Mazda MX-5 Miata is Pricier in 2026—Goes Beyond $30,000

A Small Price Bump for a Familiar Formula

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has always been about two things: pure driving fun and a price that keeps it within reach. That formula is still here for 2026, but Mazda is quietly inching prices up across the board. The base Miata now starts above $30,000, and if you want an RF or a higher trim, you’re looking at numbers that used to belong to hot hatches or entry-level coupes.

Of note, the values mentioned here don’t include $1,235 for destination and handling. The price bumps aren’t huge on their own, but they add up. Even before you tick boxes for premium paint or the Brembo/BBS/Recaro pack, the MX-5 is ever-so-slowly drifting away from its old “cheap fun” image.

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What’s Actually New for 2026

All MX-5 Miata models carry over the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G four-pot mill, making 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed manual transmission standard (one of the last few). Sport and Club trims are still manual-only, while Grand Touring buyers can opt for an automatic with paddle shifters.

For 2026, Mazda has improved interior quality and usability, most notably with an 8.8-inch infotainment display that offers better touch controls for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Alexa Built-In is now available, but the Miata’s core appeal remains its driving experience rather than its technology features.

The trim structure is still uncomplicated. Club models continue to emphasize performance equipment, including Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip differential, and DSC-Track mode. Grand Touring adds features focused on comfort and safety, including adaptive front lights, navigation, and additional driver-assist systems. RF versions retain the power-folding fastback roof, which operates in roughly 13 seconds.

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New Prices vs. Leftover 2025 Cars

With 2026 prices on the rise, leftover 2025 models in the inventory do look tempting. You can still find new 2025 soft-tops and RFs listed for less on Cars.com than the new models – mostly a few thousand, depending on trim and deals. If you’re not fussed about the latest screen or small interior updates, a 2025 gives you the same driving experience for less cash.

The 2026 MX-5 Miata is still one of the most engaging sports cars you can buy new, but it now asks shoppers to think harder about value, especially in this niche segment. For a car built around simplicity and feel, that decision may matter more than Mazda would like to admit.

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