The Mazda Miata is a beloved driver’s car for a reason: lightweight balance, engaging handling, and pure fun behind the wheel. But as great as it is, its small cabin and limited cargo space can eventually feel too tight for drivers who want more comfort, power, or everyday usability. If you’ve reached the point where the Miata feels a bit too compact for daily life, long trips, or just added practicality, it might be time to consider an upgrade.
Fortunately, there are several cars that build on the Miata’s driver-focused ethos while adding space, performance, or refinement you’ll appreciate. These five options deliver more room, more capability, and more versatility, without sacrificing the joy of driving that first drew you to the Miata. From sportier coupes and nimble sedans to performance-oriented hatchbacks, each offers a compelling step up.
Below, we explore five standout upgrade options that are perfect for Miata owners ready for something bigger, faster, or more practical, all while still delivering the driving excitement you love. Whether you want more power, more space, or a better everyday blend, there’s an ideal next step waiting in this list.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, such as the EPA.
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2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Starting MSRP: $34,590
For as long as it has been around, the GTI nameplate has represented fun. The most modern iteration finds a pretty fantastic balance between performance, practicality, and interior refinement, all at a price that is exceptionally easy to swallow. The fact that it is a hatchback means that there is plenty of usable space in the trunk and there are even back seats for when you occasionally carry passengers.
Performance specifications
- Base Trim Engine
-
2L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
7-speed DSG auto-shift manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
241 HP @5000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
273 lb.-ft. @ 1750 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
24/33/27 MPG
- Make
-
Volkswagen
- Model
-
Golf GTI
- Segment
-
Compact Performance Hatchback
The GTI comes in a single setup. Volkswagen has imbued this gold with a turbocharged inline-four that pumps out 241 horsepower. Unfortunately, the manual transmission was axed, meaning that your only choice now is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard across the board.
While not the outright quickest car on the road, the German hot hatch can get up to 60 miles per hour in as little as 5.6 seconds. This is plenty quick enough to keep up with its core competition. Its handling is fantastic, and it shows plenty of eagerness through twisty sections of road. The only potential area of improvement is the weighting of the steering.
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2026 Hyundai Elantra N
Starting MSRP: $35,100
Hyundai has been making some pretty big commitments to its sporting N division, with a ton of fantastic performance cars from the brand hitting the market. The Elantra N is an impressive little sports sedan that packs much more of a punch than you’d expect. It also keeps the fun factor alive, with exterior styling that is a little boy-racer and a punchy engine that sounds pretty raucous.
Performance specifications
- Base Trim Engine
-
2L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-speed manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
276 HP @5500 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
289 lb.-ft. @ 2100 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
21/29/24 MPG
- Make
-
Hyundai
- Model
-
Elantra N
- Segment
-
Compact Sedan
The turbocharged four-pot under the hood of the Elantra is quite the overachiever. It manages to put out an impressive 276 horsepower. It comes with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. A feature called N Grin Shift can be activated on models with the automatic transmission to temporarily boost output to 286 horses. Manual models have automatic rev matching which can be toggled on or off.
Hyundai have really found a pretty magical formula with the Elantra N. While some will dog on it for having a Hyundai badge, this sedan is more entertaining to drive than a lot of the sports sedans on the market right now. It is quick and agile and it sounds fantastic when you put your foot down.
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2026 Mazda 3 Turbo
Starting MSRP: $36,740
If you fel some sense of loyalty to Mazda after owning a Miata, which is more than understandable, then perhaps the Mazda 3 Turbo is a good next step. The Japanese compact car comes as either a hatchback or a sedan, giving you a choice of body style. Either way, it is much more practical than an MX-5. It is also much more plush than you’d expect and comes loaded with high-end materials.
Performance specifications
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.5L SKYACTIV-G I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
186 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
186 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
26/34/29 MPG
- Make
-
Mazda
- Model
-
Mazda 3 Hatchback
- Segment
-
Compact Hatchback
While the above showcases the entry-level Mazda 3, the turbocharged models take things to the next level. They feature a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, standard all-wheel drive, and a six-speed automatic transmission. In this setup, the compact car can make up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque.
In this segment, there is no other car that feels as dynamic as the Mazda 3. The Japanese automaker prioritizes driving enjoyment, and that is pretty evident here. Along with its exceptional driving dynamics, it is also pretty perky, capable of getting up to 60 miles per hour in as little as 5.6 seconds.
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2025 Subaru WRX
Starting MSRP: $37,750
The WRX is a little underrated in our opinion. Because it isn’t as raucous as it once was, it doesn’t get nearly as much attention. However, if you’re looking for an affordable sports sedan that delivers fantastic all-weather performance, the Subaru is still king. It feels a little more grown up than older models, though, but this is a good thing if you’re looking for some extra refinement in your next performance car.
Performance specifications
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.4-Liter Turbo B4 Boxer
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-Speed Manual/CVT
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
271 HP
- Base Trim Torque
-
258 LB-FT
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
19/26 MPG
- Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
-
- Make
-
Subaru
- Model
-
WRX Sedan
- Segment
-
Compact Performance Sedan
Subaru makes use of a setup that is pretty standard for them. A turbocharged horizontally opposed four-banger powers the sedan, with the brand’s iconic all-wheel drive system coming standard. A six-speed manual is standard, with a CVT that does its best impression of an eight-speed auto being optional. We’d opt for the former. This is the last all-wheel drive sports sedan with a manual transmission.
With the manual transmission, the WRX gets up to 60 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds. The automatic models get there in 5.4 seconds. The Subaru may not be as playful as it once was, but there is still a ton of fun to be had. All models handle fantastically, but top-of-the-line tS models come equipped with a reworked suspension system and adaptive dampers which offer some noticeable improvements.
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2026 Toyota GR Corolla
Starting MSRP: $39,920
While it might be slightly on the pricier side, Toyota’s hot hatchback definitely offers increased performance and practicality over the Mazda MX-5. The rally-inspired Toyota is not only incredibly entertaining, but it is a demonstration of some fantastic engineering. It is also every bit as comfortable and practical as a regular Corolla.
Performance specifications
- Base Trim Engine
-
1.6L I3 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-speed manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
300 HP @6500 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
295 lb.-ft. @ 3250 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
21/28/24 MPG
- Make
-
Toyota
- Model
-
GR Corolla
- 0-60 MPH
-
4.99 seconds
Surprisingly, under the hood of the GR Corolla sits a turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Somehow, the Japanese automaker has managed to squeeze out 300 horsepower from the setup. You have a choice here between a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed auto. Every model comes with an all-wheel drive system that allows you to adjust the amount of power you send to the front and back wheels.
The GR Corolla is playful, with tenacious grip through tricky corners and an eagerness to be pushed closer to its limits. It is also civil enough to daily drive, offering reasonable levels of comfort for a hatchback so performance-oriented. It is pretty quick too, getting to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in around 4.9 seconds.
