Should Mazda Make an All-Electric Miata?
The Mazda Miata is one of the best small cars of all time. It has gained the reputation for being a ton of fun to drive while also being fairly approachable regarding price. With the advancements in technology, many wonder if there should be an all-electric Mazda Miata. Sure, it’s already fast and efficient, but why not make it more so? Or, is this why a fully electrified Miata might not be necessary?
The Mazda Miata is one of the best small cars for fuel economy
One of the highlights of the Mazda Miata has always been that it’s an efficient yet fun car to drive. In fact, it’s one of the best small cars in this regard. According to Edmunds, the car entered the market in 1989 as a 1990 model. This first version averages a combined 24 miles per gallon with its 116-HP 1.6-liter engine.
Over time, the Miata has gotten more powerful and now uses a 2.0-liter engine that makes 181 horsepower and has a torque of 151 lb-ft. The 2024 model averages 29 miles per gallon, which is impressive for a vehicle that accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 5.7 seconds with the soft top.
While the latest Mazda Miata delivers impressive fuel economy, a vehicle this small could achieve even more. In fact, quite a few larger vehicles are even more efficient. Of course, this isn’t a problem, but offering an all-electric Mazda Miata could be a real game changer in this way.
Of course, there is already precedent for an all-electric roadster. Tesla has already done it and plans to bring their model back to the market. Additionally, the similarly sized Mini Cooper has an all-electric version.
An Electric Miata could be faster
Beyond fuel economy, an all-electric Mazda Miata could be much faster than the beloved gas-powered version. This is because these electrified cars are often quicker than more traditional options. For comparison, the first-generation Tesla Roadster has a 0 to 60-mile-per-hour acceleration time of 3.9 seconds. In fact, the planned newer version is supposed to be even faster. However, EVs often have lower top speeds than gas-powered vehicles.
Not everyone who loves the Mazda Miata will want a car this fast. However, there’s no reason to ignore that people who never considered the Miata may want one. Additionally, no one is advocating for Mazda to discontinue the gas-powered version. However, there’s nothing wrong with providing more options for an already iconic car that, in many ways, defines the roadster genre of vehicles.
Miata lovers should also be aware that the automaker has confirmed that the 2026 model will have electrified options. However, the statement didn’t specify if it would be a hybrid or an electric Miata.
