“It's the best option for a 2 door convertible, I've owned 5 Mazdas for several years each and none of them broke down or had any problems.”
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a full redesign and the first model year of the fourth-generation ND roadster. The headline change is an all-new, smaller body and chassis that cut roughly 150 pounds compared with the 2015 Miata.
About the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
4th gen (ND, 2016+), first year / full redesign
Mazda positions the MX-5 Miata as a lightweight, driver-first roadster built around connection rather than brute force. Its main draw is simple: rear-wheel drive, near-50/50 balance, a quick-reacting chassis, and an easy one-hand soft top that make ordinary roads feel fun. Compared with heavier sports coupes, the Miata sells the idea that you do not need huge power to enjoy a drive—you need low weight, precise responses, and open-air freedom.
The Sport is the simple, lightweight version, with rear-wheel drive, a manual cloth roof, and standard LED headlights. Club adds a sportier look, a 7-inch touchscreen, and Bose audio, while manual Club models get firmer Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip differential, and extra chassis bracing. Grand Touring focuses on everyday comfort with heated leather seats, navigation, automatic climate control, and added driver-assistance features.
What changed, by category
Structural
The all-new ND body and chassis are smaller and roughly 150 pounds lighter than the outgoing 2015 model. The engine sits lower and farther back to improve balance.
Powertrain
Every U.S. trim switched to a 155-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The Sport’s standard manual transmission moved from five speeds to six.
Styling
The redesign brought a lower, more modern body, and LED headlights became standard throughout the lineup.
Safety
Grand Touring gained standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and headlights that turn with the steering.
Tech
Club and Grand Touring gained a 7-inch touchscreen system and Bose audio. Grand Touring added built-in navigation, while Sport gained Bluetooth audio streaming and a USB input.
2016 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 |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Horsepower | 155 hp | 155 hp | 155 hp |
| Torque | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 4.6 cu-ft | 4.6 cu-ft | 4.6 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata the first year of the ND generation?
Yes. The 2016 MX-5 Miata launched the fourth-generation ND model with an all-new body and chassis.
How is the 2016 MX-5 Miata different from the 2015 model?
The 2016 Miata is a full redesign that is smaller and roughly 150 pounds lighter than the 2015 model. It also has a new 155-hp 2.0-liter engine, a lower body, standard LED headlights, and newer cabin technology.
What engine does the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata use?
Every U.S. 2016 MX-5 Miata uses a 155-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels.
What makes the 2016 MX-5 Miata Club different?
The 2016 Club is the sportier trim, with 17-inch dark-finish wheels, black exterior accents, a 7-inch touchscreen, and Bose audio. Manual Club models also have Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip differential, and a front shock-tower brace.
Did the 25th Anniversary Edition continue for 2016?
No. The 25th Anniversary Edition from 2015 did not continue into the redesigned 2016 lineup.
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
4.6
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
(335 reviews)
“Love driving stick shift and controlling my own driving gears. The convertible provides wind therapy, therefore the top is always down. Rich sound system which is not filtered by wind noises.”
“Mazda Miata's are a very fun car to have. They are a little temperamental so I would not recommend for someone who knows nothing about cars.”
Sources
- mazdausa.com — 2016 / 2016 Mazda Mx 5 / 2016 Mazda Mx 5 Brochure
- news.mazdausa.com — 2015 08 06 2016 Mazda Lineup
- news.mazdausa.com — 2015 03 30 Mazda Announces Starting Price for 2016 MX 5
- news.mazdausa.com — 2017 02 01 2017 Mazda MX 5 Miata Soft Top Arrives in Showrooms this Month Retaining Unbeatable Performance Value
- news.mazdausa.com — 2016 Mazda MX 5 Press Kit
- news.mazdausa.com — 2016 Mazda MX 5 Spec Deck
- news.mazdausa.com — 2015 03 23 2016 Mazda MX 5 Miata Club Edition to Debut at New York International Auto Show