2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs 2026 Subaru BRZ: Full Comparison
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata produces 181 hp and returns 34 mpg on the highway, prioritizing efficiency and a lightweight, driver-focused design. The BRZ counters with 228 hp and a 2.4-liter engine while offering a fixed-roof coupe body and 2+2 seating. This comparison breaks down every key difference, with current MX-5 Miata inventory available to browse at Tuscaloosa Mazda.
The Short Answer
2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The MX-5 Miata is the right car if open-air driving, mechanical feedback, and fuel efficiency define your ideal sports car. Its near 50/50 weight distribution, lightweight construction, and Skyactiv-G engine contribute to a connected, driver-first feel, while its convertible top provides an open-air driving experience the fixed-roof BRZ does not offer.
2026 Subaru BRZ
The BRZ is the better choice if outright horsepower, a usable rear seat, and a fixed-roof coupe body suit your lifestyle. Neither car is a compromise on fun, but they serve different types of enthusiasts.
2026 MX-5 Miata trims and specs
Specs Head-to-Head
| Specification | 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2026 Subaru BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Skyactiv-G inline-4 | 2.4L SUBARU BOXER flat-4 |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | 228 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual standard | 6-speed manual standard |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Seating | 2 | 4 (2+2) |
| Cargo | 4.6 cu ft | 6.3 cu ft |
| City MPG | 26 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 34 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 29 | 22 |
With the manual transmissions shown here, the MX-5 Miata is rated 7 mpg higher on the highway than the BRZ, which can translate to lower fuel consumption for Tuscaloosa drivers who put miles on a sports car year-round.
EPA fuel economy ratings for both vehicles
Performance and Powertrain
The BRZ's 2.4-liter BOXER engine produces 228 hp at 7,000 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 3,700 rpm. Those numbers are stronger on paper, and the BRZ reaches its peak power high in the rev range, rewarding drivers who enjoy using more of the engine's available rev range. It also uses a TORSEN limited-slip differential on all trims and carries a 13.5:1 steering ratio for quick turn-in.
The MX-5 Miata's 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G makes 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The horsepower difference is real, but the Miata combines its output with lighter overall mass and near 50/50 weight distribution. Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) reduces body roll under cornering without sacrificing ride compliance, while the short-throw 6-speed manual is engineered for direct, responsive shifts. Club trims add sport-tuned Bilstein dampers, a front shock tower brace, and an asymmetric limited-slip differential for drivers looking for additional handling-focused equipment.
The MX-5 Miata Club also gains DSC-Track mode for drivers who want to adjust stability-control intervention on course. The Grand Touring trim offers an available 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Choosing the automatic changes the performance-equipment configuration compared with manual-equipped models.
Interior, Space, and Cargo
This is where the two cars serve genuinely different buyers. The BRZ is a 2+2 coupe. Rear-seat legroom is limited at 29.9 inches, but it provides an option for occasional passengers or additional gear. Cargo capacity expands when the rear seatbacks fold. Trunk volume is 6.3 cu ft, versus the MX-5 Miata's 4.6 cu ft.
The MX-5 Miata is a strict two-seater with a soft convertible top. What it sacrifices in passenger capacity it returns in open-air driving. The soft top stores compactly, keeping the trunk usable. Interior materials scale up across trims: Sport delivers cloth seats, Club adds Alcantara trim and heated seats, and Grand Touring brings heated leather-trimmed seats and automatic climate control.
The BRZ Limited comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control and Ultrasuede upholstery with leather bolsters. Both cars deliver a driver-focused cockpit, while the Miata's convertible top provides a distinctly different driving environment from the fixed-roof BRZ.
Technology and Safety
Both cars carry Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The MX-5 Miata goes further on wireless connectivity: Club and Grand Touring trims support wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. The BRZ's 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus System requires a wired connection. The MX-5 Miata also includes Alexa Built-in integration across all trims, dual USB-C inputs, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display with touchscreen capability.
Club and above MX-5 Miata trims add a Bose 9-speaker audio system with subwoofer and headrest speakers. The system is designed for the MX-5 Miata's open-air cabin and places speakers close to the occupants to help maintain audio clarity with the top down. The BRZ's audio system is an 8.0-inch multimedia unit with standard SiriusXM and Bluetooth streaming.
