the Club and Grand Touring trims.
2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata got its last major refresh in 2024, which included a larger 8.8-inch infotainment screen, USB-C ports, updated LED headlights and taillights, some interior and exterior design tweaks, handling upgrades, and some new standard safety features. There are no major changes for 2026, but this model year does get some targeted interior upgrades and modifications to the Brembo BBS Recaro Package.
Design
With its 2016 redesign, the cute Miata became a refined and handsome sports car. Adding the RF option increased the overall elegance and practicality of the convertible design. While there aren’t any appearance packages on the MX-5 Miata, there is a single package option on the Club soft-top trim, which adds Brembo front brakes with red calipers and dark gunmetal gray 17-inch BBS forged wheels. This package is standard on the Club RF models. Standard wheels on the Sport trim are 16 inches, while 17-inch wheels are standard on both the Club and Grand Touring trims.
Powertrain
There is only one powertrain available with the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that delivers 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via a standard manual transmission. This six-speed is the only transmission available on Club and Sport trims, while the Grand Touring also offers a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The MX-5 Miata gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city with both transmissions, but the automatic adds 1 mpg to highway fuel economy for a total of 35 mpg.
Interior
The MX-5 Miata is a compact two-seat convertible, so it's not surprising that trunk space is limited. It rings in at 4.59 cubic feet for the soft top and 4.48 cubic feet for the RF, but there's still enough space to stow a standard carry-on suitcase and a small backpack. Standard seats are black cloth, but cloth with sueded inserts and leather seats are available on higher trim levels, while the Grand Touring even has a premium tan Nappa leather option. The soft top is manually operated, while the RF has a power-operated, stowable roof. The Brembo package, which is available on the soft-top Club trim and standard on the RF Club, includes heated black Recaro sport seats, Alcantara interior trim, and black interior accents.
Technology
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata comes with a standard 8.8-inch infotainment screen that's primarily controlled by a rotary dial, but it does have touchscreen functionality when connected to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the Sport trim, and wireless phone mirroring is standard from the Club trim. Other standard tech features include Alexa built-in, dual USB-C ports, and a six-speaker audio system. Tech features available on upper trims include navigation, a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system, heated seats, and rain-sensing wipers.
