The fourth generation of the legendary Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster is celebrating its tenth anniversary on the market. The updates for the 2026 model year are quite limited and focus on a lightly refreshed interior. At the same time, the car’s base price has increased by $600 and now starts at $30,430, excluding the destination fee.
Market State and the Roadster’s Survival
The convertible and roadster segment has seen significant contraction, with models like the Camaro, Cascada, Eos, and SLK disappearing from the market. The BMW Z4 is also preparing to exit, as is the 8-Series. Despite such a “mortality rate,” the Mazda MX-5 Miata continues to exist. The fourth generation of this roadster is celebrating a decade in America, where it debuted back in the 2016 model year. For 2026, the model has received “targeted updates focused on refining the interior.”
Interior Update Details
The changes are extremely subtle. The MX-5 Miata Club trim with the Brembo BBS Recaro package has received interior trim in black Alcantara with light gray contrast stitching. This model also got a piano-black-colored side garnish, as well as black accents on the climate control dials and engine start button ring.
You pay less for a new Mazda Miata now than you did 36 years ago
Price Increase and Model Lineup Structure
The updates seem to be limited to the interior, but the price has risen from $29,830 to $30,430. This is an increase of $600, although, at least, the destination fee remains unchanged at $1,235. The $600 price increase appears to apply across the entire lineup, which for 2026 has been slightly shortened. However, this is hardly surprising, as the special 35th Anniversary edition is being discontinued.
Standard Equipment and Technical Details
While there aren’t many innovations, let’s recall that the MX-5 Miata features LED headlights, a dual exhaust system, and a folding soft top with a glass rear window. The base model also received 16-inch alloy wheels with a metallic black finish. Inside, the driver will find cloth seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. These are complemented by a six-speaker audio system and an 8.8-inch multimedia system with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
More expensive variants offer a retractable fastback hardtop (RF), a sportier suspension, and larger 17-inch wheels. Customers can also get heated leather seats, a limited-slip differential, and a premium nine-speaker Bose audio system.
Engine and Transmission
Regardless of the chosen trim, all cars are equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 hp (135 kW) and 205 Nm of torque. The Sport and Club trims are offered exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, while the Grand Touring also offers a six-speed automatic.
2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Pricing
Prices do not include the $1,235 destination fee.
The MX-5’s resilience in the market, despite minimal updates and constant price increases, speaks to the unique niche it occupies. It is a car whose concept—lightness, simple driving pleasure, and the feeling of the open road—remains unchanged and appealing to purist-minded enthusiasts. In a world where cars are becoming larger, heavier, and more complex, the MX-5 Miata continues to be a bright exception, demonstrating that true driving joy does not necessarily require excessive power or luxurious equipment. Its decade on the market is not just a milestone, but proof of the viability of such a philosophy in the modern automotive world.