2023 Toyota GR86 vs. Mazda MX-5

Comparison

The Toyota GR86 and Mazda MX-5 Miata are both exceptional sports cars. But the Toyota GR86 has a more powerful engine, impressive interior design, and a practicality and value sometimes unexpected in sports cars.

 

For more than 30 years, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been one of the most popular affordable sports cars. For the first time in three decades, the Mazda Miata finally decided to mature from its cute and functional aesthetic. The 4th gen Mazda MX-5 comes with a beefier engine, aggressive styling, and its signature retractable hardtop.

 

Likewise, the Toyota GR86 tells a similar coming-of-age story. The 2023 Toyota GR86 introduces vast improvements over its humble beginnings as a rebadged Scion FR-S that had Toyota tech. The 2nd generation of the Toyota GR86 comes with Gazoo Racing’s track-proven upgrades in the form of an upgraded engine, tuned-suspension, and responsive gearing. Behind its elegant design lies a beastly engine that shines brighter as you push it harder.

 

Check out this Toyota GR86 versus Mazda MX-5 guide. Keep reading for a careful, detailed comparison between two of the leading options in the entry-level sports car segment.

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Copyright © JATO Dynamics Limited, 1990-2023. All Rights Reserved. For comparison purposes only. JATO has been diligent in providing accurate and complete information. However, JATO does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the data, and the information may not be comprehensive or use the same terminology as used elsewhere on this site. For additional details, see vehicle's "Full Specs" on Toyota.com or contact your Toyota dealer.

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Toyota GR86 vs. Mazda MX-5 Comparison

Performance Comparison

Explore the engine and performance features of the 2023 Toyota GR86 and the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

  • The 2023 Toyota GR86 outperforms the Mazda MX-5 with its standard 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder boxer engine that puts out 228 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,700 rpm.
  • In comparison, the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s standard 2.0 engine generates 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of torque.
  • All models of the Toyota GR86 come with the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with paddle shifters.
  • The Mazda Miata MX-5 provides 6-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter for all models. However, a 6-speed Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters is only available as an option for the Mazda MX-5’s Grand Touring trim.
  • The gear ratios for the Toyota GR86 manual transmission are 3.626:1 for first gear, 2.189 for second gear, 1.541 for third gear, 1.213 for fourth gear, 1.0 for fifth gear, 0.767 for sixth gear, and 3.438 for reverse. For the automatic transmission, the ratios are 3.538:1 for first gear, 2.060 for second gear, 1.404 for third gear, 1.0 for fourth gear, 0.713 for fifth gear, 0.582 for sixth gear, and 3.168 for reverse.
  • The gear ratios for the Mazda MX-5 Miata are as follows: 5.087:1 for first gear, 2.991 for second gear, 2.035 for third gear, 1.594 for fourth gear, 1.286 for fifth gear, 1.0 for sixth gear, and 4.696 for reverse. For the automatic transmission, the gear ratios are 3.538:1 for first gear, 2.060 for second gear, 1.404 for third gear, 1.0 for fourth gear, 0.713 for fifth gear, 0.582 for sixth gear, and 3.168 for reverse.
  • All Toyota GR86 trims come standard with a rear-wheel drivetrain, with a Torsen® limited-slip differential that optimizes power distribution by focusing torque toward wheels with traction to compensate for traction loss in one wheel. The differential ratio for the manual transmission is 4.100 and 3.909 for the automatic transmission. Additionally, the Toyota GR86 has an axle ratio of 4.100 for the manual transmission and 3.909 for automatic transmission.
  • Similarly, the Mazda MX-5 Miata features a standard rear-wheel drive for all models but only the manual transmission comes with a torque-sensing limited slip differential. Differential and axle ratio is not provided for the Mazda Miata.
Toyota GR86 vs. Mazda MX-5 Comparison

Fuel Economy Comparison

Check out the fuel economy ratings of the Toyota GR86 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

  • With a manual transmission, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. With an automatic transmission, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. It uses an electronically controlled fuel injection system for all trims.
  • The Toyota GR86 ‘s manual transmission models have an EPA-estimated rating of 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. With an automatic transmission, the Toyota GR86 has an EPA-estimated rating of 21 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined.
Toyota GR86 vs. Mazda MX-5 Comparison

Technology Comparison

Learn about the interior technology of the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Toyota GR86.

