“If you want a great driver experience then this is the car for you. From the handling and acceleration to the stopping power and nimbleness of the car it's the total package. It looks, sounds ,and feels amazing.”
2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata is that a 7-inch touchscreen becomes standard throughout the lineup. This is a light update rather than a redesign.
About the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata
4th generation (ND), third model year for the soft top and second model year with the RF in the lineup; pre-2019 powertrain update.
Mazda positions the MX-5 Miata as a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster built around simple driving fun rather than big power or everyday practicality. Its core draw is the direct connection between driver, steering, shifter, and chassis, whether as the classic soft top or the more coupe-like RF. Compared with rivals, the Miata stands out for its small size, low weight, open-air feel, and the way even short drives feel special.
The Sport remains the simple soft-top version, now with a proper touchscreen and standard keyless entry. The Club adds a sportier look, heated red-stitched cloth seats, Bose audio, and blind-spot monitoring, while the comfort-focused Grand Touring brings leather, navigation, automatic climate control, and more driver-assistance features.
What changed, by category
Tech
Every trim gains a standard 7-inch touchscreen with a center-console controller and HD Radio. Keyless entry also becomes standard throughout the lineup.
Chassis
Soft-top models receive retuned rear suspension and power steering.
Structure and refinement
Soft-top models gain additional sound insulation.
Comfort
Club models add heated cloth seats with red stitching.
Trim lineup
The Launch Edition SV offered for 2017 does not continue for 2018.
2018 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 | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 155 hp | 155 hp | 155 hp |
| Torque | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 4.5–4.6 cu-ft | 4.6 cu-ft | 4.5–4.6 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 | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Retractable Hard Top | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| 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
What changed from the 2017 to the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The 2018 MX-5 Miata adds a standard 7-inch touchscreen and keyless entry across the lineup. Soft-top models also get retuned rear suspension and power steering plus more sound insulation, while the Club gains heated cloth seats. The 2017 Launch Edition SV does not return.
Did the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata get a more powerful engine?
No. The 2018 MX-5 Miata carries over its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and existing transmissions; the engine update arrived for 2019.
Does every 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata have a touchscreen?
Yes. Every 2018 MX-5 Miata has a standard 7-inch touchscreen with a center-console controller and HD Radio. Keyless entry is also standard on every trim.
What changed specifically on the 2018 MX-5 Miata soft top?
The 2018 soft-top MX-5 Miata receives retuned rear suspension and power steering, along with additional sound insulation. These are refinement changes rather than a redesign.
How do the 2018 MX-5 Miata Sport, Club, and Grand Touring trims differ?
The 2018 Sport is the simplest soft-top trim, the Club adds sportier details and equipment such as heated red-stitched cloth seats and Bose audio, and the Grand Touring focuses on comfort with leather, navigation, automatic climate control, and a broader set of driver-assistance features.
2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
4.5
2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata
(96 reviews)
“No storage on interior space. Weak interior design.Fun to drive. Nice exterior design.”
“The car is wonderful! Could use some more power but the interior, exterior and styling are top notch. The only complaint I have is the inability to disable the Hill Assist feature. That is a MAJOR problem and will not but another until they remedy that problem.”
Sources
- news.mazdausa.com — Vehicles 2018 Mx 5 Miata
- news.mazdausa.com — 2018 Mazda MX 5 Spec Deck
- news.mazdausa.com — 2017 12 20 2018 Mx 5 Miata New Dark Cherry Soft Top Option
- news.mazdausa.com — 2018 02 08 2018 Mx 5 Rf Rolls Into The Windy City
- 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 — 2018 10 01 Enhanced Engine New Brown Soft Top For 2019 Mx 5 Miata
- news.mazdausa.com — 2019 Mazda MX 5 Press Kit Version 21