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Mazda MX-5 Miata vs Toyota Solara

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Mazda logo

2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Toyota logo

2008 Toyota Solara

Overview

SpecMazda MX-5 MiataSportToyota SolaraSE
Selected trimSportSE
Body styleConvertibleCoupe
Drivetrainrear wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typepremium unleaded (recommended)regular unleaded
Transmission6-speed manual5-speed manual
Engine typegasgas
Model year20262008

Pricing & market

SpecMazda MX-5 MiataSportToyota SolaraSE
MSRP$30,430$20,180 (best)
Lowest listing price$19,620 (best)
Median listing price$30,697 (best)
Highest listing price$39,125 (best)
For sale now16 (best)0

Fuel economy & range

SpecMazda MX-5 MiataSportToyota SolaraSE
Combined MPG29 MPG (best)25 MPG
City MPG26 MPG (best)21 MPG
Highway MPG34 MPG (best)31 MPG
Fuel tank11.9 gal18.5 gal (best)

Performance

SpecMazda MX-5 MiataSportToyota SolaraSE
Horsepower181 hp (best)155 hp
Torque151 lb-ft158 lb-ft (best)
Engine size2 L2.4 L (best)
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecMazda MX-5 MiataSportToyota SolaraSE
Seating2 seats5 seats (best)
Doors22
Cargo volume4.6 cu ft13.8 cu ft (best)
Towing capacity1,500 lbs (best)
Curb weight2,366 lbs (best)3,185 lbs
Ground clearance5.5 in5.5 in
Wheelbase90.9 in107.1 in (best)
Length154.1 in192.5 in (best)
Width68.3 in71.5 in (best)
Height48.8 in56.1 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecMazda MX-5 MiataSportToyota SolaraSE
Frontal crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)None reportedNone reported

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimMazda MX-5 MiataToyota Solara
1

Sport

$30,430 MSRP(Currently comparing)

SE

$20,180 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

Club

$33,930 MSRP

SE

$21,010 MSRP

3

Grand Touring

$35,730 MSRP

Sport

$22,450 MSRP

4

Grand Touring

$36,650 MSRP

Sport

$23,280 MSRP

5

Grand Touring

$38,450 MSRP

SE V6

$22,510 MSRP

6

Grand Touring

$39,420 MSRP

SE V6

$27,440 MSRP

7

Club

$41,900 MSRP

SLE

$24,155 MSRP

8

Sport V6

$24,780 MSRP

9

Sport V6

$29,710 MSRP

10

SLE V6

$27,155 MSRP

11

SLE V6

$30,710 MSRP

Live inventory

Mazda MX-5 Miata vs Toyota Solara FAQ

Which is better: 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata or 2008 Toyota Solara?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs 2008 Toyota Solara on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata or 2008 Toyota Solara?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2008 Toyota Solara starts lower at $20,180. Live Mazda MX-5 Miata listings start at $19,620.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata or 2008 Toyota Solara?
The 2008 Toyota Solara leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (20,180).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata or 2008 Toyota Solara?
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (29).
Which has better horsepower: 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata or 2008 Toyota Solara?
The 2008 Toyota Solara leads on horsepower in this comparison (210).
Which has better seats: 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata or 2008 Toyota Solara?
The 2008 Toyota Solara leads on seats in this comparison (5).
Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata or 2008 Toyota Solara?
The 2008 Toyota Solara leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (1,500).