Mazda MX-5 Miata vs Toyota GR86

We don't know if Mazda planned on launching a classic when it dropped the little Miata roadster into dealerships way back in 1990. Yet here we are, 35 years later and the little rear-wheel drive, two-seat convertible is still going strong.

Now in its fourth generation, the MX-5 is available with a soft or hard top and a six-speed manual transmission is standard. Some folks might complain about its minimal cargo space, cramped interior and hard-to-use technology. Others might want more straight-line power. Those folks just don't get it. The MX-5 isn't about practicality or beating a V8 off the line. Instead the Miata goes for driving fun where it counts– in the corners.

Verdict: The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a roadster that rewards drivers with precise handling that's only made better when the top is down and the tunes are cranked.

The GR86 puts driver engagement first and practicality last. It offers fantastic handling, especially at the limit, and while power is modest, it’s delivered to maximize the fun. Buyers can choose all-season tires for tail-out fun or summer-performance tires for quicker track times. While the GR86 has four seats, it realistically seats two, but that’s OK because the GR86 is all about pleasing the driver.

Verdict: If driver engagement is at the top of the shopping list, the Toyota GR86 is one of the best choices on the market. It lacks practicality and its ride can be overly firm, but the GR86 delivers driving fun without big power.