In the world of affordable sports cars, you have a couple very good choices. The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata and 2026 Toyota GR86 are both superb. Let’s examine the specs of both to figure out how they stack up.
The Miata comes in three available configurations, ranging from the affordable Sport to the well-equipped Grand Touring. The GR86 comes in three trims, from the budget-conscious base model to the high-end Yuzu Edition. We’ll find most of what these vehicles have to offer in the middle, so let’s examine the standard features of the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club vs. the 2026 Toyota GR86 Premium.
Vehicle Details
The 2,833-pound GR86 is equipped with a 2.4-liter 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 20 MPG city / 26 MPG highway, the GR86 is a respectable choice in terms of fuel efficiency.
On the whole, both the MX-5 Miata and the GR86 are competent performers in most environments. Outweighing the Miata by more than 450 pounds, the GR86 requires a more powerful engine to produce similar acceleration and top speed, which will cost you more at the gas pump over time.
The Toyota GR86 is no slouch when it comes to safety. Standard passive and active safety features include vehicle stability control, adaptive cruise control, brake assist, lane departure alert and more.
Most drivers won’t be disappointed by the GR86’s interior. With heated front seats and enough room to snugly fit up to four people, it’s an attractive, comfortable ride. 8-speaker audio, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® satellite radio, and more add up to a nice enough infotainment setup.
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata is easy to love. The 2026 Toyota GR86 is also fantastic. You can’t go wrong with either, but in our opinion, nothing beats driving in a Miata with the top down on a sunny day.
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