Mazda MX-5 Miata generations (NA, NB, NC, ND), RF, price and specs

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has had four U.S. generations: the NA (1990–1997), NB (1999–2005), NC (2006–2015) and current ND (2016–present). The 2026 ND uses a 181-hp 2.0L with a six-speed manual or automatic and starts at $30,730; the retractable-hardtop RF starts at $38,750, before $1,315 destination.

Type
Two-seat roadster (soft top) and retractable fastback (RF)
Price (MSRP)
$30,730–$42,200 (2026 MY) · MSRP excl. $1,315 destination ($1,360 in Alaska) after Mazda's $300 increase on all 2026 MX-5 and RF models effective Sep 15, 2026 (mazdausa.com lists Sport $30,730, Club $34,230, Grand Touring $36,030, RF from $38,750). Highest = RF Club, $41,900 in the release plus $300.[1][2]
Powertrains
MX-5 Miata manual, MX-5 Miata automatic · 181 hp
Current generation
Fourth generation (ND) (ND), 2016–present

2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata price and trims

Prices include Mazda's $300 increase on all 2026 MX-5 and RF models effective September 15, 2026, matching mazdausa.com. The Brembo/BBS/Recaro package ($5,050 in the release) is optional on the soft-top Club and standard on the RF Club; tan Nappa leather is $300 on Grand Touring.[1][2]

Mazda MX-5 Miata trims with 2026 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2026)Powertrain
Sport (soft top, 6MT)$30,730excl. $1,315 destination (2026 MY); release price plus Mazda's $300 increase effective Sep 15, 2026Skyactiv-G 2.0L (181 hp, 151 lb-ft), 6-speed manual, RWD[1][2]
Club (soft top, 6MT)$34,230excl. $1,315 destination (2026 MY); release price plus Mazda's $300 increase effective Sep 15, 2026Skyactiv-G 2.0L (181 hp, 151 lb-ft), 6-speed manual, RWD[1][2]
Grand Touring (soft top, 6MT)$36,030excl. $1,315 destination (2026 MY); release price plus Mazda's $300 increase effective Sep 15, 2026Skyactiv-G 2.0L (181 hp, 151 lb-ft), 6-speed manual, RWD[1][2]
Grand Touring (soft top, 6AT)$36,950excl. $1,315 destination (2026 MY); release price plus Mazda's $300 increase effective Sep 15, 2026Skyactiv-G 2.0L (181 hp, 151 lb-ft), 6-speed automatic with paddles, RWD[1][2]
RF Grand Touring (6MT)$38,750excl. $1,315 destination (2026 MY); release price plus Mazda's $300 increase effective Sep 15, 2026Skyactiv-G 2.0L (181 hp, 151 lb-ft), 6-speed manual, RWD[1][2]
RF Grand Touring (6AT)$39,720excl. $1,315 destination (2026 MY); release price plus Mazda's $300 increase effective Sep 15, 2026Skyactiv-G 2.0L (181 hp, 151 lb-ft), 6-speed automatic with paddles, RWD[1][2]
RF Club (6MT)$42,200excl. $1,315 destination (2026 MY); release price plus Mazda's $300 increase effective Sep 15, 2026Skyactiv-G 2.0L (181 hp, 151 lb-ft), 6-speed manual, RWD[1][2]

Every MX-5 Miata trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Mazda MX-5 Miata engines, horsepower and mpg

Sport and Club are manual-only; the automatic is offered only on Grand Touring. Club and manual Grand Touring models get Bilstein dampers, a shock tower brace and an asymmetric limited-slip differential.

Mazda MX-5 Miata powertrains with Mazda-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
MX-5 Miata manualSport, Club, Grand Touring, RF Club, RF Grand TouringSkyactiv-G 2.0L four-cylinder (181 hp at 7,000 rpm, 151 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, 7,500 rpm redline)[1][3]1811516-speed manualRear-wheel drive26/34/292026 MY[3]
MX-5 Miata automaticGrand Touring, RF Grand TouringSkyactiv-G 2.0L four-cylinder[1][3]1811516-speed automatic with paddle shiftersRear-wheel drive26/35/292026 MY[3]

Output is as rated by Mazda; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

Miata generations at a glance

Enthusiasts name each generation by its chassis code. Every one kept the same recipe: a front-engine, rear-drive two-seater with a manual gearbox available. Production passed one million units in 2016.

  • NA (1990–1997): 1.6L, then 1.8L
  • NB (1999–2005): 1.8L only in North America; MAZDASPEED turbo for 2004
  • NC (2006–2015): first 2.0L; Power Retractable Hard Top from 2007
  • ND (2016–present): Skyactiv-G 2.0L, 181 hp since 2019; RF from 2017
  • [4][9][12]

MX-5 Miata RF vs soft top

The RF (retractable fastback) opens or closes its roof in about 13 seconds at the push of a button. For 2026 it comes as RF Club, with the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package standard, and RF Grand Touring. RF prices start at $38,750 after the September 2026 increase, versus $30,730 for the soft-top Sport.[1][2]

Kinematic Posture Control

Introduced on the 2022 MX-5, Kinematic Posture Control applies a very slight brake to the inside rear wheel during high-g cornering. That pulls the car down at that corner, suppressing body roll and making steering response feel more linear, without adding weight. Mazda later carried it to the CX-90 and CX-70.[8][14][15]

Sport vs Club vs Grand Touring

Sport is the manual-only entry with cloth seats and 16-inch wheels. Club adds Bilstein dampers, a shock tower brace, a limited-slip differential, 17-inch wheels and Bose audio, and offers the $5,050 Brembo/BBS/Recaro package. Grand Touring adds leather, automatic climate and navigation, and is the only trim with an automatic.[1]

