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# 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring - Re- Driven Review
- URL: https://www.roadblazing.com/2026-mazda-mx-5-miata-grand-touring-re-driven-review/
- Published: 2026-08-14T15:45:49.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-14T15:45:49.000Z
- Author: George Straton
- Tags: Convertibles, Coupes

## *2026 Mazda MX-5 Model Year Update :* 

### For the past three and a half decades, few vehicles have transmitted human to machine motoring purity as the Mazda MX-5.

### The ND fourth generation MX-5 Miata has perfected the light and nimble production roadster genre, featuring a magical equilibrium of a low mass directness, raw sensations, sleek lines and modern amenities.

### Appropriately, during the recent summer doldrums in the Great Lakes, modesty gave way to exhibitionism while executing a topless excursion on public roads in a **2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring**.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2026/08/RB-2026-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Grand-Touring-ext-dwn-fr-L-P3330821-abc-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2026/08/RB-2026-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Grand-Touring-drift-ext-dwn-fr-L-rr-L-005c.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2026/08/RB-2026-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Grand-Touring-ext-dwn-rr-R-P3330843-abc.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2026/08/RB-2026-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Grand-Touring-ext-up-fr-L-P3330807-abc.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2026/08/RB-2026-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Grand-Touring-ext-up-dwn-side-L-005c.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2026/08/2026-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Grand-Touring-ext-up-rr-R-P3330866-c.jpg)

****2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring**: single handed fabric top operation converts this Deep Crystal Blue Mica sports coupe into a open-air roadster

### 

### CHANGES FOR '26 Model Year:

- NONE

💡

The ND generation of the 2-seat roadster from Hiroshima saw abundant upgrades in 2025.

[2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club RF - What’s New Review2024 Mazda MX-5 Model Year Update : “ICONIC” represents that which is well established. The Mazda MX-5 signifies the most iconic roadster ever produced. The current and fourth generation of the two seat Japanese sport cabrio continues the combination of light and nimble with a judicious amount of raw sensations transmitted![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/icon/rb-wheel500-77.png)RoadBlazingGeorge Straton![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/thumbnail/RB-2024-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Club-RF-ext-top-down-fr-IMG20240807111507-bc.jpg)](https://www.roadblazing.com/2024-mazda-mx-5-miata-club-rf-whats-new-review/)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2026/08/RB-2026-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Grand-Touring-engine-P3330913-bc.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2024/08/RB-2024-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Club-RF-DSC-differential-suspension-rr-004c.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2026/08/RB-2026-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Grand-Touring-wheels-fr-L-P3330937-bc.jpg)

****2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring** : naturally aspirated inline-4 engine, 6-speed manual gearbox, independent suspension, asymmetrical limited slip rear differential, Track mode DSC defeat

**CARRIED OVER, MOSTLY UNCHANGED (FROM '25 MY MAZDA MX-5 GRAND TOURING)**:

**Segment, Style & Finish**:

- Two-door roadster coupe, manual fabric (or available power retracting folding targa) top, 2 occupant seating
- 4th generation ND Series MX-5, launched in 2016 MY, with uprated revised 2.0 Skyactiv G engine introduced for 2019 model year
  - Sensuous Mako shark nose, deep valley long hood, subtle ducktail rear deck roadster profile, emphatic flared fenders & rear quarter panels
  - Slim front white LED DRL housings, circular to inboard arrow LED taillamps

**Performance**:

- naturally aspirated longitudinal DOHC I-4 petrol engine
- 6-speed manual helical transmission w/ short throw shift lever
  - optional torque converter automatic planetary transmission w/ steering wheel dorsal shift paddles
- Available torque-sensing assymetrical limited slip rear differential
- Dynamic Stability Control Track mode fully disables DSC
- High revving engine, 7500 r.p.m. redline
  - rated power - 181 horsepower, 151 pound-feet @ 4000 r.p.m.
- **32** **m**iles **p**er **g**allon, 416 miles highway driving range (3.1 gallons/ 100 miles)
- Lightweight body, 50:50 front- rear mass distribution
- Front double wishbone, rear multi-link suspension, available Bilstein dampers
- Vented front, solid rear single-piston caliper disc brakes, monoblock
- Quick ratio steering, heavy weighted resistance
- Bridgestone Potenza S performance tires on 17" alloy wheels

**Safety**:

- IIHS - Top Safety Pick (2024 MY)
  - 4 SRS airbags, rear camera
  - Advanced driver assistance
    - Blind spot warning, Forward vehicle, pedestrian & cyclist avoidance, rear cross traffic warning
    - Available steering adaptive headlamps, automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition
    - Available adaptive cruise control - automatic transmission model exclusive

**Comfort & Convenience**:

- Seating for 2
- Sport Bucket manual seats
- Triple dial TFT analog instrument gauge cluster, w/ 4.6" inch color multi-information display
- 1-zone manual (available automatic) climate control,
- Glass rear window + defogger,
- Heated front seats, tilt/ telescoping steering wheel, (available heated wing mirrors & rain sensing windshield wipers)
- Keyless entry, push-button ignition
- Power windows, express down x 2

**Utility**:

- Carpeted trunk fits two (2) 20" inch roll-aboard soft side suitcases
- Light aluminum trunk lid
- Locking glovebox between seat uppers
- Dual slot locations for two cupholders
- Tire puncture mobility kit

**Infotainment**:

- 8.8" inch Mazda Connect center dashtop LCD landscape media display, center console remote knob control
- Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay projection, touch screen control
- Bluetooth hands-free communication
- SMS messaging w/ predefined replies
- Amazon Alexa infotainment voice query
- Bose Centerpoint Audio - streaming, RDS HD radio
  - 9 speakers, including Audiopilot two per front seat headrests
  - 240 watts output
  - center console remote volume knob
- Available HDD GPS native navigation
- Subscription features: Verizon 4G Wi-Fi (6 mos. or 2GB data), Sirius XM satellite radio (90 day trial)  
  - MazdaConnected mobile app including remote access, safety & remote connect (1 year trial)

#### 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring specifications:

  
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): ***$37** **,265** \= as tested ****2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring** ($31,745 MX-5 Sport 6MT)

****Curb Weight**: 2366 pounds, 13.1:1 weight-to-power ratio

****Powertrain - petrol**: 2.0L DI 16V DOHC Skyactiv G I-4

****Horsepower petrol / Torque** (pound - feet): 181 horsepower (135 kW) @ 7000 r.p.m./ 151 lb-ft @ 4000 r.p.m.

****Drivetrain / Final drive ratio**: 6-speed manual helical transaxle, rear-wheel drive, variable ramp angle conical clutch mechanical limited slip rear differential, 2.87:1

****Chassis**:

- Front double wishbone, Rear four-link independent suspension, F&R: coil springs, sway bars, Bilstein mono-tube dampers
- Front: 11.0" vented rotors, Rear: 11.0" solid rotors, F+R: 1-piston sliding calipers, mechanical parking brake
- Bridgestone Potenza S007, 17 x 7.0"alloy wheels, front & rear 205/45-W, puncture mobility kit
- Electric power steering, 15.5:1 ratio, 2.7 turns-to-lock
  
****Dimensions**:

- LxWxH: ****154.1" x 68.3"** (w/o mirrors) ****x 48.8"**
- Wheelbase: 90.9" inches
- Ground clearance: 5.8" inches (unladen)
  
****Capacities**:

- Headroom (Rows 1, inches): 36.8"
- Legroom (Rows 1, inches): 43.1"
- Cargo (nominal): 4.48 cubic feet
  
****Fuel Economy** \- observed (miles per gallon): ****32** ****m.p.g.**

****Range** (maximum): 404 miles (11.9 gallons)

****Performance**: 0-60 miles/ hour: 5.6 seconds; Top speed: 140 m.p.h.

Manufacturer Provided Specifications @2026 Roadblazing.com

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2026/08/RB-2026-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Grand-Touring-cockpit-nav-search-005c.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2026/08/RB-2026-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Grand-Touring-driving-Android-ADAS-camera-004c.jpg)

****2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring** : 8.8" infotainment display, wireless smart phone app projection, automatic climate control + Nappa leather heated seats

BOTTOM LINE: 

- $37,265 price, as tested **2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring** 6-speed manual in Deep Crystal Blue Mica + tan Nappa leather seats (MX-5 Sport manual from $31,745)
- 3 years / 36,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty; 5 years, 60,000 miles powertrain warranty

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2026/08/RB-2026-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Grand-Touring-entry-driver-005c.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2026/08/RB-2026-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Grand-Touring-seats-driver-P3330983-bc.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2026/08/RB-2026-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Grand-Touring-seats-driver-storage-003c.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2026/08/RB-2026-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Grand-Touring-cockpit-Android-map-PXL_20260808_233855468-bc.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/2026/08/RB-2026-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-Grand-Touring-cargo-trunk-P3330954-bc.jpg)

****2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring**: suited for al fresco weekend escapes for two

LIKES ABOUT THE **2026 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA GRAND TOURING**:

- Modern interpretation of the classic sport 2-seat roadster still looks fresh & fashionable
- Loves to be revved inline-four petrol powerplant + bantam weight
- Heel to toe pedal optimized
- The baseball stitched shifter of the manual gearbox engages six forward positions with an assuring tactile rawness, aided by a light & shorter clutch pedal travel and ideal heel-to-toe spaced pedals.
- Front double wishbone geometry provides precision turn-in. Bridgestone Potenza S rubber grips turn apexes as the asymmetrical limited slip rear diff smooths wheel spin transfer during rotation. A shapely helm is nimble, but never overtaxing, while communicating surface nibble. Quick damper compression makes for a reasonably compliant ride. Single pot disc binders modulate with progressive anchoring.
- Avant garde, retro interior
  - Traditional needle in dial high contrast instrumentation
  - Logical infotainment menu flow
- Exemplary fuel efficiency
- Comfortable, well bolstered heated seats
- Audio speakers inside seat headrests

NOT PREFERRED ABOUT THE **2026 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA GRAND TOURING**:

- Wind and road noise at speed, which headrest speakers can't overcome
- Hard dashboard top
- Meek exhaust
- Restricted headroom
- Transmission tunnel intrudes into passenger footwell
- Space constrained trunk
- Shallow center console bin, awkward glovebox location between seatbacks, no door pockets
- Barely any lower center stack smart phone storage
- Limited driver assistance
- Sunwash susceptible instrument cluster
- No rev matching

💡

**ROADBLAZING.COM BOTTOM LINE*: The ragtop suits the world's favorite roadster perfectly fine.

[2019 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring - Bottom Line ReviewMore than one century ago the earliest automobiles earned the nickname \[or mockery\] “Horseless carriages.” In the years since, driving has developed into a less sensory, more automated human activity. Responding to the trend of motoring disconnect, in 1989 Japanese automaker Mazda arrived at the Chicago Auto Show responded with![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/size/w256h256/2024/05/rb-wheel500.png)RoadBlazingGeorge Straton![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/size/w1200/2024/05/RB-2019-Mazda-MX-5-Grand-Touring-ext-td-fr-P1370187-ab-1.jpg)](https://www.roadblazing.com/2019-mazda-mx-5-grand-touring-bottom-line-review/)