The Iconic Design Features of the 2026 MAZDA MX-5 Miata

The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t just designed to be driven—it’s meant to inspire. For more than three decades, Mazda’s iconic two-seat roadster has stood as a definition of how driving should feel, and the 2026 model carries that legacy with the same lightweight grace it has always represented. See its quintessential design at The Autobarn Mazda of Evanston.

Kodo Design® That Evokes Motion

The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata is shaped by Kodo Design®, Mazda’s “Soul of Motion” philosophy. Sleek, seamless lines draw inspiration from classic 1960s roadsters and create a silhouette that suggests motion even at rest. Nonetheless, its proportions stay true to the original Mazda Miata vision: low to the ground, compact, and unmistakably a sports car.

A Driver-Focused Cockpit

Every detail of the cabin is crafted around the driver. The seat positions you in the most natural posture to respond to the road, while the three-spoke steering wheel and leather-wrapped shift knob connect you to the lineage of every Mazda Miata that came before. The 8.8-inch display centers the dashboard, giving simplified access to infotainment without detracting from your drive.

Two Roofs, One Powertrain

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Soft Top, or ST, stays true to roadster heritage with a manually retractable cloth roof. The Retractable Fastback model, or RF, brings a hardtop silhouette that retracts in about 13 seconds, evoking the look of a 1960s coupe. Under the hood, a SKYACTIV®-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 181 horsepower with near-perfect front-to-rear balance. A six-speed manual is standard, providing the engaging drive that built the Mazda Miata legacy.

Experience the 2026 MAZDA MX-5 Miata in Evanston, IL

Iconic design like this is best understood from behind the wheel. The Autobarn Mazda of Evanston is here to put you there. Visit us to test-drive the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata today.