2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

Price Range: $37,010 - $40,210 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

Keith Buglewicz | Edmunds

2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring Convertible Exterior Shown

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a refreshingly back-to-basics sports car. Updated for 2024, Mazda's roadster offers better cabin tech and a few additional creature comforts. But the best thing about the Miata isn't what's changed — it's what hasn't. Whether you're running around town or zipping along a winding road, the Miata is still about pure driving joy.Read full review

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MSRP excludes tax, title, license fees and $1,165 destination charge (Alaska $1,210). Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$37,244

11 for sale near you

6 Colors
2 Trims
2 Packages

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2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

rating written bySteven Ewing^{Director, Editorial Content
Steven Ewing has worked in the automotive industry since 2003. In that time, he's written thousands of articles and tested just as many vehicles. Steven is Edmunds' director of editorial content and has previously been on staff at Winding Road magazine, Autoblog, Motor1.com, CNET, and was the U.S. correspondent for Top Gear magazine. Steven has also contributed to Automobile magazine, Car and Driver, The Drive, Jalopnik, Porsche Panorama, and dozens of other publications. In his spare time, Steven loves to play the drums, cook, and drive his 2000 BMW M Roadster.}

Pros

Sublime steering and handling
RF doesn't sacrifice any of the soft top's fun-to-drive character
Offers the security of a fixed-roof coupe
Power-folding roof does not reduce trunk space

Cons

Costs more than the soft-top Miata
Noisy at highway speeds
Tiny trunk
Poor over-the-shoulder visibility

What's new

Sharper engine response and improved steering
Updated gauges, headlights and taillights
Larger 8.8-inch touchscreen, Alexa voice integration, Mazda Connected Services
Secondary collision prevention now standard; adaptive cruise control added to GT trim
Part of the fourth MX-5 Miata generation introduced for 2016

Overview

If you've been seeking a fun convertible anytime since 1989, there's a good chance the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been on your radar. It's the best-selling two-seat roadster in history thanks to its peppy engine, delightfully entertaining handling and affordability. The Miata RF upholds that tradition and adds some security with a folding hardtop roof instead of the standard MX-5's soft top (that model is reviewed separately). This current-generation Miata has been around since 2016, and the 2024 model receives a long list of updates and upgrades to make it even more desirable.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$160/mo

$151/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Edmunds spotlight: Little changes make for a bigger difference

In the eight years since the Mazda MX-5 Miata was last redesigned, this little roadster has received a steady stream of updates. For 2024 that stream is more like a flood, with improvements made across several areas. The headlights and taillights get a slight makeover while performance gets a boost with sharpened engine response, a retuned steering system, a new limited-slip differential for better traction, and a new DSC-Track drive mode for a purer drive experience. On the inside, a larger infotainment touchscreen debuts along with upgraded gauges and more padding for the center console. Elsewhere, adaptive cruise control is now available; Alexa voice controls have been integrated; remote monitoring and control are now possible; and a new post-crash braking system should keep you safer.

Competitors to consider

Sadly, convertibles have fallen out of favor with many shoppers, leaving few alternatives for those seeking some fun in the sun. The Mini Convertible has a charm all its own, but its front-wheel-drive layout puts a damper on performance. The Ford Mustang and soon-to-be-discontinued Chevrolet Camaro are bigger and heavier, but their brawny engines more than make up for it. Beyond these choices, you'd have to spend quite a bit more to get into drop-tops from BMW, Mercedes and Porsche.

What’s it like to live with?

Edmunds not too long ago added a 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata to our long-term test fleet. While it didn't have the RF's folding roof, many of the evaluations and drive impressions apply. Our test provides a clearer picture of the ownership experience, with specific reporting on efficiency, comfort and 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.}

Average

7.6

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

9/10

How does the MX-5 Miata RF drive? The Miata's performance story isn't told by its modest power (181 hp) or 0-60 mph acceleration (6.4 seconds). Instead, it's the less quantifiable attributes that come alive when you're driving up a great canyon road or playing around at your local track day. The Miata's drivetrain is happiest revving its little heart out but is more than willing to trundle along in traffic without protest. It's such an easy car to drive.

