The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a fantastic small sports vehicle that a broad spectrum of drivers will enjoy. Prices begin at $30,150.Thanks, Mazda. Thank you for creating the MX-5 Miata. It's a little vehicle, but it's one of the most enjoyable rides on four wheels. Many of our customer reviewers have owned previous MX-5 Miata versions, and 93% would recommend this vehicle. We'll repeat it: 93%. Although this generation debuted for the 2016 model year, its features remain ageless. Like the physical sensations of being in the driver's seat. And there is accessibility, both financially and in terms of driving. The Porsche 718 Boxster is a great 2-seater convertible with greater power than the MX-5 Miata, but it costs at least twice as much. Sure, the MX-5 Miata is not known for its practicality or roominess. But if those factors aren't crucial to you (maybe you're thinking about acquiring this as a second vehicle just for fun), every day without a new MX-5 Miata is less enjoyable.

What’s New for 2024

The Mazda MX-5 Miata will get cosmetic and performance enhancements in 2024. It receives new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs to keep it appearing current. The Club and Grand Touring grades also have a reworked steering rack and an asymmetrical limited-slip differential. The inside has a new 8.8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Mazda plans to include electric power into the MX-5 Miata by 2026.

2024 MAZDA MX-5 Miata Pricing

The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata begins at $30,150. That is for the basic Sport variant, which has a soft top and manual gearbox. The hardtop RF model starts at $38,175, while an automatic gearbox costs $920 on the Grand Touring level ($970 with the RF body).

When considering alternatives, you may choose a driver-centric coupe, a fun soft-top, or a Mustang. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 coupes, both starting in the mid 20s, have rear-drive and manual transmissions. The Mini Convertible, a front-drive vehicle that remains fun, starts at $35.7K. The 2024 Ford Mustang, available with a fixed or soft-top roof, begins at roughly $31,000. It will feel heavier than an MX-5 Miata, however.

Before purchasing a new MX-5 Miata sports vehicle, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see how much you should spend. The MX-5 Miata has a high resale value since it is a desirable automobile with a long history of reliability.

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Power, Ride And Handling

The MX-5 Miata is powered by a 4-cylinder engine that generates 181 horsepower. That may not seem like much for a sports car, but the MX-5 Miata is compact and agile, so it all adds to an excellent overall mix of muscle and composure. Similarly, the race from 0 to 60 mph may seem ordinary in principle, lasting 5.7 seconds in an age when large and hefty electric vehicles can accomplish it in 3.5. However, this fails to account for sensations. The MX-5 Miata is more than simply transportation. The steering is intuitive, and the suspension is precise yet still comfortable for daily driving and lengthy road trips. We've met Mazda engineers who own MX-5 Miatas and drive them purely for the excitement. That is an unequivocal recommendation right there.

Sure, you could purchase a Porsche 718 Boxster, a BMW Z4, or even a Chevrolet Corvette and have more power while keeping the top down. However, they are more costly, and, honestly, we have found the MX-5 Miata's 181 horsepower to be powerful enough for public roads while still performing well on the track. The MX-5 Miata's appeal is not limited to experienced drivers. This is an excellent alternative for someone who is unfamiliar with rear-wheel drive and maybe even manual transmissions.

One item to consider is the Club version. It has a firmer Bilstein suspension and a front strut tower brace for added front end stiffness (which improves steering). Give this version a test drive before deciding on a trim level, just in case it's too stiff for your liking. After all, the other versions are just fine.

Pros

• An absolute joy to drive
• Affordable to buy and run
• Excellent build quality

Cons

• Small cabin

What's New?

• Steering and differential upgrades
• 8.8-inch display
• New headlights, taillights, and wheel designs

2023 MAZDA MX-5 Miata RF Review

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata sports vehicle strikes the ideal balance of agility, power, and price. Prices begin at $28,050.It's fantastic. Buy it. Okay, we'll expand. Humans have created some incredible inventions, like space rockets, MRI scanners, Lego bricks, electric guitars, and the Swiss Army knife. To such esteemed company, we would add the Mazda MX-5 Miata, a little sports vehicle with huge fun potential.

Driving the MX-5 Miata will undoubtedly be enjoyable as long as practicality is not a concern and you are comfortable in the cabin.

RF: Retractable Fastback

A common MX-5 Miata is a soft-top model with a fabric roof. However, Mazda also sells an RF variation in the Club and Grand Touring trims, which has a power-retractable hard top in a fastback design. When the RF roof is installed, the vehicle takes on more of a coupe appearance.

It takes just 13 seconds to open or shut, making the MX-5 Miata more suitable for all seasons. A little more weight is added, but not enough to detract from the experience.

2023 MAZDA MX-5 Miata RF Pricing

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata starts at $28,050. That’s for the Sport version which comes solely with a manual transmission. To acquire an automatic means choosing a Grand Touring model.