  • All models of the Toyota GR86 feature a standard 8-inch touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ and includes a 3-month SiriusXM® Platinum Plan trial subscription. (A subscription is required after the free trial ends.)
  • For audio entertainment, the Toyota GR86 starts with a standard six-speaker audio system, while higher trims like the Premium and 10th Anniversary Special Edition models come standard with eight speakers and an amplifier. Additionally, the Toyota GR86 comes standard with two USB 2.0 charging ports with an auxiliary port for all models.
  • The Mazda MX-5 Miata sports a standard 7-inch full-color touch screen on all models, with infotainment system voice command; Aha, Pandora, and Stitcher internet radio integration; SMS text message audio delivery and reply; and Apple CarPlay® trial subscription and Android Auto™ compatibility. A 3-month SiriusXM® trial is included on the Club and Grand Touring trims, and the Grand Touring also offers a 3-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.
  • Additionally, the Mazda MX-5 Miata comes with a standard six-speaker audio system on the Sport trim, while a 9-speaker Bose® audio system with AudioPilot, driver’s and passenger’s headrest speakers, and subwoofer come standard on the Club and Grand Touring models.
  • The Mazda MX-5 Miata includes its Mazda Navigation System only on the Grand Touring trim, while the Toyota GR86 does not come with a navigation system on any model.
Rear quarter of a GR86 in the color Halo with a graphic showing the range of it's rear parking sensor. Toyota GR86 vs. Mazda MX-5 Comparison

Safety and Convenience Comparison

Find out if the Toyota GR86 or the Mazda MX-5 Miata offers you more when it comes to safety and convenience features.

  • The Toyota GR86 comes with Blind Spot Detection on the Premium and 10th Anniversary Special Edition only. Additionally, only the automatic variants of all Toyota GR86 trims come with Adaptive Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams.
  • However, all Toyota GR86 trims, regardless of transmission type, come with Hill Start Assist Control, as well as a 1-year trial to Remote Connect, which allows drivers to use a smartwatch or enabled device to lock/unlock doors, locate a parked vehicle, check vehicle status, and monitor guest drivers. A subscription is required after the free trial ends,, and it is dependent on having a 4G network. The Toyota GR86 does not come with a Road Sign Assist feature. However, it comes standard with black heated power outside mirrors.
  • The Toyota GR86 Active Safety Suite is available on all trims with automatic transmissions and includes a Pre-Collision Braking System, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, and Lane Departure Warning with Sway Warning
  • In contrast, cruise control comes standard for all Mazda MX-5 Miata models, while an adaptive front-lighting system and high beam control is available only on the Grand Touring model. Additionally, the Mazda Miata features a traffic sign recognition system in the Grand Touring trim only. The Mazda MX-5 Miata does not come with Hill Start Assist or a subscription comparable to Remote Connect, features that come standard on all Toyota GR86 trims.
  • The Toyota GR86 Active Safety Suite is available on all trims with automatic transmissions. It includes a Pre-Collision Braking System, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, and Lane Departure Warning with Sway Warning. Additionally, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control(VSC), Traction Control, and Vehicle Stability Control Track Mode are standard on all Toyota GR86 models.
  • In contrast, the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s standard features include Smart City Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. It also includes an anti-lock brake system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. However, vehicle stability/traction control is not listed on the manufacturer’s official site for the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Toyota GR86 vs. Mazda MX-5 Comparison

Warranty and Assistance Plans Comparison

Read about warranties, maintenance plans, and roadside assistance plans you get with the Toyota GR86 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

