Best Value New Convertible of 2026: 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport

July 21, 2026CarCostCX Team

Convertibles average $1,939 a month in complete monthly cost, one of the highest averages of any category. The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport breaks sharply from that pattern, coming in at $995 a month, 48.7% below the segment average and a savings of $944 a month, nearly half the typical convertible's cost. At $30,665, the Miata Sport's loan payment runs $620 a month, well under what most convertibles in this segment finance for. Insurance costs $89 a month, fuel comes to $186, maintenance adds $60, and title and registration add $40. The MINI Convertible Base followed at $1,196 a month, and the Ford Mustang EcoBoost convertible variant placed third at $1,257. The gap between the Miata and the rest of the convertible field is the widest of any category CarCostCX analyzed, driven almost entirely by the Miata's lower purchase price relative to a segment that includes several six-figure and near-six-figure vehicles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best value new convertible in 2026?

The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport leads the convertible category by a wide margin, at $995 a month against a segment average of $1,939.

Why is the convertible segment so much more expensive on average than other categories?

The convertible segment includes a wide range of vehicles, from affordable roadsters to high-end luxury and performance convertibles, which pulls the average complete monthly cost higher than more uniform segments like sedans.

Is the Miata cheap to insure?

At $89 a month, the Miata's insurance cost in this analysis was close to the broader market average, not unusually low, meaning its overall value comes primarily from its lower purchase price.

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