2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is the midyear arrival of a limited-production Special Edition. Otherwise, the Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims carry over without major updates.
About the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
3rd generation (NC, 2006-2015), in the post-2009 refresh period; 2011 sits after the 2009 styling/chassis update and 2010 package revisions.
Mazda positions the 2011 MX-5 Miata as a pure, lightweight, simple roadster built around balance, quick responses, and open-air fun rather than outright power. The core appeal is that it delivers classic rear-wheel-drive sports-car feel at a reachable price, with an easy-to-use top and everyday drivability. Against rivals, the Miata stands out by feeling small, playful, and mechanically honest, with just enough comfort to work as a weekend car or a light-duty daily driver.
The Sport is the simple soft-top roadster, while the Touring has more everyday conveniences such as cruise control, remote keyless entry, and steering-wheel audio controls. The Grand Touring has a more upscale cabin with heated leather-trimmed seats, automatic climate control, and Bose audio. The limited Special Edition builds on that richer formula with xenon headlights, Bluetooth, advanced keyless entry and start, and stability and traction control.
What changed, by category
2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 167 hp | 167 hp | 167 hp | 167 hp |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft | 140 lb-ft | 140 lb-ft | 140 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 5.3 cu-ft | 5.3 cu-ft | 5.3 cu-ft | 5.3 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Stability Control | ||||
| Traction Control | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Power Retractable Hard Top | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Power Locks | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The main change for the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a limited-production Special Edition introduced midyear. The regular Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring models are essentially unchanged.
Is the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata a redesign?
No, the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is not a redesign. It belongs to the third generation and follows the styling and chassis refresh introduced for 2009.
What is different about the 2011 MX-5 Miata Special Edition?
The 2011 Special Edition is a limited-production, higher-content version based on the Grand Touring. It has exclusive trim details plus heated leather-trimmed seats, automatic climate control, Bose audio, xenon headlights, Bluetooth, advanced keyless entry and start, and stability and traction control.
Did the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata get a new engine?
No, the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata keeps its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel-drive layout. The Special Edition focuses on equipment and trim rather than extra power.
How different are the regular 2011 MX-5 Miata trims from the 2010 models?
The regular 2011 Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims have no major product changes from 2010. The meaningful difference for 2011 is the addition of the limited-production Special Edition.