Four Mazda Models Earn Car and Driver Editors’ Choice for 2026

Mazda says Mazda3, CX-30, CX-50 and MX-5 Miata were named Car and Driver Editors’ Choice 2026 winners. Read what the award means.

Mazda has secured four spots on the Car and Driver Editors’ Choice 2026 list, with the Mazda3, CX-30, CX-50, and MX-5 Miata all recognized as standout vehicles in their respective segments. The announcement was confirmed in an official statement released by Mazda North American Operations on February 3, 2026.

The selection highlights a wide range of Mazda’s lineup, from the compact Mazda3 to the brand’s iconic MX-5 Miata roadster. The 2026 Mazda3 earned recognition in the compact car category, the CX-30 was named among the best subcompact SUVs, the CX-50 stood out in the compact SUV segment, and the MX-5 Miata was awarded as one of the top affordable sports cars currently on the market.

According to Car and Driver, the Editors’ Choice awards were designed as a practical guide for buyers facing an increasingly crowded automotive market. Editor-in-chief Tony Quiroga noted that every vehicle included on the list should be considered a serious option for shoppers looking for the best in each category.

The final list is determined through a demanding evaluation process. Editors rely on instrumented testing and subjective driving impressions, while also assessing how well each vehicle fulfills its intended mission. Value for money, driving enjoyment, and segment ranking against key competitors all play a major role in the final decision.

The CX-50’s recognition comes at a moment when Mazda is actively expanding its presence in one of the most competitive SUV categories. For the 2026 model year in the U.S., Mazda has confirmed the introduction of a CX-50 Hybrid, and the vehicle is produced at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama. The move suggests Mazda is reinforcing its long-term commitment to the compact SUV market.

The CX-30 is also seeing targeted updates through packaging and trim strategy. For 2026, Mazda has introduced the Aire Edition, signaling an effort to keep the model fresh through carefully positioned special versions rather than major redesigns.

On the enthusiast side, Mazda continues to preserve the MX-5 Miata’s reputation as one of the last true lightweight roadsters. Changes for 2026 are minimal, though Mazda has confirmed an update to one interior option included in the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package, reflecting a strategy of maintaining the car’s proven formula while refining details for dedicated buyers.

Overall, Mazda’s four-model presence on the Editors’ Choice list reinforces the brand’s consistent reputation for combining everyday usability with engaging driving dynamics. It also points to a broader trend: Mazda’s approach of covering multiple segments—from practical crossovers to dedicated sports cars—continues to resonate strongly with both critics and consumers in the U.S. market.