The Club’s Brembo BBS Recaro package upgrades the brakes, alloy wheels, and sport seats (with Brembo, BBS, and Recaro products, respectively). The most expensive premium paint costs $595, and the Grand Touring version also offers fine Nappa leather in a terracotta color for $300. 

• MX-5 Miata Sport: $28,050
• MX-5 Miata Club: $31,550
• MX-5 Miata Club w/Brembo BBS Recaro package: $36,050
• MX-5 Miata Club RF w/Brembo BBS Recaro package: $38,550
• MX-5 Miata Grand Touring: $33,050 Popular
• MX-5 Miata Grand Touring RF: $35,350 Popular

The manufacturer's recommended retail prices (MSRP) do not include the $1,275 factory-to-dealer delivery cost (destination charge). The Subaru BRZ (from $28.6K) and Toyota GR86 (from $28K) are two affordable options. These are only available in coupe form, and share the MX-5's rear-wheel drive, lightweight design, and moderate engine output. The Ford Mustang (starting at $29K) feels heavier but packs a lot of muscle. For those looking for a fun soft-top rather than a rear-drive enthusiast vehicle, the Mini Convertible is available starting at $33.8K.

Before purchasing a new MX-5 Miata 2-seater sports vehicle, consult the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what you should really spend. The MX-5 Miata retains its value nicely. Mazda has no intentions to abandon this iconic product. 

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What’s New for 2023

The sole change this year is the addition of Zircon Sand Metallic to the list of exterior paint options. It is available for Club and Grand Touring vehicles.

Mazda plans to introduce an electrified Miata in 2026.

Driving The 2023 MAZDA MX-5 Miata RF

We've met Mazda engineers who own MX-5 Miatas and drive them purely for the excitement. That is an unequivocal recommendation right there.

Sure, you could purchase a Porsche 718 Boxster, a BMW Z4, or even a Corvette and have more power while keeping the top down. However, they are more costly, and, honestly, the MX-5 Miata's 181 horsepower is more than enough for public roads, while the handling remains excellent on the track.

It doesn't take a seasoned road warrior to appreciate. The MX-5 Miata's attractions are easily accessible. So, for someone new to rear-wheel drive and maybe even manual transmissions, this is an excellent pick.

The MX-5 Miata is more than simply transportation. The steering is communicative, and the suspension is accurate while remaining comfortable for daily driving and/or longer journeys. We've driven hundreds of miles in the MX-5 Miata and would happily go farther at any time.

One item to consider is the Club version. It includes a firmer Bilstein suspension, a front strut tower brace for more stiffness at the front end (sharpening the steering), and a limited-slip differential to improve rear-wheel grip. Give this version a test drive before deciding on a trim level, just in case it's too stiff for your liking. After all, the other versions are just fine.

We spent hundreds of hours driving and analyzing the current collection of convertibles, including this Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Intimate Interior

It's the polar opposite of the "you must be this tall to ride" theme park sign. Unfortunately, the 2023 MX-5 Miata's tight two-seater quarters and low windshield make it unsuited for the largest and widest members of the motoring public.

The transmission tunnel takes up space in the passenger footwell, and there is no glove box or much room for phones. As if any of it matters.

What matters is the driving position, which should be low to the ground for the finest seat-of-the-pants view of how the vehicle is acting. The way the right hand naturally lands on the gear lever. And the dashboard is uncluttered.

Only a few minor complaints. When the top is down and the sun is behind, the infotainment screen reflects so much light that it's hard to discern what it's saying. And the 4.5-cubic trunk is barely large enough to fit a handful of soft bags and a weekend's worth of baggage.

Our Favorite Features And Tech

• Manual transmission: A stick-shift may seem to belong in the old times, yet it works well in this vehicle, increasing the level of engagement. As the expression goes, the more you invest in something, the more you get out of it. This unit has one of the nicest shift actions we've ever seen. 
• Rear-wheel drive: If there was more power, there might be a higher likelihood of the car’s back end sliding out if someone overcooked it going into a corner. But the setup in the MX-5 Miata is so wonderfully progressive and benign that it’s easy to control.
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Despite the scarcity of space for devices, the MX-5 Miata does at least have smartphone integration as standard. It goes wireless in the Club and Grand Touring trims, so there’s no need to take the phone out of your pocket or purse.
• Kinematic Posture Control (KPC): This is about the car’s posture, not the humans inside. The MX-5 Miata has always had superb cornering talents. But since last year, they’ve been enhanced by KPC, which applies subtle braking to the inside rear wheel through fast turns. It makes the steering feel more linear, reduces any body roll, and contributes to the general stability. 

Pros

• Fantastic fun
• Excellent manual transmission
• Great build quality

Cons

• Tight interior
• Tiny trunk
• Reflective display

What's New?

• Zircon Sand Metallic paint