Performance

Powering the 2026 Mazda Miata is a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that produces a healthy 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, which is mated to either a slick-shifting, short-throw 6-speed manual transmission or a quick-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. The automatic offers paddle shifters and full manual control for drivers who are unable to drive a manual for whatever reason. Sport and Club models can only be equipped with the 6-speed manual.

The Miata has always been known for its lightness, as it was engineered to hark back to one of the original great convertible sports cars, the very British 1960s Lotus Elan. The founder of Lotus, Colin Chapman, once famously said, “Simplify, then add lightness.” The MX-5 was created around this ethos, which is why, even in an era where cars continue to grow larger and heavier due to safety features and technology, the Miata soft top only weighs 2,366 pounds with a manual and 2,405 pounds with the automatic.

There are no recent performance data tests of the Miata soft top, but in testing by Car and Driver, the hardtop Miata RF launched to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Since the soft top model is 103 (manual) and 110 (automatic) lbs. lighter, respectively, compared to the RF models, the standard Miata should be slightly quicker to 60 mph at around 5.4 seconds or so.

Mazda says that the Miata is able to run on 87 octane gas without any issues, which is great as prices continue to fluctuate. Given this, the EPA estimates drivers will achieve 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. The automatic gets one more mpg on the highway, and both transmissions averaging 29 mpg between city and highway driving.

Club and Grand Touring models equipped with the manual gearbox come standard with a limited-slip differential, which enhances rear traction and stability during cornering. This allows the Miata to be exceptionally well-balanced and ready to tackle both road and track without requiring the driver to be a professional racer to have fun.

All Miata trim levels feature 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist. The Club trim adds Brembo front brakes with red front and rear calipers. Both models also have Bilstein dampers when equipped with a manual transmission.

Exterior

The 2026 Miata Sport, Club, and Grand Touring trim levels all feature LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights. Moving along to the side of the Miata, Sport models have 16-inch wheels while Club and GT models have 17-inch wheels. The Club also features special BBS forged alloys in a dark gunmetal gray. Grand Touring wheels are made of an aluminum alloy and feature a black metallic finish with a machined cut. Sport models get 195/50R16 summer tires, while other trims have 205/45R17 high-performance summer tires.

The Club model is available in five different exterior shades, including Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Jet Black Mica, Aero Gray, and Deep Crystal Blue Mica. Grand Touring trims are offered in the same colors as well as a sixth, Machine Gray Metallic. Base Sport models are offered in either Jet Black Mica or Soul Red Crystal Metallic.