DecodedCars2026 Mazda MX-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible, Rf 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 181 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 2
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 153.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,348–2,465 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 55% better than the average 2026 two seaters (18.7 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 is a two seaters offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 154 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 91-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,348 lb (2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 35 highway), 55% better than the 2026 two seaters average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,850 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 MX-5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 MX-5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2026 MX-5 configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible | 153.9 in | 68.1 in | 48.8 in | 90.9 in | 59.4 / 59.8 in | 2,348 lb | 53/47 |
| Rf 2dr Coupe | 153.9 in | 68.1 in | 48.8 in | 90.9 in | 59.4 / 59.8 in | 2,465 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +55% | $2,850 | 305 |
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 29 | +55% | $2,850 | 301 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Mazda MX-5.
Similar 2026 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mazda MX-5 (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Nissan Z | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 MINI Cooper | 32 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Bugatti Rimac Nevera | 174 mi | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Mazda MX-5.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 Mazda MX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other MX-5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2024 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2023 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
| 2022 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2021 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2019 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 11 |
| 2018 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 3 |
| 2017 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 11 |
| 2016 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 34 |
| 2015 MX-5 | 24 | 157.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2014 MX-5 | 24 | 157.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →