2026 GR86 Battles the Mazda MX-5 Miata: Can Both Win?
Beyond The Test Drive
56,540 views
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota GR86 remain two of the last affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports cars on sale, but they take noticeably different approaches to the formula. The Miata starts at $31,665 and comes in three trims — Sport, Club, and Grand Touring — all powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder making 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. A six-speed manual is standard across the lineup, with a six-speed automatic available only on Grand Touring. Curb weight ranges from 2,366 to 2,405 lbs depending on trim. Club adds a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers, a front shock tower brace, and 17-inch BBS wheels, while Grand Touring brings heated leather seats, automatic climate control, and Mazda's navigation system.
The GR86 starts at $30,800 for the base trim and tops out with the limited-production Yuzu Edition, sitting alongside the Premium trim in between. All three run a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four making 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with a standard six-speed manual (a six-speed automatic is optional across the lineup). Curb weight runs from 2,811 to 2,868 lbs. Premium trim steps up to 18-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, heated synthetic suede seats, and an eight-speaker stereo, while Yuzu Edition adds Brembo brakes and Sachs dampers as part of its performance package.
On paper, the GR86 has the power and torque advantage and a closed coupe body with usable back seats, while the Miata counters with a roughly 450-500 lb weight advantage, a convertible top, and the classic front-mid-engine roadster layout Mazda has built its reputation on since 1989.
In this video, I drive both cars back-to-back — highway cruising, some twisty backroads, 0-60 runs, fuel economy, and a look through both interiors. The goal is to see how these spec sheets actually feel on the road and help you figure out which one fits what you're looking for.
#MiataVsGR86 #MX5Miata #ToyotaGR86 #sportscards
00:00 The Competitors
01:10 Engine Performance
04:18 0-60
05:20 Handling and Braking
11:03 6-Speed Transmissions
12:37 Engine Noises
13:35 Highway Performance
16:23 Fuel Economy
17:37 Interiors and Features
22:25 The Convertible Game Changer
23:37 What Should You Do
20 Comments
Miata Is Always The Answer
I have owned an MX-5 and it was and still is the most fun car Ive ever owned. It was a Mk1 and I cannot tell you how many ppl would call it a hairdressers car. Silly them. Such a comment instantly gave them away as have had never driven one. Funnily enough I have a GR86 on order currently, so I really do hope it brings back the fun times I had in the MX5.
Then I drove the Miata...
Everything felt "right". Everything was intuitive, perfectly placed, felt correct, looked nice, etc, etc. I could put that car where I wanted, when I wanted without even thinking. There was zero learning curve. It is as close to a perfect car as you can get.
I have (literally) driven millions of miles over the decades through many states but that area is very special to me (being intentionally vague, but looks like you were in that neighborhood...). Great video, sending it to my granddaughter-daughter (long story) to help her decide!!
2026 GR86 Battles the Mazda MX-5 Miata: Can Both Win?
Beyond The Test Drive
56,540 views
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota GR86 remain two of the last affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports cars on sale, but they take noticeably different approaches to the formula. The Miata starts at $31,665 and comes in three trims — Sport, Club, and Grand Touring — all powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder making 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. A six-speed manual is standard across the lineup, with a six-speed automatic available only on Grand Touring. Curb weight ranges from 2,366 to 2,405 lbs depending on trim. Club adds a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers, a front shock tower brace, and 17-inch BBS wheels, while Grand Touring brings heated leather seats, automatic climate control, and Mazda's navigation system.
The GR86 starts at $30,800 for the base trim and tops out with the limited-production Yuzu Edition, sitting alongside the Premium trim in between. All three run a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four making 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with a standard six-speed manual (a six-speed automatic is optional across the lineup). Curb weight runs from 2,811 to 2,868 lbs. Premium trim steps up to 18-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, heated synthetic suede seats, and an eight-speaker stereo, while Yuzu Edition adds Brembo brakes and Sachs dampers as part of its performance package.
On paper, the GR86 has the power and torque advantage and a closed coupe body with usable back seats, while the Miata counters with a roughly 450-500 lb weight advantage, a convertible top, and the classic front-mid-engine roadster layout Mazda has built its reputation on since 1989.
In this video, I drive both cars back-to-back — highway cruising, some twisty backroads, 0-60 runs, fuel economy, and a look through both interiors. The goal is to see how these spec sheets actually feel on the road and help you figure out which one fits what you're looking for.
#MiataVsGR86 #MX5Miata #ToyotaGR86 #sportscards
00:00 The Competitors
01:10 Engine Performance
04:18 0-60
05:20 Handling and Braking
11:03 6-Speed Transmissions
12:37 Engine Noises
13:35 Highway Performance
16:23 Fuel Economy
17:37 Interiors and Features
22:25 The Convertible Game Changer
23:37 What Should You Do
Thanks for stopping by! It was a terrific opportunity to drive our 2025 Miata back to back for a week with a 2026 GR86. Comparison vids like this are a bucket list item for Beyond the Test Drive. Consider subscribing and come along for the drive! Support automotive YouTubing so don’t forget to like and comment. And don’t miss our full owner review series on this 2025 Miata, our 2022 Mazda3, and our recently added 2025 BMW 230i.