The Mazda Miata has become a serious enthusiast bargain over the years. Back in its first generation, it carried the same price tag as a V8 pony car. However, these days, it costs a couple of grand more than the Honda Civic hatchback. This increase might say more about the state of car prices in general rather than the affordability of Mazda's roadster. Nevertheless, the 2026 Miata is still considered a bargain by today's standards.
The soft-top Sport now starts at $31,665, which is $600 more than the equivalent 2025 model. The same price increase applies to both the soft-top Club and the base RF trim, while the RF Club trim went up by $750. This price hike can be attributed to the impact of tariffs on the car's Japanese build.
Apart from the price change and the departure of the 35th Anniversary model, the 2026 Miata remains largely unchanged. The color palette, in particular, has been kept conservative. Premium finishes are limited to Aero Gray, Snowflake White, Soul Red, and Machine Gray.
On a positive note for enthusiasts, Subaru's WRX base trim is returning this year, bringing its starting price down by about five grand. This move aims to increase production compared to last year, when WRX sales dipped due to short supply and higher base prices.
The Mazda Miata's grounded starting price and the return of the Subaru WRX base trim are good news for enthusiasts in 2026. However, the increasing costs of the car highlight the current state of the automotive market.
As an enthusiast of the roadster genre, it is worth noting that the Mazda Miata has evolved into a serious bargain over time. Its price increase might be attributed to various factors, including the impact of tariffs and the general trend of rising car prices.
The increasing cost of the Mazda Miata reflects the current state of the automotive market, where prices are on the rise due to various factors such as tariffs and supply chain issues. However, considering its historical affordability and the value it offers, the Miata remains a great option for enthusiasts.
