If you’re shopping for sports cars, you have numerous options. The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata and 2026 Subaru BRZ are both strong choices. Let’s look at the pros and cons of both to determine which one is right for you.
The Miata comes in three available trim levels, ranging from the budget-conscious Sport to the high-end Grand Touring. The BRZ comes in two well-appointed trims: Limited and tS. Since the BRZ does not really have a “base” model, let’s look at the standard features of the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring vs. the 2026 Subaru BRZ Limited. At these trim levels, either vehicle can be purchased with your choice of manual transmission or automatic. We’re going to look at the manual configuration.
Vehicle Details
The BRZ is equipped with a 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder engine under the hood for 184 lb-ft torque @ 3,700 rpm and 228 hp @ 7,000 rpm. For the drivetrain, we have rear-wheel drive and 6-speed manual transmission. With an estimated 21 MPG city / 30 MPG highway, the BRZ is a respectable choice when considering fuel efficiency.
Altogether, both the Miata and the BRZ are very good performers in most settings. While the BRZ is more powerful on paper, the Miata is almost 500 pounds lighter and the two vehicles have very similar acceleration and top speeds.
The Subaru BRZ is no slouch either in terms of safety. The BRZ comes with a driver assist package that includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist.
If you are a driving enthusiast, you probably won’t be disappointed by the BRZ’s interior. With 6-way adjustable driver’s seat and enough room to squeeze in four people, you could almost mistake it for a practical family vehicle. 8-speaker audio, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® satellite radio, and more add up to an adequate infotainment setup.
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata offers high-performance driving at a very accessible price point. The 2026 Subaru BRZ is also a solid pick. You can’t go wrong with either, but in our opinion, nothing beats a Miata with the top down on a nice day.
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