2026 Mazda MX-5 — Full Specifications
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Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 is a coupe powered by a 2L 4-cyl premium gasoline engine. It returns around 35 mpg (UK) / 29 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Mazda MX-5 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2025 Mazda MX-5: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 35 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 35 combined / 31 urban / 42 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 29 combined / 26 city / 35 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 187 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,850 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2026 Mazda MX-5, all with the 2L 4-cyl engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (26/35) | 187 | $2,850 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (26/34) | 190 | $2,850 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2026 Mazda MX-5
Running Costs: 2026 Mazda MX-5
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2026 Mazda MX-5 at 35 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,039 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,850 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2026 Mazda MX-5 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2026 Mazda MX-5 as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2026 Mazda MX-5. The most-reported areas are Power train (1).
Used-buyer checklist for the 2026 Mazda MX-5
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 owner complaint) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Mazda MX-5 compare to similar coupes? For context, coupes in our database average around 25 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 35 mpg figure is 10 mpg better than that average. Its 187 g/km CO₂ figure is 91 g/km lower than the 278 g/km average for coupes on this site. This comparison is based on 1072 coupes in our dataset.
At 35 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 34 mpg average for Mazda models in our database. Its 187 g/km CO₂ figure is 11 g/km lower than the 198 g/km Mazda average.
Of the 17 Mazda MX-5 model years we cover, the 2026 ranks 7th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (35 mpg UK combined, against a high of 36 mpg). See every Mazda MX-5 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2026 Mazda MX-5
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2026 Mazda MX-5 have?
It's fitted with a 2L 4-cyl premium gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s6) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Mazda MX-5?
The most efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, or 29 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2026 Mazda MX-5 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,850 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2026 Mazda MX-5 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2026 Mazda MX-5 as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2026 Mazda MX-5?
Among the 1 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (1 complaint). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Mazda MX-5's fuel economy good for a coupe?
Yes — it returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 25 mpg among the coupes we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.