2010 Mazda RX-8: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2010 Mazda RX-8 is a light trim-and-equipment update rather than a redesign. The main change is a simplified three-trim lineup after Mazda dropped the Touring trim.

0 in stock at Carvana

About the 2010 Mazda RX-8

1st generation RX-8 (2004-2011 U.S.), second year after the 2009 refresh.

Mazda sold the RX-8 as a sports coupe unlike anything else in its class: a high-revving rotary engine, rear-wheel drive, near-50/50 balance, and room for four thanks to its rear-hinged rear doors. Against cars like the Nissan 370Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Ford Mustang, Mazda leaned less on straight-line torque and more on steering feel, balance, and everyday usefulness. Its core appeal was getting real sports-car responses without giving up a usable back seat.

The Sport is the straightforward version, with a rotary engine, rear-wheel drive, four seats, and rear-hinged back doors. Grand Touring adds daily-use comforts such as leather, heated seats, Bose audio, keyless start, and a moonroof. The manual-only R3 is the more focused model, with Bilstein suspension tuning, Recaro seats, forged 19-inch wheels, and a more aggressive body package.

What changed, by category

Trim lineup

Mazda dropped the Touring trim, leaving Sport, Grand Touring, and R3.

Equipment

The Grand Touring's power moonroof became standard. On the Sport, the rear spoiler changed from standard equipment to an option.

2010 Mazda RX-8 specs and features by trim

Feature	2010 Mazda RX-8R30 in stock	2010 Mazda RX-8Sport0 in stock	2010 Mazda RX-8Grand Touring0 in stock
Engine	Rotary, 1.3 Liter	Rotary, 1.3 Liter	Rotary, 1.3 Liter
Transmission	Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	16 mpg	16 mpg	16 mpg
MPG Highway	22 mpg	22 mpg	22 mpg
Horsepower	232 hp	212 hp	212 hp
Torque	159 lb-ft	159 lb-ft	159 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	7.6 cu-ft	7.6 cu-ft	7.6 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	32.2 in	32.2 in	32.2 in
Seats	4	4	4
Doors	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Stability Control
Traction Control
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Heated Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Automatic Air Conditioning
Heated Front Seats
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat
Remote Start
Tilt Wheel

How the 2011 Mazda RX-8 compares

The 2011 Mazda RX-8 was essentially a carryover, with one small equipment change: the Sport trim’s rear spoiler became standard. It was also the RX-8’s final U.S. model year.

See the full 2011 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2010 Mazda RX-8 a redesigned model?

No. The 2010 RX-8 carries over the design introduced in the larger 2009 refresh, with only trim and equipment changes for this year.

Which trims does the 2010 Mazda RX-8 have?

The 2010 RX-8 lineup consists of Sport, Grand Touring, and R3. The previous Touring trim was dropped.

Did the 2010 Mazda RX-8 receive any engine or chassis changes?

No. The 2010 RX-8 has no meaningful powertrain, chassis, or structural changes from 2009; its updates are limited to the trim lineup and equipment.

What changed on the 2010 RX-8 Grand Touring?

The power moonroof became standard on every 2010 RX-8 Grand Touring. The trim also has leather, heated front seats, Bose audio, keyless entry and start, and rain-sensing wipers.

What makes the 2010 Mazda RX-8 R3 different?

The 2010 R3 is the more performance-focused RX-8. It pairs a six-speed manual with Bilstein suspension tuning, Recaro front seats, forged 19-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, and a unique body package.