Mazda MX-5 Miata generations by year

Every US Mazda MX-5 Miata generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Fourth generation (ND)ND2016–presentSkyactiv-G 2.0L; 181 hp and 151 lb-ft from the 2019 model year (redline raised from 6,800 to 7,500 rpm); 6-speed manual or automaticUnveiled in the U.S. in September 2014 and priced from $24,915 for 2016, the ND is smaller and lighter than the NC. The RF retractable fastback arrived for 2017 from $31,555, and Kinematic Posture Control was added for 2022. The ND was 2016 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year.[4][5][6][7][8][9]
Third generation (NC)NC2006–2015MZR 2.0L four-cylinder (167 hp manual / 158 hp automatic, 140 lb-ft, 2013 ratings); 5- or 6-speed manual or 6-speed automaticLaunched at the 2005 Geneva show, the NC was the first MX-5 with a 2.0L engine. A Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) joined as a 2007 model; Mazda says PRHT versions outsold soft tops 4:1 worldwide. A 25th Anniversary PRHT marked the end of the NC.[4][10][9][11][12]
Second generation (NB)NB1999–20051.8L DOHC four-cylinder in North America; 5- or 6-speed manual or 4-speed automaticThe NB debuted at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show and went on sale as a 1999 model; there was no 1998 U.S. model. North America got only the 1.8L engine. A turbocharged MAZDASPEED MX-5 Miata came for 2004, and Guinness named the MX-5 the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in 2000.[4][13][9][12]
First generation (NA)NA1990–19971.6L four-cylinder (1990); 1.8L by 1994 (EPA listings); 5-speed manual or 4-speed automaticThe MX-5 Miata premiered at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989 and went on sale in the U.S. that May as a 1990 model, weighing just over 2,000 lbs. Mazda says first-generation production approached 480,000 units.[4][13][12]

Mazda MX-5 Miata problems and recalls

The documented Mazda MX-5 Miata problems in recall data are on the 2016-on ND generation. The largest is 24V695, an air bag software fix for 2016–2023 cars that could deploy the front bags with too much force. Others cover abrupt downshifts on 2016–2019 automatics, 2018–2019 fuel pumps and a 2024–2025 stability light.

Documented Mazda MX-5 Miata issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Front air bags can deploy with excessive force (recall 24V695)[16]ND (2016–present)2016–2023Recall 24V695
Automatic transmission can downshift abruptly (recall 19V072)[17]ND (2016–present)2016–2019 (automatic)Recall 19V072
Low-pressure fuel pump impeller can crack (recall 21V875)[18]ND (2016–present)2018–2019Recall 21V875
Traction and stability control warning light may not come on (recall 25V336)[19]ND (2016–present)2024–2025Recall 25V336
Under-engine skid plate and bracket can detach (recall 19V496)[20]ND (2016–present)2016Recall 19V496

All 5 documented MX-5 Miata issues and 5 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

More MX-5 Miata research

See how an MX-5 Miata was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Mazda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Mazda build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the Mazda Miata generations?

NA (1990–1997), NB (1999–2005), NC (2006–2015) and ND (2016–present), named for their chassis codes.

What years is the Mazda Miata NA?

The NA was sold in the U.S. for the 1990 through 1997 model years. It launched with a 1.6L engine and later used a 1.8L.

How much is a 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

After a $300 increase in September 2026, the Sport starts at $30,730, Club at $34,230, Grand Touring at $36,030 and the RF at $38,750, before $1,315 destination.

How much horsepower does the current Miata have?

The ND has 181 hp and 151 lb-ft from its 2.0L four-cylinder, ratings it has carried since the 2019 model year.

Was there a 1998 Miata?

Not in the U.S. The NA ended with 1997 and the NB went on sale as a 1999 model.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Mazda for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Pricing and Packaging (updated Sep 15, 2026) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  2. Mazda MX-5 Miata (vehicle page) — Mazda USA (mazdausa.com)
  3. 2026 Mazda MX-5 fuel economy — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  4. The History Of The Mazda MX-5 Miata — Inside Mazda (insidemazda.mazdausa.com)
  5. Mazda Announces Starting Price for 2016 MX-5 (Mar 30, 2015) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  6. 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF price (Oct 4, 2016) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  7. 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Packs More Punch (Jun 20, 2018) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  8. 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata Pricing and Packaging (Dec 16, 2021) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  9. Mazda US History timeline — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  10. 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata press kit — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  11. 2019 Chicago Auto Show Press Information: MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  12. Mazda MX-5 Miata fuel economy, 1990–2016 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  13. Mazda Annual Report 1998: The Roadster — Mazda Motor Corporation (mazda.com)
  14. Mazda Debuts First-Ever 2024 Mazda CX-90 (Jan 31, 2023) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  15. 2026 Mazda CX-70: Pricing and Packaging (Oct 7, 2025) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  16. NHTSA recall 24V695000: Air Bags May Deploy with Excessive Force/FMVSS 208 — NHTSA
  17. NHTSA recall 19V072000: Transmission Software May Cause Abrupt Downshift — NHTSA
  18. NHTSA recall 21V875000: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA
  19. NHTSA recall 25V336000: Traction Control Indicator Light May Not Illuminate/FMVSS 126 — NHTSA
  20. NHTSA recall 19V496000: Skid Plate and Bracket May Detach — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mazda North American Operations or Mazda Motor Corporation. Mazda and the model names are trademarks of their owners.