Compare the2026 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2026 Ford Mustang

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

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 Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda third in reliability, above the industry average. With 47 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 13th.

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

The MX-5 Miata has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Mustang. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

The MX-5 Miata stops shorter than the Mustang:

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

The MX-5 Miata Club handles at .97 G’s, while the Mustang Convertible pulls only .95 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 5.7 feet tighter than the Mustang’s (30.8 feet vs. 36.5 feet). The MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 7 feet tighter than the Mustang GT/Dark Horse’s (30.8 feet vs. 37.8 feet).

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1200 to 1500 pounds less than the Ford Mustang.

The MX-5 Miata is 2 feet, 11.3 inches shorter than the Mustang, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The MX-5 Miata is 7.2 inches narrower on average than the Mustang, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

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

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

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Mustang doesn’t offer cornering lights.

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 Mustang offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Compared to the Ford Mustang, the Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its standard integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.

Compared to traditional radio, the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the Mustang.

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