Compare the2022 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2022 Toyota GR 86

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the MX-5 Miata has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the GR 86 Premium has a rear cross-path warning system.

Both the MX-5 Miata and the GR 86 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, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Toyota vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda first in reliability. Toyota is ranked second.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mazda MX-5 Miata is faster than the Toyota GR 86 (manual transmissions tested):

On the EPA test cycle the MX-5 Miata gets better mileage than the GR 86:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda MX-5 Miata uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The GR 86 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

To help the driver achieve optimum performance and fuel economy, the MX-5 Miata has a standard up-shift light to indicate when to shift based on power needs and conditions. The GR 86 doesn’t offer an up-shift light.

The MX-5 Miata has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The GR 86’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The MX-5 Miata’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the GR 86’s (55.3% to 44.7%). This gives the MX-5 Miata more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 4.6 feet tighter than the GR 86’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 Toyota GR 86.

The MX-5 Miata is 1 foot, 1.8 inches shorter than the GR 86, 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 GR 86 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 GR 86 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Advanced Keyless Entry and Start standard on the MX-5 Miata allows you to unlock the driver’s door, trunk and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before loading groceries, getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Toyota GR 86’s Push Button Start doesn’t unlock the doors or the trunk.

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 GR 86’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

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 GR 86 doesn’t offer the luxury of automatic dimming mirrors.

The MX-5 Miata Grand Touring’s standard GPS navigation system has a real-time traffic update feature that plots alternative routes to automatically bypass traffic problems. (Service not available in all areas.) The GR 86’s available navigation system doesn’t offer real-time traffic updates.

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

The MX-5 Miata was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 8 of the last 28 years. The GR 86 has never been an “All Star.”

The Mazda MX-5 Miata outsold the Toyota GR 86 by almost 8 to one during the 2021 model year.