Incredibly communicative, quick-to-react steering is a Miata hallmark. Around our skidpad, we measured 0.93 g of lateral grip. Other sports cars are grippier but the beauty of the Miata is how easy it is to drive it with precision or abandon depending on your mood. The brakes offer plenty of stopping power and also work well for smooth stops in city traffic. And if there's a better-shifting manual transmission on the market, we'd love to know.

Comfort

7/10

How comfortable is the MX-5 Miata RF? The Sport and Grand Touring trims are better suited for daily driving than the Club trim because they don't come standard with the stiffer-riding Bilstein dampers. But even so, no Miata is what we'd call harsh or unpleasant. The Club also gets Recaro seats that have additional side bolstering to hold you in place while cornering. They're comfortable but the stock seats are pretty good too.

The main reason you'd get a Miata RF is for its folding hardtop. Indeed, it is quieter than an equivalent soft-top Miata, both with the roof up and roof down. But even so, this is a noisy car to drive on the highway. There's a lot of road noise and wind noise.

Interior

7/10

How’s the interior? The Miata's cabin is simple and straightforward: What you see is what you get. The controls are easy to access, and everything's within arm's reach, even if it means having to contort to open that makeshift glovebox between the seats.

Drivers over 6 feet tall will notice the lack of headroom and legroom. Also, the passenger footwell is shorter than the driver's and taller co-pilots won't be able to fully extend their legs regardless of how far back they push the seats. The lack of space is this interior's only real downfall, though not a particularly surprising one.

There is another downside specific to the RF. The power-folding hardtop creates major blind spots behind the cabin, and the way it filters air in and around the passenger compartment creates unnecessary wind buffeting. The RF seems like a way to appease buyers who want a Miata but would prefer a coupe. Which, at that point, maybe it's time to look at something like a Subaru BRZ or Toyota GR86 instead.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $1,116 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $1,116 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Club trim.}

2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

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$34,285
Starting MSRP
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
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MSRP excludes tax, title, license fees and $1,165 destination charge (Alaska $1,210). Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.

Build & Price

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? Mazda gave the Miata a larger 8.8-inch touchscreen for 2024, replacing the smaller 7-inch unit from before. The native interface works well, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect wirelessly should you want to synch up your phone. You can also control CarPlay and Android Auto by touching the screen now, which is a nice upgrade compared to previous model-year Miatas.

A decent amount of driver assistance features come standard on the Miata. Adaptive cruise control, however, comes on the Grand Touring only. The blind-spot warning system definitely comes in handy because of the RF's big blind spots.

Storage

5.5/10

How’s the storage? If you're planning to carry a lot of cargo on a regular basis, you're likely better off looking elsewhere. The Miata's 4.6 cubic feet of trunk space is super small. It's barely large enough to hold a small carry-on suitcase and backpack at the same time. The interior is equally compact; there are only a few storage spaces for small items.

Going for the RF over a soft-top Miata won't give you extra cargo space either. Both trunk and interior storage volumes are the same across the board regardless of roof type.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

9.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? For as fun and rambunctious as this little thing is, it's still quite economical. With the manual, the EPA estimates it will get 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's quite a bit better than what a manual-equipped Subaru BRZ gets (22 mpg combined). We also found the EPA's estimate achievable in real-world driving.

Value

7.5/10

Is the MX-5 Miata RF a good value? Mazda seems to be working more and more premium features into the Miata with each small update. The tech gets better, the leather gets nicer, and more soft-touch materials make their way into the cabin. The Miata RF no longer feels like a cheap car or a budget sports car anymore. Then again, it shouldn't feel cheap considering the RF's pricing. It's a lot more than a BRZ and similar to what you'd pay to get a bigger and more powerful Ford Mustang convertible.

Warranty coverage is nothing special. Mazda offers bumper-to-bumper coverage of three years/36,000 miles and powertrain coverage of five years/60,000 miles. Roadside assistance is available for three years/36,000 miles.

Wildcard

9/10

The Miata is an incredibly straightforward car yet one whose goodness is hard to define. This car doesn't win you over because of its practicality, value or blistering performance. It's the way you feel when you drop the top and hit the road. It's the way this car just makes you smile all of the time. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is "fun to drive" defined.

