Mazda MX-5 Miata
The best-selling two-seat roadster in history, a featherweight sports car built around one idea: maximum driving joy per kilogram.
Quick Facts & Specification Overview: The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a convertible featuring powertrains delivering from 126 to 184 horsepower, achieving up to 42 MPG combined on official EPA ratings. Engineered with RWD drivetrain systems across 2 generations, the model holds a Not Rated-star NHTSA safety rating and zero open safety recalls on the latest production run.
Years
1989 - present
Power
126 - 184 hp
Best MPG
42 MPG
NHTSA
Not Rated★ overall
2015 Recalls
0 campaigns
01At a glance
Mazda MX-5 Miata by the numbers
| Topic | Mazda MX-5 Miata | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power range | 126 - 184 hp | 4 powertrains verified |
| EPA fuel economy | 29 - 42 MPG | Combined cycle, best trim |
| Safety rating | Not Rated★ overall (2026) | Frontal Not Rated★ · Side Not Rated★ · Rollover Not Rated★ |
| Recalls (2015) | 0 | Open NHTSA safety campaigns |
| Fuel types | Petrol | RWD drivetrain |
| Generations indexed | 2 | Each with full spec sheet |
| Dimensions (latest) | 3915 x 1735 x 1225 mm | L x W x H, 2310 mm wheelbase |
02Crash protection
Mazda MX-5 Miata NHTSA safety ratings
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2025 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2024 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2023 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2022 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2021 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2020 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Safercar_data.csv, official 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Recall counts from NHTSA Recall API. Official NHTSA ratings
05Pick your year
Mazda MX-5 Miata generations
MX-5 ND
2015 – present
MX-5 NC
2005 – 2015
05Generation comparison matrix
Compare all Mazda MX-5 Miata generations
| Specification | MX-5 ND2015 – present (ND) | MX-5 NC2005 – 2015 (NC) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 132 – 184 hp | 126 – 160 hp |
| EPA Fuel Economy | Up to 42 MPG combined | Up to 31 MPG combined |
| Quickest 0–100 km/h | 6.5s | 7.6s |
| Exterior Dimensions | 3915 × 1735 × 1225 mm | 3995 × 1720 × 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2310 mm | 2330 mm |
| Powertrains Verified | 2 trims | 2 trims |
| Full Specs | View spec sheet | View spec sheet |
Smart Value & Budget Pick
MX-5 NC
Ideal for used-car shoppers seeking reliable transportation with lower acquisition costs, proven naturally aspirated engines, and mature parts availability.
Explore MX-5 NCspecs →Technology & Modern Pick
MX-5 ND
Best for drivers wanting contemporary safety tech, digital cockpits, peak horsepower ratings, and the latest aerodynamic styling.
Explore MX-5 NDspecs →06Answers
Mazda MX-5 Miata: what buyers ask
How many recalls does the Mazda MX-5 Miata have?
The 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata has 0 open NHTSA recall campaigns. Always verify by your exact VIN, because recall coverage varies by production run.
What MPG does the Mazda MX-5 Miata get?
Across verified powertrains, the MX-5 Miata achieves 29 to 42 MPG combined (EPA cycle).
How much horsepower does the Mazda MX-5 Miata have?
Power ranges from 126 hp to 184 hp across 4 verified powertrains, spanning Petrol fuel types.
Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata safe?
The 2026 MX-5 Miata earned a Not Rated-star overall NHTSA rating (frontal Not Rated, side Not Rated, rollover Not Rated).
How many generations does the Mazda MX-5 Miata have?
We index 2 verified generations with full powertrain specification sheets, spanning production from 1989 to the present.
08Buyer's Guides
MX-5 Miata Research & Technical Explainers
City vs. Highway vs. Combined MPG Explained: EPA Formula & Real-World Guide
What do the three MPG numbers on a spec sheet actually mean, why is your real-world figure lower, and which should you care about? A complete guide.
September 26, 2026
What Is a VIN Number? How to Decode All 17 Digits (NHTSA & ISO Chart)
Every car built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN. Learn where to find it, what each position means, and how to decode it free in seconds.
October 10, 2026
Sources for this page
- EPA fuel-economy records: Mazda MX-5 MiataCertification data across model years
- NHTSA vehicle file: recalls and owner complaintsLatest model-year record
- NHTSA vPIC vehicle databasePowers our VIN decoder, the federal manufacturer registry
- Mazda official: data sheets and archiveManufacturer-published specifications
Figures on this page are compiled from the sources above and cross-checked against manufacturer data sheets. US-market EPA cycle where noted; European WLTP values are measured differently and are not directly comparable.
Check a specific MX-5 Miata
Model-level data is a starting point, not a guarantee for your vehicle. Decode the exact VIN to confirm year, trim, engine, assembly plant and any open recalls that apply to that specific production run.
Open VIN checkMore Mazda models