Compare the2026 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2025 Porsche 718 Boxster

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 718 Boxster 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.

The MX-5 Miata’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The MX-5 Miata has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the 718 Boxster’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the MX-5 Miata’s standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

The MX-5 Miata’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the MX-5 Miata and the 718 Boxster 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.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the MX-5 Miata 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Porsche covers the 718 Boxster. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the 718 Boxster ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 3 times as many Mazda dealers as there are Porsche dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the MX-5 Miata’s warranty.

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 34 points higher than the 718 Boxster.

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 Porsche vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda third in reliability, above the industry average. With 25 more problems per 100 vehicles, Porsche is ranked 8th.

On the EPA test cycle the MX-5 Miata gets better mileage than the 718 Boxster:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda MX-5 Miata uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The 718 Boxster requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The MX-5 Miata’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the 718 Boxster’s (45.5% to 54.5%). This gives the MX-5 Miata more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 5.3 feet tighter than the 718 Boxster’s (30.8 feet vs. 36.1 feet). The MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 6.6 feet tighter than the 718 Spyder RS’ (30.8 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 750 pounds less than the Porsche 718 Boxster.

The MX-5 Miata is 1 foot, 6.3 inches shorter than the 718 Boxster, 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 718 Boxster doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the MX-5 Miata RF Club is quieter than the 718 Boxster S:

The MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Auto has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The MX-5 Miata’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Porsche does not offer a locking feature on the 718 Boxster’s standard power windows.

The MX-5 Miata has standard Advanced Keyless Entry and Start that allows you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Porsche Entry and Drive costs extra on the 718 Boxster.

The MX-5 Miata’s LED headlights produce a white, bright light using less electricity than the 718 Boxster’s standard xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlights. HID headlights can be slow to reach full brightness or power cycle, causing issues when flashing them to signal other vehicles; LED headlights light instantly. LED lights also last about three to four times as long.

Consumer Reports rated the MX-5 Miata’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the 718 Boxster’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Porsche 718 Boxster, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata outsold the Porsche 718 by 36% during 2025.