2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Is Still Pure Fun

The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the last pure sports cars on the market. It's a rear-wheel-drive front-engine convertible with room for two passengers and not much else. With just 181 horsepower on tap, the Miata isn't a powerhouse, but its relatively light curb weight, diminutive size, standard manual transmission, and fabulously tuned suspension make it an absolute ball to drive.

As one of the last true sports cars available, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has few direct competitors. Two of its closest rivals are the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ. Though both are hardtop coupes, the Toyobaru twins are rear-wheel-drive 2+2 sports cars with a minimalist driver-centric focus. They're larger and more powerful, but whether they're more fun to drive is up for debate. Even bigger than the GR86 and BRZ is the Ford Mustang, which is priced similarly but will be more comfortable and significantly more powerful than the Miata. Read our test team's Expert Rating for a closer look at how the MX-5 Miata performs in several key areas.

It should come as no surprise that a two-seat roadster is short on cargo room. But it's worth noting that storage space in the Miata is particularly sparse. Its 4.6 cubic feet of trunk space is enough to fit two small carry-on bags, but finding places to stow small items in the cabin will be a challenge. There's no glovebox or door pockets — only a tiny bin in the center console good for holding phones, sunglasses or other small items.