2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
What’s new
- Updated engine with more power and a higher redline
- The steering wheel now telescopes
- New safety features
- Part of the fourth MX-5 Miata generation introduced for 2015
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
- The electrically folding roof does not reduce trunk space
Cons
- It's heavier than the soft-top Miata
- Still noisy at highway speeds
- The tiny trunk will hold only a few items
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which MX-5 Miata RF does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
8.0 / 10The 2019 Mazda Miata is a great choice for an affordable sports car. But what if you want something that's a little quieter on the highway and can provide better closed-roof security? Well, Mazda has something for you, too: the Miata RF.
The RF, or retractable fastback, gives the Miata better isolation from noise and temperature than the regular soft top. It also gives the car a sleeker look with the top up. Power the top down — unlike the traditional soft top, the RF's hardtop is power-operated — and a roll-bar-like structure and buttresses remain, giving the car the look of a targa. Impressively, the trunk's capacity is unchanged either way.
Mazda has also made some small improvements to the Miata this year. The updated engine now revs to 7,500 rpm and cranks out 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, which is 26 hp and 3 lb-ft more than last year. For safety, the Miata is now available with forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Less obvious, but just as welcome, is a telescoping function for the steering wheel, which should help drivers get a more comfortable driving position.
Of course, there are compromises with everything. With the hardtop RF, you'll miss out on the unfettered rear visibility provided by the soft top, as well as the weight savings. The RF adds about 100 pounds and more on the bottom line to purchase as well. Still, there's very little on the market that competes against the Miata, and even less that can match the RF's versatile and enjoyable nature.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF configurations
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is available in two trim levels: Club and Grand Touring. We like the Club because of its available sport-oriented hardware, although buyers seeking more comfort and amenities will gravitate toward the Grand Touring's longer list of convenience features. Both trim levels are equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 151 pound-feet of torque) and are available with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
Standard equipment on the Club includes LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry and push-button start, a 7-inch infotainment screen with a console-mounted rotary control knob, a nine-speaker Bose stereo with headrest speakers, and cloth upholstery.
Manual-equipped Club versions are the sportiest, gaining a retuned suspension, Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip differential and a shock tower brace. You can also get a manual Club with upgraded Brembo front brakes, BBS wheels and heated Recaro sport seats. An optional i-Activsense package for the Club adds lane departure warning, forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking.
The Grand Touring is equipped with adaptive headlights, heated leather seats, a navigation system, a cloth-lined top, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, and automatic wipers. These features are nice to have but strike us as contradictory to the Miata's elemental nature. Then again, a power-folding top isn't exactly simple either. You also get the safety features from the Club's optional i-Activsense package.
Normally, the Grand Touring lacks the performance features of the Club, but you can add them back with the optional GT-S package (front shock tower brace, limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers and a black-painted roof).
Trim tested
Driving
9.0Acceleration
9.0Braking
9.5Steering
9.0Handling
9.0Drivability
9.5Comfort
8.0Seat comfort
8.0Ride comfort
8.5Noise & vibration
6.5Climate control
8.0Interior
7.5Ease of use
8.5Getting in/getting out
7.0Driving position
7.5Roominess
5.5Visibility
8.0Quality
8.5Convertible top
8.5Utility
5.5Small-item storage
6.0Cargo space
5.0Child safety seat accommodation
6.0Technology
8.0Audio & navigation
8.0Smartphone integration
7.5Driver aids
8.0Voice control
8.0Consumer reviews
There are no consumer reviews for the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF video
[LIGHT ROCK MUSIC PLAYING] CARLOS LAGO: This is the 2019 Mazda Miata. And ahead of us is the Edmunds' test track. We're going to take a few laps and talk about why this is one of my favorite handling cars. Let's do it. [CAR ENGINE REVS] Bad launch. Doesn't matter. So if you're a Miata nerd, you already know this has more horsepower and torque than last year. You know it's a little bit firmer too. We're driving the retractable hard top version, which means it's a little bit heavier. But still the core attributes of this car remain. I should also note that this car has the [? Per ?] Club package with the BBS wheels, the Bilstein dampers, and the Brembo brakes. Beyond all that, though, what I really like about the Miata is this reminds me of what driving is supposed to be. You notice I'm not going a million miles an hour. I'm keeping it relatively tame. But what I have at my disposal are more inputs with regard to driving. I have a manual gearbox that feels really satisfying to use. I have some pitch, and dive, and body roll that isn't great when it comes to going fast, but it is informing me of what the car can get accomplished. It tells me the level of grip I have at each axle. It's an extra bit of communication. I have an engine that gets more exciting the more it revs. It feels like it hits a power peak at about 6,000 RPM. Or at least there's a distinct change in power delivery around that point. It sounds good, too. This is a really satisfying car to drive around. And I think what is so appealing about this-- it's definitely not the speed because we're not going terribly fast-- is the involvement with the driver operating a car. This is what driving should be. It's an