2026 GR86 Battles the Mazda MX-5 Miata: Can Both Win?

The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota GR86 remain two of the last affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports cars on sale, but they take noticeably different approaches to the formula. The Miata starts at $31,665 and comes in three trims — Sport, Club, and Grand Touring — all powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder making 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. A six-speed manual is standard across the lineup, with a six-speed automatic available only on Grand Touring. Curb weight ranges from 2,366 to 2,405 lbs depending on trim. Club adds a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers, a front shock tower brace, and 17-inch BBS wheels, while Grand Touring brings heated leather seats, automatic climate control, and Mazda's navigation system. The GR86 starts at $30,800 for the base trim and tops out with the limited-production Yuzu Edition, sitting alongside the Premium trim in between. All three run a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four making 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with a standard six-speed manual (a six-speed automatic is optional across the lineup). Curb weight runs from 2,811 to 2,868 lbs. Premium trim steps up to 18-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, heated synthetic suede seats, and an eight-speaker stereo, while Yuzu Edition adds Brembo brakes and Sachs dampers as part of its performance package. On paper, the GR86 has the power and torque advantage and a closed coupe body with usable back seats, while the Miata counters with a roughly 450-500 lb weight advantage, a convertible top, and the classic front-mid-engine roadster layout Mazda has built its reputation on since 1989. In this video, I drive both cars back-to-back — highway cruising, some twisty backroads, 0-60 runs, fuel economy, and a look through both interiors. The goal is to see how these spec sheets actually feel on the road and help you figure out which one fits what you're looking for. #MiataVsGR86 #MX5Miata #ToyotaGR86 #sportscards 00:00 The Competitors 01:10 Engine Performance 04:18 0-60 05:20 Handling and Braking 11:03 6-Speed Transmissions 12:37 Engine Noises 13:35 Highway Performance 16:23 Fuel Economy 17:37 Interiors and Features 22:25 The Convertible Game Changer 23:37 What Should You Do