2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

Name: 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
Brand: Mazda
Price: 25990 USD

Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Convertible Exterior Shown

Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Convertible Exterior

+164

Mazda has made the MX-5 Miata virtually unassailable in the realm of fun-to-drive sports cars. In a world of ever more complex performance cars, the refreshingly pure and elemental Miata shows everyone how it's done.

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2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

Fun and engaging to drive, even at low speeds
One of the most fuel-efficient sports cars you can buy
Manual soft top is easy to raise or lower quickly
Respectably smooth ride

Cons

Not much room to stretch out inside
Can't fit much stuff in the trunk
Cabin gets loud at highway speeds even with the top up

What's new

New wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
White leather upholstery available
Part of the fourth MX-5 Miata generation introduced for 2016

Overview

With every generation of its MX-5 Miata, Mazda's goal has been to produce a car that can deliver a pure and enjoyable driving experience. It's easily overachieved that aim with its latest fourth-generation Miata, which has been around since 2016. This is a lightweight two-seat roadster that trumpets the basics of sports car design while offering a just-right amount of modern convenience.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$188/mo

$179/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

For 2021, changes to the MX-5 Miata are minimal. Mazda has added wireless connectivity to Apple CarPlay smartphone integration and, as a possible appeal to perennially neat and tidy people, added white leather seats as an option. It's still pretty much in a class by itself too. Alternatively, you could consider the Mini Convertible as a more stylish option or the Chevrolet Camaro or Ford Mustang for more performance potential. Read out Expert Rating below for our full in-depth take on this year's Miata.

What's it like to live with?

Interested in learning about what it's like to live with this little roadster? Check out our long-term reviews of the fourth-generation 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the updated 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata. We spent a year and more than 20,000 miles with each of these charming convertibles. In our long-term coverage, you can read in-depth coverage from our editors on everything from the way the Miata drives to its reliability.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

8.0

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

9.0/10

How does the MX-5 Miata drive? The Miata's featherweight construction and rear-wheel-drive platform mean that you can have a ton of fun even without a supremely powerful engine. That said, the latest Miata is pretty quick. In our testing, our manual-equipped Club test car sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds flat. The Miata's brakes are another high point since they're both easy to use and good for quick stops when you need them.

The Miata responds best to smooth steering inputs. Do that and this is a supremely fun car to toss into a corner with abandon. There's a lot of body roll (even with the Club suspension), but the only time that becomes an issue is during fast, aggressive driving.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the MX-5 Miata? Small two-seat roadsters aren't known for comfort, but the Miata is surprisingly livable in the day-to-day grind. The Club has a firmer ride than other Miata trims because of its Bilstein dampers, but it still has pretty good compliance over rough roads. Only larger potholes will send a shiver through the chassis. The optional Recaro seats offer an enviable combination of support, breathability and comfort. But they sit higher than the standard seats, making them a no-go for passengers over 6 feet tall.

The Miata's only significant drawback comfort-wise is the abundant cabin noise. Road and wind noise increases significantly with speed. On the highway, you'll have to crank the stereo to really hear it.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The cabin's elegant design makes the most of the tidy space and prioritizes the fun of driving. There are minimal controls, and those that exist are, perhaps unsurprisingly, easy to reach. The controls are placed cleverly, but their ease of use is primarily due to the Miata's minuscule cabin size.

Drivers around 6 feet tall will push the boundaries of head- and legroom, and anyone much taller than that might not fit at all. But average-size drivers will have no problem finding an agreeable position. Forward visibility is great, and even though the rear view isn't exceptional, your proximity to the glass helps reduce blind spots. The manual convertible top is phenomenally easy to use.

Technology

8.0/10

How’s the tech? The MX-5 must balance driving purity with a driver's desire for modern connectivity and safety tech. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration comes standard on the Club and Grand Touring trim levels. There's also an impressive list of active safety features, though the Miata's tiny size means you don't truly need things such as blind-spot monitoring.

The nine-speaker Bose audio system does a good job both filling the cabin with sound and competing with ambient noise. Voice controls are limited and stick to a menu of on-screen prompts, but the system recognizes speech well.

Storage

6.0/10

How’s the storage? No one should expect a two-seat convertible to be a utilitarian machine, so the Miata's lack of carrying capacity shouldn't come as a surprise. The trunk measures just 4.6 cubic feet. Unlike larger convertibles, there's no back seat to use as a cargo shelf. There's not even a glovebox. Instead, the Miata just has a small bin between the seats that serves as the main storage area for things like smartphones, wallets or small handbags.

There is sufficient room for one child or toddler in a forward-facing seat or booster only. There are no LATCH anchors or top-tether attachment points.

Fuel Economy

9.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? EPA-estimated fuel economy for the six-speed manual is 29 mpg combined (26 city/34 highway), making the MX-5 way more efficient than other drop-tops such as the Ford Mustang convertible. We have found it easy to replicate these estimates in real-world scenarios too.

Value

8.5/10

Is the MX-5 Miata a good value? The Miata justifies its price. An abundance of soft plastics and faux leather coverings give the interior an upscale feel. The price can creep up in upper trims and with option packages, but the Miata is a good value overall.

Mazda's bumper-to-bumper warranty is good for three years/36,000 miles, while the powertrain is covered for five years/60,000 miles. These are average for the segment. Roadside assistance is offered for three years/36,000 miles, which is below average among non-luxury convertibles.

Wildcard

9.5/10

The MX-5 has a purity that's missing from modern vehicles. Drivers are fully engaged as the car executes their wishes with immediacy and accuracy. Its performance numbers aren't sensational, but the joy it brings when you're driving it well is unmeasurable.

Which MX-5 Miata does Edmunds recommend?

Aim for the middle ground and grab the Club. The Club's heated seats and nine-speaker Bose audio system are nice upgrades over the Sport trim, but we really like the limited-slip differential and upgraded shocks that come standard when you opt for the near-perfect manual transmission. Should you be even more enthusiastic about driving, the Brembo/BBS Recaro package offers upgraded brakes, wheels and grippy Recaro sport seats. Just be advised those Recaro seats make the already small cabin even more cramped for taller drivers.

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata models

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small two-seat convertible and comes in three trim levels: Sport, Club and Grand Touring. All are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 151 lb-ft of torque) that drives the rear wheels. On all trims, a six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. Standard feature highlights include:

Sport
The base Sport starts you off with:

16-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Keyless entry and ignition
7-inch touchscreen
Six-speaker audio system
Two USB ports
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front and can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent)
Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Rear cross-traffic alert (alerts you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)

Club
The Club is the sportiest of the bunch, adding:

17-inch black wheels
Black front lip and rear spoilers
Upper door trim in exterior color
Heated seats
Nine-speaker Bose audio system

Club models with the manual transmission also add:

Shock tower brace (stiffens the body structure to help with handling precision)
Limited-slip differential (enhances traction during acceleration)
Sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers
Engine sound enhancer

The Club's unique Brembo/BBS Recaro package is only available with the manual. It includes:

Brembo front brakes with red front and rear calipers
Gray BBS wheels
Aerodynamic body kit
Heated Recaro sport seats

Grand Touring
The Grand Touring is the most luxurious MX-5. It builds off the Club (minus the front and rear spoilers) and adds:

Dark gray wheels
Automatic headlights and wipers
Heated mirrors
Auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors
Cloth-lined soft top
Automatic climate control
Leather upholstery
Navigation system
Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#9 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mazda MX-5 Miata from 2008-2022.}

$349/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.81x/yr

vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

12.4%

vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

5 (69%)

4 (27%)

3 (0%)

2 (0%)

1 (4%)

4.6

26 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Best Miata Yet!