experience that isn't about lap times but for the visceral thrill of operating a machine and making it go fast. And of course, the balance is exciting too. If I lift off mid-corner, I can make this car rotate. If I charge in too fast, it's going to understeer. If I apply too much gas on the exit, it's going to oversteer. It's going to do the things that rear-wheel drive sports cars should do. That's why this is so much fun. It's a communicative, lightweight, nimble, handling device that begs for your involvement with the experience. That's what Miata has always been. And I hope that's what it always will be. This 2019 version surely improves on those characteristics. And how can that be a bad thing? It's light. It's nimble. It's playful. Those are all the adjectives you'll hear all the time when talking about the Miata. And it just holds true. It's almost a stereotype to use it, but it's the truth. You can certainly go a lot faster for this money. But I don't know if you'd get the same involvement out of cars at this price point. That's been two laps at our handling track in the 2019 Mazda Miata. Thank you for watching. If you like what you see, be sure to subscribe. And for all your car shopping needs, be sure to visit Edmunds.com I'm going to keep going. That's good times.
Here's Why We Love Driving the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF | One-Lap Review
Carlos Lago gets behind the wheel of the new 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club RF. Updates to this version of our favorite roadster include more power, a higher redline, and improvements to the suspension and the interior. The Club variant comes with firmer Bilstein shock absorbers, and RF speaks to the retractable folding hardtop. Why do we like this little car so much? Ride along at the Edmunds test track to find out.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite MX-5 Miata RF safety features:
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Alerts the driver to the presence of vehicles in adjacent lanes and sounds a chime if a signaled lane change might result in a collision.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Sounds an alert if perpendicular traffic approaches as you reverse from, say, a parking stall or a driveway.
- Adaptive Front Lighting System
- Swivels the headlights in the direction the steering wheel is turned to provide better illumination around turns and curves.
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF vs. the competition
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
2018 Toyota 86
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF vs. Toyota 86
Like the Miata, the 86 is a back-to-basics kind of car with sharp handling and an easy-to-drive demeanor. The 86 (and related Subaru BRZ) has more power and more utility thanks to its rear seats. It's not any quicker than the Miata, however, and we still give the nod to the Miata for having the purest and most refined driving experience. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Toyota 86, formerly known as the Scion FR-S.
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF vs. Hyundai Veloster
The Veloster makes more power from a smaller engine and has more interior room. Thanks to the Hyundai's clever three-door hatchback arrangement and fold-down rear seats, you might find the Veloster downright practical. Still, the Miata's rear-wheel-drive platform and available limited-slip differential provide a purer driving experience. And of course, there's the ability to drive with the top down.
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF vs. Chevrolet Camaro
The Camaro is available with many different engines. Get it with the V8, and you've got a tire-roasting monster. The Camaro is the best-handling pony car out right now, too. However, it's still a bigger and heavier car than the Miata. Choosing between the two comes down to what kind of convertible you want.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF for Sale
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See your car's value2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Overview
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is offered in the following submodels: MX-5 Miata RF Convertible. Available styles include Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A), Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M), Club 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M), and Club 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF and all its trim types. 0 Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2019 MX-5 Miata RF.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 MX-5 Miata RF featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $35,305. The average price paid for a new 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is trending $1,933 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,933 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$33,372.
The average savings for the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is5.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 10 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Available Inventory:We are showing 5 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RFS are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF for sale near. There are currently 30 new 2019 MX-5 Miata RFS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $33,690 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $1,965 on a used or CPO 2019 MX-5 Miata RF available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RFs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Mazda MX-5 Miata RF for sale - 9 great deals out of 24 listings starting at $18,049.
Find a new Mazda for sale - 6 great deals out of 15 listings starting at $25,399.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Information
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- 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Consumer Reviews
- 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Features & Specs
- 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Pictures
- 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Review
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- 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Ownership Costs