  • The Toyota GR86 comes with Toyota’s comprehensive warranty package that includes a Basic Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles, a Restraint Systems warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles, a Powertrain warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles, and a Corrosion Perforation warranty for 5 years or unlimited mileage.
  • The Mazda MX-5 Miata does not come with warranties for Corrosion Perforation and Restraint systems. Every Mazda MX-5 Miata comes with a New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles and a Powertrain Limited warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
  • The Mazda MX-5 Miata does not come with a maintenance package but offers service packages for purchase.
  • The GR86 comes with a one-year trial of Service Connect and includes personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports. Service Connect is 4G network dependent.
  • The Mazda MX-5 Miata comes with Roadside Assistance for 3 years or 36,000 miles. Moreover, Mazda also covers towing services if a powertrain component fails during the 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain warranty coverage period.
  • Meanwhile, 24/7 Roadside Assistance is available for all new Toyota GR86 models for 2 years, unlimited mileage . Toyota GR86 owners may also opt for Enhanced roadside assistance via the included 1-year trial of Safety Connect, which includes an emergency assistance button, automatic collision notification, and stolen vehicle locator. It is 4G network dependent.
Toyota GR86 vs. Mazda MX-5 Comparison

Design Comparison

Read about the comfort and design features you get with the Toyota GR86 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

  • The Toyota GR86 can comfortably seat up to four people with its rear one-piece folding seat back. In contrast, all models of the Mazda MX-5 Miata can only accommodate up to two people.
  • The Mazda MX-5 Miata provides 37.4 inches of head room, 52.2 inches of shoulder room, 52 inches of hip room, and 43.1 inches of leg room. Head room, leg room, hip room, and shoulder room are not provided for the Toyota GR86.
  • Not only does the Toyota have a higher seating capacity, but it also has a cargo volume of 6.26 cubic feet. Compare that to the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s cargo volume of 4.59 cubic feet.
  • Dual zone automatic climate control is standard for all Toyota GR86 models, while the same feature is standard only on the Grand Touring trim of the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
  • The Toyota GR86 includes heated front seats in the Premium and 10th Anniversary Special Edition trims. Heated front seats are not available in the GR86 trim. Similarly, heated seats are available only on the Club and Grand Touring models of the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
  • All Toyota GR86 trims come standard with leather wrap and leather-trim details. It also includes a leather-trimmed gear-shift boot, leather-wrapped shift level (for both manual and automatic transmissions), and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a turning circle diameter of 35.4.
  • Additionally, the Premium and 10 Anniversary trims of the Toyota GR86 come standard with leather-trimmed bolsters and Ultrasuede®-trimmed seat inserts. Aluminum sport pedals and footrest sets also come standard with the Premium and 10 Anniversary Special Edition trims of the Toyota GR86.
  • Standard across all Mazda MX-5 Miata trims are a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob, and leather-wrapped parking brake handle. The Mazda MX-5 Miata only provides leather-trimmed seats on the Grand Touring trim, while heated Black RECARO sport seats with gray accents are available as part of a package for the Club trim. A driver footrest is standard for all Mazda MX-5 Miata trims, but aluminum or special footrest trims are not available for any model.
  • Contrast-stitched interior accents are standard on all Toyota GR86 models, while contrast stitching is standard only for the Club and Grand Touring trims of the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
  • The Toyota GR86 manual transmissions include a 7-inch Thin-Film Transistor GR digital gauge cluster with LCD Multi-Information Display; GR logo and boxer engine animations on start-up; and a central tachometer with Sport and Track Modes, odometer, twin trip meters, outside ambient temperature, engine coolant/oil temperatures, average trip speed, driving time and miles covered, stopwatch/lap timer, current/average fuel consumption, RPM and horsepower/torque curves, instantaneous and historical G-force friction circle with digital readout. The automatic transmission models also come with that, plus standard GR86 Active Safety information.
  • The Mazda MX-5 Miata features an instrumentation panel that includes a tachometer, coolant temperature gauge, and fuel gauge with a trip computer that includes distance to empty, average fuel economy, current fuel economy, and average vehicle speed.
  • For ease of access, all trims of the Toyota GR86 come standard with a multi-function in-key remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic, and trunk-release functions, as well as a push-button start. The Mazda MX-5 Miata includes a Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System, remote trunk lid release, and push-button start as standard for all models.
  • Both sports cars come in three trim levels each. The Toyota GR86’s trims include the: GR86 (starting at $28,400 MSRP), GR86 Premium, and the GR86 10th Anniversary Special Edition.
  • The Mazda MX-5 Miata’s three trims are the: Sport (starting MSRP $28,050), Club, and Grand Touring.
Jumbo Card Image Toyota GR86 vs. Mazda MX-5 Comparison

