Mazda MX-5 vs Toyota GR 86
What's the difference?

Mazda MX-5

$40,990 - $54,785

2024 price

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Toyota GR 86

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2023 price

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Summary

2024 Mazda MX-5

2023 Toyota GR 86

By Chris Thompson

By Matt Campbell

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Flat 4, 2.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

8.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Excellent as a driver's car
Still accessible in price
Updated tech doesn't sacrifice simplicity

Faster than before
More focused than before
Still a standout, even at this price

Dislikes

Compromised as a daily driver
Tan Nappa leather only in Automatic
Nearing the end of its life :(

Severely behind on safety tech
Prices are up a lot
Could be too firm for some

2024 Mazda MX-5 Summary

It's not often a car is elevated to 'icon' status, cars like the VW Beetle, Porsche 911, Toyota LandCruiser or Ford Mustang - but the Mazda MX-5 has quietly been the best choice for keen drivers who don't want to break the bank with a big sticker price or costly maintenance.

The ND MX-5 has been around since 2015, and while it’s been praised as a return to the original, simple formula of the NA MX-5 from the late 80s and early 90s, it’s getting close to a decade old.

So, a little refresh with some new tech and a mechanical tweak is here to make the roadster feel like a playful pup once more.

And what better place to test that out than a combination of the winding roads of the Adelaide Hills wine region, paired nicely with a main course of track driving at The Bend Motorsport Park?

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2023 Toyota GR 86 Summary

The new, second generation take on the hachi-roku formula adds a serious amount of 'GRRRR' to the mix. This is it - the new-look, more powerful and much angrier Toyota GR86.

It takes the familiar front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car formula and mixes in a bit of madness - there’s a more focused chassis setup, redone steering, a firmer ride and of course, a bigger capacity engine. Still no turbo, though.

The question is - does it improve on the original? And can it live up to its new jaw-dropping price?

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Mazda MX-5 2023 Toyota GR 86

Verdict

Ultimately, the design and tech changes to the ND MX-5 will be the biggest day-to-day advantages of the updated model, because the mechanical changes don’t make themselves hugely obvious on the road.

If you’re into track days, it’s still a satisfying car to hustle as fast as you can, but it’s at its most accessible on winding roads for weekend drives, where the new differential and track DSC mode won’t come into play as much.

But in a world where accessible sports cars are becoming a rarity, there’s only one rear-drive convertible with a sticker price appropriate for financial mortals, and it’s a pretty damn good thing that it’s the ND MX-5.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

If you’re expecting a faster, angrier and more focused version of the original 86, you’re going to be happy with this car. If you’re expecting it to be as fun and chuckable as the first one, you might be upset.

It has a different character, this GR86 - certainly with more GRRRR than ever before - and it still represents a strong sports car option for buyers, even if it is a fair bit more expensive this time around. It'd be hard not to recommend the GTS version to anyone considering it.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel and meals provided.

Mazda MX-5 vs Toyota GR 86 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda MX-5 vs Toyota GR 86
What's the difference?