As Car and Driver put it, “All Mazda did with this car was reinvent the sports car”. Say hello to the Mazda Miata. The Miata first came out back in 1989 and has since won several awards and become an iconic car. The only thing that has been changed for the newest 2023 model, is an added color to the exterior paint called Zircon Sand, which is a gray, brown color. Mazda has announced that the 2026 model of the Miata is set to be electrified, and here is why Mazda fans are so excited based on the current model.
The 2023 Mazda Miata comes with 5 different trims levels:
• Sport
• Club
• Grand Touring
Car and Driver has recommended the Club, stating that although the Miata is available with automatic transmission, it is better when equipped with the six-speed manual, which is the sole offering on the Club trim. The Miata comes with both a soft top model, and a slightly heavier hardtop model. The soft top model can go up to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, and the hardtop in 5.8 seconds.
Another win for the Mazda Miata, is the lack of weight it carries. With such a small amount of car to move around, the 2.0-liter engine holds a high EPA rating and fuel economy numbers. In the city, it gets 26 mpg and on the highway it gets 35 mpg. Car and Driver did a 200-mile highway fuel economy test and found the soft top Grand Touring model to get 36 mpg and the hardtop RF Club to get 37 mpg, both with the six-speed automatic transmission.
The interior of the cabin is small and cozy, big enough to fit 2 adults. The cabin holds the bare essentials and is a nice refresh from all of the bells and whistles other cars may come with. There are only a few storage cubbies and a small trunk. If you pack light enough, the trunk will hold a weekend’s worth of belongings for 2 people. People have reviewed the seats of the car to be supportive and comfortable. The Mazda soft-top is easy to retract and extend, although it is manual with no power button.
Each Miata comes with a touchscreen infotainment system that is easy to turn with a control knob and hard buttons. Bluetooth is standard as well as a CD player. Navigation comes standard on the Grand Touring trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard on all models.
The Miata comes with several driver-assistance features that are all standard.
• Automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning: During emergency braking situations when it is necessary to depress the brake pedal with greater force, the brake assist system provides braking assistance, thus enhancing braking performance. When the brake pedal is depressed hard or depressed more quickly, the brakes apply more firmly.
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert:
Mazda's Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) uses radars mounted in the rear bumper to detect vehicles approaching from behind and in the adjacent lane.
• Lane departure warning:
The lane departure warning alerts the driver that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane. The system detects the white (yellow) lines on the traffic lane using the forward sensing camera and if it determines that the vehicle might be deviating from its lane, it notifies the driver by the lane departure warning.
Each Miata comes with a touchscreen infotainment system that is easy to turn with a control knob and hard buttons. Bluetooth is standard as well as a CD player. Navigation comes standard on the Grand Touring trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard on all models.
The Miata comes with several driver-assistance features that are all standard.
• Automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning: During emergency braking situations when it is necessary to depress the brake pedal with greater force, the brake assist system provides braking assistance, thus enhancing braking performance. When the brake pedal is depressed hard or depressed more quickly, the brakes apply more firmly.
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert:
Mazda's Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) uses radars mounted in the rear bumper to detect vehicles approaching from behind and in the adjacent lane.
• Lane departure warning:
The lane departure warning alerts the driver that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane. The system detects the white (yellow) lines on the traffic lane using the forward sensing camera and if it determines that the vehicle might be deviating from its lane, it notifies the driver by the lane departure warning.
The estimated price of the electrified Miata is set to be around $33,000. It is believed people will see the next MX-5 in time for the summer of 2025 top-down driving season as a 2026 model year vehicle. Mazda has not announced yet whether the Miata will be fully EV, hybrid, or plug in hybrid. They are working with Rohm Co. to develop electric power trains and signed an agreement with Envision AESC to help develop the batteries. Although Mazda fans do not have many details right now, the brand did release a Vision Study conceptual EV. The Miata looks more futuristic with a coupe design and butterfly doors.
Huntington Beach Mazda down in Orange County is a full service Mazda dealership that has the Mazda Miata available for sale and test drive. We also offer a large selection of other Mazda vehicles. A knowledgeable sales staff member can help you find the exact vehicle for your needs and budget. We are also part of the Patterson Autos group and have access to a wide range of used cars. Contact us today and we will get you just what you are looking for.
With so many positive features it is no wonder that Mazda is working to release an electrified Miata. With its simple, yet fun and slick driving patterns, and sleek designs, people can look forward to an electric Mazda Miata for 2026 and won’t be disappointed. Come on down to Huntington Beach Mazda to find your Mazda that is perfect for you.