Features and Specifications Comparison

Read about the features and specifications you get with the Toyota GR86 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

  • The Toyota GR86 has a wheelbase of 2,575 mm and a track width of 1,520 mm in the front and 1,550 mm in the rear. The Mazda Miata has a wheelbase of 2,308 mm and a track of 1496 mm in the front and 1502 mm in the rear.
  • The Toyota has a ground clearance of 130 mm, while the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s Sport trim has a ground clearance of 125 mm and 135 mm for the Club and Grand Touring trims.
  • The Toyota GR86 has a width of 1,775 mm, a height of 1,310 mm, and a length of 4,265 mm. It has a curb weight of 2,811 pounds. On the other hand, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has a width of 1735 mm, a height of 1,235 mm, and a length of 3,915 mm. It has a curb weight of 2,341 pounds.
  • The Toyota GR86 starts with 17-inch wheels as standard on the GR86 trim and 18-inch wheels on the Premium and 10th Anniversary Special Edition. Additionally, the Toyota GR86 comes standard with Michelin® summer tires and a tire repair kit.
  • The Mazda MX-5 Miata starts with standard 16-inch wheels on the Sport trim and 17-inch wheels on the Club and Grand Touring models. All models of the Mazda MX-5 Miata come standard with high-performance tires but do not include a tire repair kit like the Toyota GR86 has.
  • The Toyota GR86 has a displacement of 2,387 cc and a compression ratio of 12.5:1, while the Mazda MX-5 Miata has a displacement of 1,998 cc and a compression ratio of 13:1.

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Toyota GR86 vs. Mazda MX-5 Comparison

Conclusion

The Toyota GR86 and Mazda MX-5 are both exceptional sports cars. But the Toyota GR86 has a more powerful engine and inviting interior to provide an exciting ride without sacrificing comfort or accessibility. Here’s a review of this head-to-head comparison.

  • Sports cars are meant to deliver a thrill through feel. The Toyota GR86 offers greater power that’s bound to satisfy those who crave a classic sports car feel. The Toyota GR86 sports a more powerful engine, a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine that generates 228 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,700 rpm. Compare that to the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder that puts out 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, and it's easy to see which car is more athletic.
  • The Toyota GR86 gives owners more choices over their transmission type and whether they want a paddle shifter, allowing them to tailor their driving experience. All models of the Toyota GR86 come with the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with paddle shifters. While the Mazda MX-5 comes with a 6-speed manual transmission for all trims, only the Grand Touring trim offers a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters as an option.
  • The Toyota GR86 also provides quality entertainment across all its trims by including a standard 8-inch touchscreen center console that comes with a SiriusXM® 3-month Platinum Plan trial. In contrast, the Mazda MX-5 Miata sports a standard 7-inch full-color touch screen on all models, while a 3-month subscription to SiriusXM® Satellite radio is included only on the Club and Grand Touring trims. The Toyota GR86 with manual transmission delivers a more driver-centric experience by including a 7-inch Thin-Film Transistor GR digital gauge cluster with LCD Multi-Information Display and more complete instrument panel features, like a stopwatch/lap timer, than the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
  • Additionally, all Toyota GR86 trims come with dual-zone automatic climate control. Automatic climate control is standard only on the Grand Touring trim of the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
  • The Toyota GR86 is everything that an entry-level sports car ought to be, which is why it carries both the GR badge and name. A rev-happy engine, track-proven DNA, ample comfort features, and surprising practicality make the Toyota GR86 a true example of a car that’s “born on the track and bred for the streets.” The Toyota GR86 brings incredible value to the market through a sports car that delivers a fun, zippy driving experience without compromising practicality, quality, and durability. The Toyota GR86 delivers a fun experience as both a track car and road car without asking for too much, making it an impressive competitor in this Mazda MX-5 Miata vs Toyota GR86 head-to-head comparison.
Published on June 26, 2023