If you’re wondering, “Does the Mazda Miata have a rotary engine?”, the answer is no. The rotary engine powered many great Mazda cars over the years, but the new models you’ll find at Pearson Mazda all have modern engines that deliver more power. The rotary engine still plays an essential role in Mazda history — find out more below.
What Is a Rotary Engine?
For most of its history, one of the most distinctive things about Mazda cars were their rotary engines. This engine design doesn’t use pistons, providing a smoother drive through circular motion, but they’ve been replaced by piston engines in most modern Mazda vehicles. The biggest issue was their relatively high exhaust emissions, which would be even more of an issue in today’s marketplace.
Did the MAZDA MX-5 Miata Have a Piston Engine?
The Mazda MX-5 Miata was one of the few Mazda vehicles to never have a rotary engine. In the 1990s, there were lots of rumors about a new model featuring one, but between the environmental concerns and the small frame, it wasn’t a good fit. Instead, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has always featured an inline four-cylinder engine design, called a “straight-four”.
So, Does the MAZDA Miata Have a Rotary Engine?
These days, rotary engines are mostly found on smaller vehicles like motorcycles and tools like chainsaws. However, if you want to capture the smooth, powerful feel of a classic rotary engine, check out our Mazda hybrids. Like rotary engines, these models feature steady acceleration thanks to their electric motors, and unlike rotary engines, they’re even more environmentally friendly than traditional models.
Test-Drive the 2025 MAZDA MX-5 Miata in Richmond, VA
The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata doesn’t have a rotary engine, but it’s still a thrill to drive. Explore this Mazda sports car in person at Pearson Mazda, your Richmond, VA Mazda dealership. Get behind the wheel and feel the thrill of this inline-four Mazda car today!