Which MX-5 Miata RF does Edmunds recommend?

Most shoppers will find the Grand Touring to their liking. It's not only less expensive than the Club model, but it's also easier to live with on longer drives thanks to a more comfortable suspension and the inclusion of adaptive cruise control. Miatas are known for attracting spirited drivers, though, and for them, the Club trim is a better choice.

Compare 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.8

38 reviews

5(87%)

4(8%)

3(2%)

2(0%)

1(3%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Drive It Like You Stole It

scmtbdoon, 01/17/2020

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

I own a 2019 MX-5 RF. I never considered a soft top to be practical enough for my daily driver. The MX-5 isn’t really that practical (like a Mazda3 hatch), but it is practical enough - it is weather tight and holds my gear. The new 181 hp engine with 7500 rpm redline also provides broader horsepower and torque bands – and a wailing good time! There is a reason that Porsche sells … Boxters and Caymans. They have shown there is a market for a soft and hard top version of basically the same car. Porsche has also shown there is a market for both automatic and manual transmissions in sports cars. It increases the overall sales volume and amortizes the cost of development over more units. This makes a 2 seat vehicle (that appeals to a small fraction of buyers) a more commercially viable proposition. Mazda is trying to do the same thing, at less than half the price. And unlike the more insulated / isolated Boxter and Cayman the MX-5 can be wrung-out at less than lethal speeds. My 2019 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring Retractable Fastback has a 6 speed automatic. It stays in automatic when traffic is stop and go. But 99% of the time I drive it in the manual shift gate for more control on curves and grades. I prefer slap-shifting the stick, but the paddles are just as fast. Stomp the gas pedal and it instantly kicks down 2 gears to pass. You can bounce it off the 7500 rpm rev-limiter and it will not shift up. It will shift down automatically – but only as the car rolls to a stop. Every up-shift is a speed shift because you never take your foot off the gas. No power pause between gears. It looks great with the top up or down. So much control and feedback to all your senses. Bashing about on mountain 2 lane it makes you feel like you are going fast even at 45 mph. With the top down, you hear the engine, smell the forest, feel the air rush over the car body, feel the road condition through the steering wheel, the suspension and the brakes. All responses are instantaneous, precise and linear – whether turning the steering wheel, pressing the gas pedal, down shifting or applying the brakes. The steering is very precise, with immediate turn-in. You can place the car exactly where you want it with no steering correction. Good torque as low as 2500 rpm with great torque from about 3500 to 7000 rpm. And it sounds strong and smooth all the way to redline. In the RF, with the top down and windows up with temperatures in the low 40s you’ll be nice and warm without a jacket or sweater. EPA says the automatic is more gas-frugal than the manual. Professional reviewers report that 0-60 mph is only about 0.2 seconds slower than the manual – around 6.0 to 6.5 seconds depending on how much you are abusing the engine and transmission. Head into a posted 30 mph bend at 45, down shift into 2nd gear and start applying gas as you reach the apex. No brakes, just exhaust note as the auto-box does a rev matching down shift, then momentum into apex and 3 seconds of 2nd gear acceleration before entering the next bend. You’ll be grinning, with no hooligan stunts required – just fast (almost legal) snaking through the S-bends. You’re going 30-60 mph but it feels faster and way-more-fun than a heavier more powerful car. At 70 mph in 6th gear with the top up the engine and tire noise are not intrusive. You can have a conversation in fairly normal tones. The head rest speakers and speed sensitive volume adjustment work quite well to deliver good sound. As a daily driver, your size matters. At 5’-10” / 165 lbs. I am 3 notches from maximum seat travel and find the seats very comfortable and supportive – no sliding around, even without huge side bolsters. I have plenty of room for my U.S. size 9.5 feet and my knees don't touch the steering wheel, center console or door. However, at 6’-2” or 200+ lbs. you might have issues. Cockpit storage is small and not very convenient. The (extra cost) Mazda cargo net is about $40 on the web and a Rubber Maid bin from the hardware store is around $20. Both will add flexibility when finding a home for your stuff – and when quickly emptying the trunk so you can go to the supermarket for 3 bags of groceries. The new telescoping steering wheel will help you find a good seat position. The 4.5 cubic ft. trunk is small, but deep and well-shaped. However, the opening is fairly small. Definitely take your “gear” to the dealership and give the trunk and the cockpit cubbies a fit-test when you go for a test drive. There is no jack and no spare tire – just a compressor that runs off the car battery and injects magic goo into the tire. If you use the compressor and goo I believe you may be buying at least one new tire, and possibly a set of 4 (if the surviving 3 are visibly worn). This wake-up call from my long-time Michelin tire store. So keep your mobile phone charged and use the free 3 year Mazda roadside assistance to have the car hauled to the tire store so the flat can be patched!

