A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a car that really does not need an introduction among car enthusiasts. Over four generations, the compact roadster has gained a formidable reputation for being a light, fun, and accessible driver-engaging car. The fourth-generation ND model is about to turn 10 years old, making it one of the longer-running sports cars currently available today.

The MX-5 isn’t the brand’s highest-selling model, but it still achieves impressive results despite its age and limited practicality. Mazda confirms to have sold a combined 8,973 units of the Roadster and Retractable Fastback combined in 2023. With the 2024 model introducing some intriguing new features, there’s a possibility that the moniker will maintain its success and appeal in the American market.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Mazda’s websites and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver, the EPA, and J.D. Power. Each model score is determined by Top Speed’s rating team, which factors in five different metrics. You can
read our Methodology page
for more information about our rating system.

What’s New For 2024?

For 2024, Mazda adds a new asymmetric limited-slip differential, upgraded Mazda Connect software, and a DSC-Track mode for the Club trim, making it more effective for closed-circuit driving. Minor alterations include revised headlights and taillights, a steering rack, and some new interior and exterior colors.

2024 Highlights

• Asymmetric limited-slip differential
• Upgraded Mazda Connect software
• DSC-Track mode for the Club trim
• Revised steering rack
• Revised headlights and taillights
• New $450 Aero Gray paint and $300 tan Nappa leather upholstery

Exterior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Mazda)

Engine Specifications And Performance

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is only available with one naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine option. This is the brand’s standardized distributor-less ignition Skyactiv-G dual-overhead cam 16-valve powertrain, featuring variable valve timing, resulting in an 181-horsepower and 151-pound-feet output to the rear wheels.

You have a choice of a traditional six-speed manual or automatic transmission, both of which sprint from 0-60 MPH in a claimed 5.7 seconds and hit a 137 MPH top speed. Tests indicate the automatic Retractable Fastback model to be a bit slower, with confirmed times as high as 6.5 seconds, but the manual Roadster easily hits its claimed time.

The new LSD is an all-time first for the ND MX-5. The last Miata to feature one was the second-generation NB. The asymmetrical system consists of a conical clutch and redesigned cam mechanisms that can take in different inputs during acceleration and braking events, improving stability through tight corners.

Performance Specifications

(Data sourced from Mazda and the EPA)

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata

• Short-throw six-speed manual shifter or paddle-mounted shifters
• Manual air conditioning
• Power windows with driver’s and passenger’s one-touch-down feature
• Driver’s and passenger’s vanity mirrors
• Mesh aero board wind blocker

The Mazda MX-5 Miata features a very compact cabin space, so there isn’t a lot of space for too many pieces of equipment. Regardless, the brand is able to fit all the necessities in, making it a fairly comprehensive cockpit. The base Sport trim includes manual air conditioning, power windows with driver’s and passenger’s one-touch-down feature, driver’s and passenger’s vanity mirrors, a 12-volt power outlet in the floorwell, and a mesh aero board wind blocker.

The Club adds seat heating, while the Grand Touring includes a Frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink. The Sport’s interior is upholstered in black cloth, while Mazda applies leather touches to the steering wheel, shift knob, and parking brake handle. The Club features suede inserts on the seat, while the Grand Touring gets full leather seats, which can be upgraded to Nappa leather for $300. This trim also features black doorsill treat plates with stainless steel inserts.

Technology

All MX-5 Miatas feature Mazda’s older 8.8-inch touchscreen display with HD Radio and Pandora, together with a three-year trial to the Mazda Connected Services package. The unit accommodates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, two USB-C ports, and a six-speaker audio system. The Club features the upgraded Bose nine-speaker premium audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a three-month trial to SiriusXM. Only the Gran Touring features navigation.

Interior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Mazda)

Safety And Reliability

Despite being such a compact car, Mazda kits the Miata out with dual front and side airbags, together with side-impact door beams, and three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters. The IIHS and NHTSA have not crash-tested the MX-5, but the Euro NCAP did give it a four-star rating in 2015.

One of the MX-5’s biggest drawing cars is its reliability. The 2024 model currently has no recalls attached to it. J.D Power gives the MX-5 Miata an Average 79/100 for quality and reliability.

Driver Assistance Features

Mazda fits all Miata’s with rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, and lane departure warning. You also get a rear-facing camera and tire pressure monitoring. The Grand Touring adds traffic sign recognition and secondary collision reduction.

• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Tire pressure monitoring

Euro NCAP Crash Testing

• Recalls (NHTSA): 0
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
• Awards: N/A

Warranties

All MX-5 purchases include a 36-month or 36,000-mile basic warranty, extending to the roadside warranty. Mazda covers powertrain defects for 60 months or 60,000 miles and corrosion for the same time over an unlimited mileage period.

(Data sourced from Mazda)

2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Versus Its Competitors

The Mazda MX-5 sits alone in the compact roadster segment, which has never been a popular class. Its only noteworthy rivals at the moment are two very dissimilar products, namely the Toyota GR86 and Mini Cooper S Convertible. These compete in different body segments, but they are all compact and lightweight cars with moderate performance abilities.

How The Mazda MX-5 Miata Compares To The Toyota GR86

• 	2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata	2024 Toyota GR86
  Model	2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata	Toyota GR86
  Engine	2.0-liter four-cylinder	2.4-L flat-four Boxer
  Transmission	Six-speed manual or automatic	Six-speed manual or automatic
  Horsepower	181 HP @ 7,000 RPM	228 HP @ 7,000 RPM
  Torque	151 pound-feet @ 4,000 RPM	184 pound-feet @ 3,700 RPM
  Driveline	Rear-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive
  MSRP	$28,985	$32,825 – $33,507
  0-60 MPH	5.7 seconds	6.1 seconds

The Toyota GR86 is the closest thing you’ll get to an MX-5 rival, even though it isn’t available as an open-top model. The compact sports coupe features Subaru’s naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine, which produces 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet. This is available with your choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, both of which return a slower 0-60 MPH acceleration time compared to the Mazda.

The larger engine and heavier curb weight also make the GR a bit heavier on fuel, but it remains an engaging and entertaining compact Japanese sports car that’s not afraid to go sideways around some corners. The GR86 range is slightly pricier than the MX-5, but its base trim is as comprehensive as the Club. It’s difficult to say which is the better model between the two, but hard to argue that the GR86 offers better value, and performance, and benefits from more modern designs and features.

How The Mazda MX-5 Miata Compares To The Mini Cooper S Convertible

• 	2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata	2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible
  Model	2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata	Mini Cooper S Convertible
  Engine	2.0-liter four-cylinder	Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
  Transmission	Six-speed manual or automatic	Six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
  Horsepower	181 HP @ 7,000 RPM	189 HP @ 5,000 RPM
  Torque	151 pound-feet @ 4,000 RPM	206 LB-FT @ 1,350 RPM
  Driveline	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
  Range	345-357 miles	313-348 miles
  MSRP	$28,985	$38,400
  Fuel Economy	29-30 MPG	27-30 MPG
  0-60 MPH	5.7 seconds	6.7 seconds

You may think this is an odd comparison at first, considering the Mini Cooper S Convertible is essentially a front-wheel drive turbocharged hatchback with the roof chopped off. It makes a case for itself as a viable alternative when you consider its compact proportions, driver-engaging chassis, and punchy performance. Despite adopting forced induction, granting it a higher torque figure, the Cooper S doesn’t perform much better than the Miata in a 0-60 MPH sprint.

The Cooper S also doesn’t fare that much better when looking at efficiency and range. It may be a quirky and characterful, mild open-top performance car, but it fails to make a good mark for itself next to the likes of Mazda’s roadster. It does benefit from a fairly practical set of rear seats and better equipment levels, but this comes at a significantly higher cost.

How Much A 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Costs

The Mazda MX-5 Sport trim starts at $28,985. The Club increases the price to $32,485, while the Grand Touring sits at the top with a $34,285 price tag. Interestingly, the RF Club is the most expensive model of the range with its $40,210 price tag, while the Grand Touring sits just beneath it at $37,010. The only noteworthy optional package is the Club’s $4,500 performance package, which includes Brembo brakes, BBS wheels, an aerodynamic kit, and heated Recaro bucket seats. Mazda charges a $1,165 destination fee for all sales.

(Pricing sourced from Mazda)

Fuel Economy

The Mazda MX-5 Miata’s simple engine and low curb weight means you’ll enjoy impressively low fuel consumption returns. The manual model returns a 26/34/30 MPG on the city/highway/combined cycle. The automatic models bring in a 26/35/29 MPG consumption estimate.

GAS/HYBRIDS

(Data sourced from the EPA)

Is It Worth Buying The Mazda MX-5 Miata?

If you’re in the market for a compact Japanese roadster, this is the only car you can consider. This alone makes it worth buying. However, from a product standpoint, it’s still a very impressive offering with a low entry price point.

The 2024 MX-5 introduces some enjoyable features focused on making the car feel ever so slightly more modern. The drivetrain doesn’t offer the best performance, but the engaging chassis means that you’ll be enjoying non-stop smiles throughout your ownership experience.