Compare the2026 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2026 Mercedes CLE

The MX-5 Miata’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the CLE.

Both the MX-5 Miata and the CLE have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the MX-5 Miata 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the CLE. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the CLE ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 40 percent more Mazda dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the MX-5 Miata’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda third in reliability, above the industry average. With 82 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 28th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda 5 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

On the EPA test cycle the MX-5 Miata gets better mileage than the CLE Cabriolet:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda MX-5 Miata uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The CLE requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The MX-5 Miata offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The CLE doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The MX-5 Miata stops shorter than the CLE:

The MX-5 Miata’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the CLE’s (55% to 45%). This gives the MX-5 Miata more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 7.6 feet tighter than the CLE’s (30.8 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1700 to 1950 pounds less than the Mercedes CLE.

The MX-5 Miata is 3 feet shorter than the CLE, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The MX-5 Miata is 7.5 inches shorter in height than the CLE, making the MX-5 Miata much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

The MX-5 Miata's optional power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The CLE doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

The MX-5 Miata’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Mercedes does not offer a locking feature on the CLE’s standard power windows.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda MX-5 Miata, based on reliability, safety and performance.