If you think about it, there’s no practical reason to buy a 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata. You feel cramped in a tight space. You get decent, but not great fuel economy. And the MX-5 only offers decent acceleration and roadholding. So what’s the point? FUN! Let me show you.
Views on Vehicles focuses on new car reviews and news, presented by Robin Warner, a perennial car nut. The reason for the channel’s focus becomes crystal clear when you look at Warner’s experience.
He spent five years of his adult life as an engineer: four years in traction and stability control calibration, and little over a year in vehicle dynamics. He also spent 15 years of his adult life as an editor at various magazines, including stints at Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Autoweek.
The TTAC Creators Series tells stories and amplifies creators from all corners of the car world, including culture, dealerships, collections, modified builds and more.
An AI-summarized transcript edited by a staffer is below.
[Image: YouTube screenshot]
Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.
Summary
The review argues that the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t about winning individual categories — it is about making driving itself enjoyable. Despite its limitations in space, power, technology, and outright performance, the Miata remains one of the most engaging and accessible sports cars available.
Driving Experience
The Miata’s biggest strength is its lightweight, simple, driver-focused character. With just 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, it isn’t particularly powerful, but its low weight — well under 3,000 pounds — makes the power more than adequate. The naturally aspirated engine revs to 7,500 rpm, giving the driver plenty of opportunity to work the engine and six-speed manual transmission.
The reviewer emphasizes the car’s steering feel, chassis balance, and sense of connection. Rather than chasing enormous horsepower or maximum cornering grip, the Miata makes ordinary roads entertaining. The manual gearbox and traditional handbrake further reinforce the analog driving experience.
The convertible configuration also contributes to the experience. With the roof and windows down, the driver is exposed to the wind, sounds and surroundings, making the car feel more visceral and elemental.
Styling and Practicality
The RF (Retractable Fastback) version retains the Miata’s compact dimensions while adding a power-operated retractable hardtop. Its distinctive roof structure leaves substantial rear pillars and glass behind the occupants even with the roof lowered.
Cargo space is limited, but the trunk is described as deeper and more useful than expected given the car’s tiny dimensions.
Inside, the Miata is deliberately simple. It features:
-
- Analog gauges
- An 8.8-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Physical controls
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Traditional mechanical handbrake
The cup holders are criticized as poorly positioned and not particularly effective, but the reviewer sees these shortcomings as relatively unimportant given the car’s purpose.
Acceleration
An informal acceleration test demonstrates that the Miata isn’t a rocket, but it is quick enough to be entertaining. The reviewer estimates a sub-six-second zero-to-60 mph time, which he considers more than adequate for a lightweight sports car.
The point isn’t maximum acceleration; it’s the interaction between the driver, engine, gearbox and chassis.
Highway Driving
The Miata is capable of highway duty, although this isn’t where it shines. At 78 mph in sixth gear, the engine turns roughly 3,250 rpm, contributing to noticeable engine noise.
Wind and road noise are significant, and the ride is somewhat stiff. Nevertheless, the seats are supportive and comfortable enough for highway trips, and fuel economy in the 30-mpg range is respectable.
The reviewer views highway driving primarily as a means of reaching the roads where the Miata makes the most sense: twisty, scenic roads where the car’s handling and engagement can be enjoyed.
The Bottom Line
The central argument of the review is that the Miata doesn’t need to dominate traditional performance metrics to be successful. It isn’t spacious, luxurious, technologically advanced, exceptionally fast, or especially powerful.
Instead, it delivers something increasingly rare: an uncomplicated, lightweight sports car that makes the driver the center of the experience.
The reviewer ultimately says he absolutely loves the MX-5, arguing that you’d need to spend Porsche-level money to find something that offers more driving enjoyment. Mazda deserves credit, in his view, for continuing to build such an elemental sports car.
Key takeaway: The 2026 Miata’s appeal isn’t about what it can do better than other cars. It’s about how much fun it creates with relatively little — 181 hp, a manual transmission, a lightweight chassis, responsive steering and an open-air driving experience.