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Mazda MX-5 Miata vs Toyota Highlander - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (181 HP vs 265 HP), trunk space and price (29,000 $ vs 39,300 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Mazda MX-5 Miata or Toyota Highlander?

Mazda MX-5 Miata vs Toyota Highlander: Key differences

Mazda MX-5 Miata

  • visibly cheaper
  • considerably lighter

Toyota Highlander

  • clearly more power
  • visibly more efficient

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

MX-5 Miata

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Mazda MX-5 Miata is visibly cheaper – starting at 29,000 $ , while the Toyota Highlander costs 39,300 $ . That’s a price difference of around 10,285 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander performs visibly better – achieving 36 mpg, compared to 26 mpg for the Mazda MX-5 Miata. That’s a difference of about 10 mpg.

Highlander

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Toyota Highlander offers clearly more power – delivering 265 HP compared to 181 HP. That’s roughly 84 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Toyota Highlander delivers clearly more torque with 310 lb-ft compared to 151 lb-ft. That’s about 159 lb-ft more.

MX-5 Miata

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Toyota Highlander offers more seats – 8 vs 2.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda MX-5 Miata is considerably lighter – 2,341 lbs compared to 4,155 lbs. The difference is around 1,814 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Toyota Highlander is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $39,300
Highlander

Toyota Highlander

  • Engine Type : Gasoline, Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 243 - 265 HP
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Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a celebrated icon in the world of sports cars, known for its nimble handling and sleek design. With its lightweight structure and convertible top, it delivers an exhilarating driving experience that appeals to both enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. Over the years, it has maintained its reputation for offering pure driving pleasure at an accessible price.

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Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a trusty family hauler that blends calm road manners with a thoughtfully finished cabin and a bonus row for occasional adults. It won’t set your hair on fire, but with a refined hybrid option, easy-to-use tech, and resale strength that makes rivals sweat, it’s the sensible choice that still feels a bit special.

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Mazda MX-5 Miata
Toyota Highlander

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,000 - 35,200 $
Price
39,300 - 53,400 $
FuelEconomy City
26 mpg
FuelEconomy City
21 - 36 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
34 - 35 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
28 - 35 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
11.9 gal
Fuel tank capacity
17.1 - 17.9 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Convertible
Body Type
SUV
Seats
2
Seats
7 - 8
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,341 - 2,403 lbs
Curb weight
4,155 - 4,595 lbs
Trunk Volume
4.6 cu. ft.
Trunk Volume
-
Length
154.1 in.
Length
194.9 - 197.4 in.
Width
68.3 in.
Width
76 in.
Height
48 in.
Height
68 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline, Hybrid
Transmission
Manual, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Rear Wheel
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Power HP
181 HP
Power HP
243 - 265 HP
Torque
151 lb-ft
Torque
175 - 310 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2 L
Engine Displacement
2.4 - 2.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2,024
Model Year
2,024
Brand
Mazda
Brand
Toyota
What is the price of the Mazda MX-5 Miata?

The Mazda MX-5 Miata starts at 29,000 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.