Dr. Roger Tilton, 05/17/2021

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

I just recently bought a new Miata grand touring manual shift. I should mention that I have driven only Miatas since they first came out in 1989, and this will be my sixth. My first very pleasant surprise was the appearance. I wanted the Soul Red Crystal but based on the pictures on the dealer's website it didn't look too good with the gray top which is all that any of the dealers had in … the grand touring. I went to test drive one, and when I saw the red with the gray top in person I almost fainted. The color combination looked just fantastic in person and nothing like the picture. My car until then was a 2016 soul red special edition with the tan interior which looked great, but this looked even better. The red is deeper and more beautiful than before which I didn't think was possible. In fact I think this is the most beautiful red I have ever seen in a car including Ferraris and Corvettes, and other people tell me that when they see my car. (I got the first compliment on the color on the test drive from another driver at a stoplight who said he loved the color.) I tell people it looks like a $100,000 car, but I honestly can't think of a $100,000 car that looks this beautiful. With the gray top it adds a sense of elegance. I had been a little concerned, because this car has a sports suspension which now comes with the grand touring manual, since I have always had the regular suspension desiring a smoother ride. However with the sports suspension it is just fine and in fact better overall. It felt a little bit rougher on a not so smooth road during my test drive, but then I decided I had better check the tire pressure. Mazda recommends 29 psi which is inside the driver's side door. Sure enough the dealer had 50 psi in all four tires which I then corrected. I have had the car for a week now and have driven 500 miles. All I can say is that as much as I loved my 2016 Miata this one is better in every way. The added horsepower added in 2019 is very noticeable and just puts the driving experience on a higher level. And on a decent road the ride quality is better than ever. It is even smoother than my 2016, and there's something about the overall feel of the car on the road that is just sensational. You feel this on the freeway at high speeds but even at just about any speed unless it's a really rough road. It's 0-60 time of 5.7 and it's quarter mile time of 14.4 is comparable to the former Honda S2000 and to the 2013 Porsche Boxster which were formidable cars. I used to love the Boxster, but I test drove one a couple of years ago and in the manual shift I was really disappointed. You almost couldn't drive it normally in the city, because you would be going 70 mph in second gear. I like the Miata better which is more like the Boxster use to be. When I say everything is better with this Miata than my 2016 that includes the clutch which is even easier than before and something, about the integration of the manual shifter and the clutch which seems even more seamless. With all of my Miatas I always thought they couldn't be improved upon, but each one is noticeably better than the one before. However this ND2 is really something else. The subjective enjoyment factor in driving this car is really off the charts. If you watch some of the current YouTube reviews with young guys who say they had never driven a Miata and had some negative preconceived ideas about it, they are noticeably blown away when they are test driving it. It's also nice to have the Apple Car Play which can be connected wirelessly on the grand touring, and the black leather with white stitching looks really nice. This Miata is the best ever and is truly a remarkable car. Given the looks, performance, and overall driving enjoyment there really is no car I would rather have.

an enjoyable ride

Chris N., 02/17/2019

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

This is the first car that I look forward to driving every day. The small size makes it very agile and the car feels like an extension of the driver, and it's easy to ignore the compromises made. With the top down, visibility is great and the wind creates of a feeling of speed, even when driving moderately fast. With the top up the car feels cozy, but rear and side visibility are …

Most fun of any car ive ever been in.

Mark hoyle, 05/18/2021

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

Ive had a 2000 vette, two mini coopers (which I loved), multiple Chevy ford Lexus Nissan Mitsubishi land rover Honda Toyota cars and trucks (I'm old!) and this is the most fun of any car ive ever had. Its my daily driver. The handling is phenomenal. Its sweet spot is 90-100mph but even at slower speeds its a blast. The cornering is fantastic. Its like driving a comfortable go cart daily! …

2006 MX-5 updated to 2020

Charles, 10/21/2020

2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

What an update! Hated to trade my 2006 after 14 years but glad I did. My new 2020 GT is fantastic. Love all the tech , the increased HP, the exhaust SOUND, the ride, the look, and the drive. One feature that I was not aware of is the picture of the latest speed limit sign displayed on instrument panel. Can’t believe the MPG of 37+ combined with jackrabbit starts (0 to 60 5 seconds) and …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata, so we've included reviews for other years of the MX-5 Miata since its last redesign.

See all 26 reviews of the Mazda MX-5 Miata

Write a vehicle review

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata video

Fun Cars Under $40K | Dodge Challenger, Mazda Miata, Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang & More

What are the most affordable fun cars under $40K? In this video, Mark Takahashi from Edmunds presents eight cars that will leave a smile on your face, be it at the track or on the way to the grocery store, plus a couple of honorable mentions, for under $40,000 MSRP. Mark’s got…

2021 MX-5 Miata Highlights

Trim:

Sport

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$26,830
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$188/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	4.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the MX-5 Miata models:

Blind-Spot Monitoring: Alerts you of a vehicle in the Miata's blind spot with indicators mounted on the driver's side mirrors.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Alerts you of cars approaching from either side of the Miata's rear bumper when you're in reverse.
Lane Departure Warning System: Warns you when you unintentionally drift out of your lane without activating a turn signal.

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2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which MX-5 Miata does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Best Miata Yet!

an enjoyable ride

Most fun of any car ive ever been in.

2006 MX-5 updated to 2020

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata video

Fun Cars Under $40K | Dodge Challenger, Mazda Miata, Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang & More

2021 MX-5 Miata Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}