On safety, the BRZ runs standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology on all trims, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
The MX-5 Miata counters with Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Alert, Vehicle Exit Warning, and Secondary Collision Reduction across all trims. Grand Touring adds Adaptive Front-lighting System, High Beam Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control on automatic-transmission models. Mazda's i-Activsense safety technologies are integrated throughout the lineup.
MX-5 Miata i-Activsense safety features
Value and Ownership
The MX-5 Miata backs every purchase with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The BRZ matches that powertrain coverage with its own 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.
Fuel economy is another ownership consideration. With the manual transmissions compared here, the MX-5 Miata is rated 7 mpg higher on the highway, which can reduce fuel consumption over time depending on how and where the vehicle is driven.
The MX-5 Miata lineup includes three trims—Sport, Club, and Grand Touring—for the soft-top model. Club adds features including Bose audio, sport-tuned Bilstein suspension components, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a limited-slip differential for shoppers who prioritize additional performance equipment.
The BRZ offers Limited, tS, and the limited-production Series.Yellow. The BRZ tS adds Brembo brakes with larger rotors and Hitachi dampers for drivers who prioritize additional track-oriented hardware.
Mazda warranty and ownership benefits
Which One Should You Buy
Choose the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata if:
You want a lightweight, open-air sports car with near 50/50 weight distribution, a short-throw manual gearbox, and strong fuel efficiency for the segment. It is also the choice for shoppers who do not need rear seats and place a high priority on convertible driving. Club trim adds Bilstein dampers, the Bose audio system, wireless smartphone connectivity, and the limited-slip differential for drivers seeking additional performance-focused equipment.
Choose the 2026 Subaru BRZ if:
You need occasional rear-seat access, prefer a fixed-roof coupe, or prioritize higher engine output. The 228-hp BOXER engine and available Brembo brake hardware on the tS may appeal to drivers looking for additional power and track-oriented equipment. Drivers who routinely need extra passenger or cargo flexibility may also find the 2+2 layout more practical.
For shoppers in Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas looking for a two-seat roadster, the MX-5 Miata offers a distinctive combination of lightweight construction, rear-wheel drive, an available manual transmission, and open-air driving.
See the 2026 MX-5 Miata at Tuscaloosa Mazda
Shop current 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata availability at Tuscaloosa Mazda. Our team can help you compare trims, explore available features, and get behind the wheel. Shoppers from across Tuscaloosa and beyond can browse current inventory or schedule a test drive today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata have more horsepower than the Subaru BRZ?
No. The BRZ produces 228 hp compared to the MX-5 Miata's 181 hp. However, the Miata combines its output with lighter mass, near 50/50 weight distribution, and a chassis designed around a two-seat, open-top configuration.
Which car gets better fuel economy, the MX-5 Miata or the BRZ?
The MX-5 Miata gets better fuel economy based on the ratings compared here. It is EPA-rated at 26 city / 34 hwy / 29 combined, versus the BRZ manual at 20 city / 27 hwy / 22 combined. That is a 7 mpg advantage on the highway.
Does the Subaru BRZ have rear seats that the Miata lacks?
Yes. The BRZ is a 2+2 coupe with a fold-down rear seat and 29.9 inches of rear legroom. The MX-5 Miata is a strict two-seater.
Which car has wireless Apple CarPlay?
The MX-5 Miata offers wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto on Club and Grand Touring trims. The BRZ requires a wired connection for smartphone integration.
Is the MX-5 Miata available as a convertible only?
The soft-top MX-5 Miata covered in this comparison is a convertible. Mazda also offers the MX-5 Miata RF, or Retractable Fastback, which features a power retractable hardtop that opens in approximately 13 seconds.
What safety features come standard on the 2026 MX-5 Miata?
Every 2026 MX-5 Miata comes standard with Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Alert, Vehicle Exit Warning, and Secondary Collision Reduction.
Can I get an automatic transmission in the MX-5 Miata?
Yes. A 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available on the Grand Touring trim. All other trims are 6-speed manual only. Selecting the automatic changes the performance-equipment configuration compared with manual-equipped models.
Where can I test drive the 2026 MX-5 Miata near Tuscaloosa?
Tuscaloosa Mazda offers current MX-5 Miata inventory and test-drive opportunities. Use the links on this page to browse available stock or schedule time with the dealership team.
