Despite Requests From US Dealers, The Next-Generation Mazda MX-5 Will Stick To The Traditional Formula

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a staple in the Japanese automotive industry. The compact, lightweight roadster is, currently, in its fourth generation, and we know that the nameplate will continue to live on for at least two more. With that said, new reports emerged about the next-generation Mazda Miata, and if you (like me) are a fan of the classic sports car formula, I have some great and maybe not so great news for you.  

Wth Mazda's upcoming flagship sports car still being a partial mystery, any clarity about the brand's performance models is welcome. The latest details about the NE Miata come courtesy of Road and Track. One of their journalists sat down with Mazda executives, including the company CEO, Masahiro Moro, who said some very exciting things about the iconic Mazda roadster.

While carmakers tend to give vague information or even mislead us from time to time, what the Mazda CEO said is gospel. Some of the things contradict what we already knew about the next-generation Miata, but that has more to do with the current level of electrification available. 

Mazda CTO, Umeshita, assured that the next-generation Miata will continue to be lightweight, compact, and driver-focused. Mazda is, reportedly, targeting a weight of under one ton (2,200 pounds), which means the future iteration of the Japanese roadster will be at least 130 pounds lighter than the current, ND Miata. 

Another great piece of intel about the upcoming Mazda MX-5 is that it will not be electrified. That's because batteries are heavy, and the model needs to remain as lightweight as possible. If the Miata becomes electrified now, it will be impossible to make it lightweight, so until solid-state batteries become the norm, the Miata will not go electric. 

US dealers wanted a different Miata 

Masashi Nakayama, who designed the ND Miata shared that there were requests from some US dealerships to make the MX-5 bigger and more powerful. While some people are adamant that the Miata needs more power, there are other ways to achieve that.

The aftermarket is a great place, and many Miata owners are reveling in the chance to make the small Japanese roadster truly their own. There is no shortage of forced induction kits, suspension kits, and even complete engine swaps. 

Unless Mazda decides to surprise us, it seems the NE Miata will continue to rely on the 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine that makes 181 horsepower. The model will also continue offering a six-speed manual.

Hopefully, Mazda has cleared ironed out all the quirks related to the Miata's stick-shift, which plague some owners. With Mazda targeting a sub-2,200-pound curb weight, the fifth-generation Miata will feature a better power-to-weight ratio than the current ND model. 

As for those that can't fit in the ND Miata, unfortunately, you will have to go with another model. And yes, I feel your pain since I am six feet two inches and cannot properly set up my driving position in the ND Miata.

Nakayama pointed out that making the Miata bigger and more powerful will also increase the price, and they want to keep it affordable. The modern-day automotive industry has an alarming shortage of attainable sports cars.

The Miata is one of the very few sports cars that still hover around the $30,000, although a well-spec'd example will set you back just over $40,000. One thing I want for the next-generation Miata is a limited-slip differential on the base model.  

As for how all this translates into numbers, we'll have to wait until 2027, since that's when the next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata is said to arrive. I am also curious to see how Toyota's MX-5 rival, the S-FR, will fare in this niche segment of small, lightweight sports cars. 

What do you want to see from the 2027 Mazda MX-5? Do you want more power or electrification? Maybe a bigger model? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: 2025 Mazda MX-5 press kit