Compare the2026 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2026 Subaru BRZ

The MX-5 Miata has standard Secondary Collision Reduction, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The BRZ doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the MX-5 Miata and the BRZ 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, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the MX-5 Miata’s reliability 40 points higher than the BRZ.

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 Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda third in reliability, above the industry average. With 51 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru is ranked 21st.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mazda MX-5 Miata is faster than the Subaru BRZ (manual transmissions tested):

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

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

The MX-5 Miata stops shorter than the BRZ:

The MX-5 Miata’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the BRZ’s (55.5% to 44.5%). This gives the MX-5 Miata more stable handling and braking.

The MX-5 Miata Club handles at .97 G’s, while the BRZ pulls only .93 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 4.6 feet tighter than the BRZ’s (30.8 feet vs. 35.4 feet).

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 450 pounds less than the Subaru BRZ.

The MX-5 Miata is 1 foot, 1.8 inches shorter than the BRZ, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

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

A standard locking center console (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the MX-5 Miata. The BRZ doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The MX-5 Miata Grand Touring’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The BRZ’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The MX-5 Miata Grand Touring’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The BRZ offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

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

Car and Driver performed a comparison test in its June 2024 issue and the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club won out over the Subaru BRZ tS.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata outsold the Subaru BRZ by over three to one during 2025.