The soft top and RF hard-top Mazda MX-5 are both a load of fun and reasonably priced fun sporty drive! Take your pick of 6-speed manual or automatic transmission too!


Friend of the site Connie Peters reviews the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Take a look at the video or transcript below to see what she thinks. 


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A transcript, summarized by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.


[Image: YouTube Video Thumbnail]


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Introduction and 2026 Updates

Peters is a longtime fan of the Mazda MX-5 Miata and regularly books one when it enters the Vancouver fleet. For this test, she drives both the RF hardtop and, the following week, the soft-top with an automatic transmission.

The RF tested is the Canadian GS-P with the Sport Package, comparable to the Club model in the U.S. Differences exist between Canadian and U.S. specifications. The Canadian car has Recaro sport seats with Alcantara/suede inserts, while the U.S. Club RF gets a Napa leather interior. The test car is finished in Aero Gray Metallic and features Brembo sport brakes.

For 2026, there are few significant changes. The notable update is that the base RF now gets wireless Apple CarPlay.

Exterior Design and Practicality

The MX-5 remains a small, low-slung, sporty roadster with a design the reviewer describes as particularly cute and appealing. The RF's retractable hardtop gives it more of a targa-like appearance, while the soft top provides a more traditional convertible experience.

Practicality is limited. The trunk is extremely small, although the reviewer says she has managed to fit two small carry-on-sized bags for an overnight trip. The cabin is also very compact, making the MX-5 potentially difficult for taller drivers. The reviewer suggests someone around six feet or taller may struggle with the available space.

Driving Experience

The MX-5's appeal remains centered on its driving experience. Both versions use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, paired with rear-wheel drive.

The RF tested has a six-speed manual transmission, which the reviewer clearly prefers. She considers the MX-5 an exceptionally enjoyable car to drive, particularly in good weather with the top down.

The soft-top test car uses the available six-speed automatic transmission. Although the automatic makes the MX-5 accessible to people who don't want or can't drive a manual, the reviewer finds it slightly less engaging. Her preference remains firmly with the manual.

Interior and Technology

The MX-5's interior remains essentially unchanged for 2026. The major technology update is wireless Apple CarPlay on the base RF.

The infotainment screen can be configured to function as a touchscreen while driving, although the default setting disables touchscreen operation once the vehicle is moving. The reviewer prefers having touchscreen functionality available for CarPlay.

Other features mentioned include:

    • Heated front seats
    • Automatic single-zone climate control
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Music and infotainment controls
    • Wireless Apple CarPlay
    • Two USB-C charging ports
    • Bose audio
    • Bose speakers integrated into the headrests on higher trims
    • Leather seating on the GT
    • Recaro sport seats with Alcantara on the Canadian Sport Package

Storage remains scarce, consistent with the MX-5's tiny dimensions.

RF vs. Soft Top

The biggest difference between the two body styles is their character.

The RF provides a more enclosed, coupe-like appearance because of its retractable hardtop. The soft top feels considerably more open and traditional, giving occupants more of the classic convertible experience.

The reviewer enjoys both but prefers the soft top's more open character. She also strongly favors the manual transmission over the automatic.

Pricing

The reviewer quotes the following Canadian and U.S. pricing:

    • Soft-top top trim: approximately C$45,000 / US$38,000
    • RF starting price: approximately C$42,000 / US$38,000
    • RF test vehicle with Sport Package: C$49,495 / approximately US$44,000

The Sport Package adds features such as the Brembo brakes and Recaro sport seats.

Bottom Line

The 2026 MX-5 remains fundamentally the same car that enthusiasts have loved for years: small, lightweight, rear-wheel drive, simple, and enormously entertaining. There are few changes for 2026, but that's hardly a criticism because the MX-5's formula continues to work.

Its biggest compromises are its tiny trunk, cramped cabin and limited storage, while the automatic transmission sacrifices some of the involvement that makes the MX-5 special. For the enthusiast, the manual-transmission soft top or RF remains the most appealing configuration.

The transcript's central message is that the MX-5 doesn't need to be practical or powerful to be rewarding. Its value comes from its compact dimensions, open-air experience and pure driving enjoyment.