The venerable Miata has long been an object of idle fantasy and fascination for car enthusiasts of every stripe. Its proud legacy continues to this day. But changes are in the works. A new 2026 Miata looms, but few details have been released. Speculation circulates. Will the Miata retain its roots? Or will it take a bold step into the future?
Key Takeaways:
- The Miata is getting a rework for the 2026 model year.
- Mazda has reaffirmed its commitment to the core, lightweight heritage of the Miata.
- Rumors abound about a potential hybrid Miata trim being introduced this year.
Will there be a 2026 Mazda Miata? Is there a new MX-5 coming out?
Yes. The Miata is getting a redesign for the 2026 model year, with the potential breadth of any changes unclear. The car is expected to be released in summer 2026.
What are the changes for the Miata in 2025?
Throughout its 35-year tenure, the Miata has gained only a lean 250lbs — a deeply impressive feat considering the new technology and safety standards so often added to modern cars. Numerous Mazda executives have emphasized that they wish to keep the Miata light and nimble, as it is known for, but also move the Miata forward into the future.
Some speculate that this will mean a hybrid powerplant for the next generation. This would pose a few challenges: how would the Miata keep its excellent road dynamics with the added weight and complexity of a hybrid engine? Would the added electrical boost to acceleration be worth the added expense?
What Will Stay The Same For the 2026 Miata?
In an interview with Car and Driver, Masashi Nakayama — Mazda’s head designer — confirmed that the company intends to keep the car’s light weight and intimate quarters, but that he didn’t want to make a nostalgia piece. He wanted to make something new. There are a few other things he assured were critical to the Miata DNA, such as an available manual transmission and a naturally aspirated engine.
How much will the 2025 Miata cost?
No numbers have been released yet, but it will likely be somewhat more expensive than the current generation of Miatas, which go between $30,765 and $42,535. An inexpensive sports car is integral to the legacy of the Miata, so there’s little fear of substantial price hikes.
How many miles per gallon does a 2026 Miata get?
Thanks to its lightweight construction, the Miata has always been a thrifty car. The 2025 model received an impressive EPA rating of 26MPG city/ 35MPG highway. With already impressive numbers, a hybrid Miata seems a little superfluous. Or maybe a car with chart-breaking fuel stats is exactly what Mazda is looking for.
Is the 2026 Mazda Miata Worth Purchasing?
While it is impossible to draw many conclusions from the scant evidence out there, it seems that Mazda is committed to delivering another truly excellent generation of Miata. We won’t know for certain until more information is released, but the Miata has earned its exciting reputation and legendary allure for a reason: it offers a driving experience that few other cars can hope to match. And it seems that it will stay that way.
If you’re interested in test-driving a 2025 Miata or any other Mazda, come down to Cogswell Mazda today.