Fast, Fun, Fun, Fun!!

Gina, 12/01/2018

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

This is a super fun Mazda to drive! I had a 2010 Corvette but this is much more fun to drive! I love the power targa top, much better than having a convertible if you are concerned with too much wind blowing your hair into a tangled mess. This is like a large sunroof. Just enough for me. This is my every daily driver although I don’t drive much. Worst part of the car is the Cup …

I'm in love

A Hsu, 12/13/2018

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

My first car I've ever bought was a 2008 Mazda 3 sport, then I got a 2015 then a 2017 Mazda 3 GT. I love Mazda, clearly, but I've never been in love with a car before. I was a little stressed about the price point, being that it is costing me 10K+ with interest than the 3 has been costing me, but after driving my MX-5 RF GT for the last 5 days, I'm not looking back. Some things I did …

2019 Mazda Miata MX5RF

Charles Mock, 03/08/2019

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

Selection is limited, the dealers like to haggle. Interior storage space is even less than in earlier models, pack light! It is a 21st century car, lots of electronics, more radars than a WW2 night fighter. If you want an affordable modern sports car there is no equal!

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, so we've included reviews for other years of the MX-5 Miata RF since its last redesign.

See all 38 reviews of the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

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2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Features & Specs

Trim:

Grand Touring

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$37,010
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$160/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	4.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

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2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

At a Glance:

6 Colors
2 Trims
2 Packages
$34,285starting MSRP

Search Inventory MazdaUSA.com

MSRP excludes tax, title, license fees and $1,165 destination charge (Alaska $1,210). Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.

Safety

Key safety features on the MX-5 Miata RF include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

FAQ

Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 MX-5 Miata RF both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 MX-5 Miata RF gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 38 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the MX-5 Miata RF has 4.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. Learn more

What's new in the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF:

Sharper engine response and improved steering
Updated gauges, headlights and taillights
Larger 8.8-inch touchscreen, Alexa voice integration, Mazda Connected Services
Secondary collision prevention now standard; adaptive cruise control added to GT trim
Part of the fourth MX-5 Miata generation introduced for 2016

Learn more

Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF reliable?

To determine whether the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the MX-5 Miata RF. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the MX-5 Miata RF's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 MX-5 Miata RF and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 MX-5 Miata RF gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 38 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 MX-5 Miata RF is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

The least-expensive 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $37,010.

Other versions include:

Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $37,010
Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $37,980
Club 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $40,210

Learn more

What are the different models of Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

If you're interested in the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, the next question is, which MX-5 Miata RF model is right for you? MX-5 Miata RF variants include Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M), Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A), and Club 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M). For a full list of MX-5 Miata RF models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

Pricing

2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds spotlight: Little changes make for a bigger difference

Competitors to consider

What’s it like to live with?

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Save as much as $1,116 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $1,116 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Club trim.

Edmunds suggests you pay

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which MX-5 Miata RF does Edmunds recommend?

Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Drive It Like You Stole It

Fast, Fun, Fun, Fun!!

I'm in love

2019 Mazda Miata MX5RF

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2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Features & Specs

Compare the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

Safety

Key safety features on the MX-5 Miata RF include:

FAQ

Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF a good car?

What's new in the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF reliable?

Is the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

What are the different models of Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

Related 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF info

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Save as much as $1,116 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $1,116 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Club trim.}