This Can't Be Right! Here's Why I Don't Think Mazda MX-5 Miata Will Go Fully-Electric

The fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata has been around since 2015 and is in its third phase. Previous generations of the Mazda Miata have stayed around for seven to eight years. In 2025, the ND Miata will become ten years old. Perhaps, a 10th anniversary edition will be in order? Regardless, a Japanese publication got some answers from Mazda Chief Engineer, Shigeki Sato, who confirmed that the ND Miata will be around until 2030. However, it will not be unchanged.  

Like other carmakers, Mazda started working towards electrifying its lineup, to become a fully electric brand by 2030. Mazda's original target was a lineup consisting of 75 percent hybrids and 25 percent EVs. However, I have enough reason to believe that Mazda will not go fully-electric. We know Mazda, Toyota, and Subaru have joined forces to make the next-generation internal combustion engines.  

Mazda's focus is on rotary engines (which include hybrid variants), Toyota's focus is on two new inline-four units, and Subaru is working on a hybrid boxer engine. The companies are already sharing know-how and even have badge-engineered models among themselves, a case in point being the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. Sharing powertrains is nothing new to these brands and since the MX-5 has never been a rotary, could it receive one of Toyota's new engines? 

EV demand is going down and many carmakers are adapting 

With global demand for EVs dropping, it seems prudent for Mazda to rethink its electrification strategy like other car companies have already done. Porsche, Toyota, Hyundai, and even Lotus have set their sails away from fully electric lineups.

Moreover, Toyota's partnership with ExxonMobil bore fruit as the companies completed successful tests with synthetic fuels, which do not require modifications to the internal combustion engines (unlike hydrogen). Moreover, Mazda Miata's direct competitor, the Toyota GR86, will become a hybrid for the next generation and we already caught wind that the next iteration of the MX-5 could follow a similar fate. 

How will the Mazda Miata change? 

According to the Japanese automotive media, Response.jp, Shigeki Saito confirmed an ND2 variant of the Miata. The fourth-generation Miata has already received a mid-cycle refresh, twice, but apparently, third time is the charm, as this time, it will be more extensive.  

According to Saito, the update is necessitated by a much-needed cyber security update. This is mandated by the Cyber Security Act, which applies for vehicles, featuring over-the-air updates. From January, 2024, the Cyber Security Act, also applies for new cars that do not feature OTA (over-the-air) updates. The current Miata does not have this capability, but it may receive it with the upcoming update.

Sato always said that another target is to meet Level 3 external noise regulation, which means noise must be reduced by 2 dB by July 2026. Hybridization will worm its way into the Miata as of 2026. That doesn't mean that the MX-5 will no longer be lightweight.

The extent of hybridization is not confirmed yet, but Mazda, sort of, gave it away with its target numbers. I first caught wind of Mazda's plans to electrify the Miata back in 2022. Mazda's target figures are under 2,200 pounds of weight and 100 horsepower (or more) per liter, so the 2026 Miata will be the most powerful yet.

The 2026 Mazda MX-5 will not be a plug-in hybrid, but rather feature a mild-hybrid or a compact, full-hybrid setup, similar to what Porsche did with its T-Hybrid system. Is that something you would like to see in the upcoming Mazda MX-5 Miata? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image sources: 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata