2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Review

Name: 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Brand: Mazda

Price Range: $23,998 - $29,998

Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring Convertible Exterior Shown

In a world of ever more complex performance cars, the refreshingly pure and elemental 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF shows everyone how it's done. It's fun to drive and a little bit easier to live with than the regular Miata. The only downside is price. The standard Miata's budget-friendly Sport trim is not available in the RF, which starts with the midgrade Club level. That, plus the price premium the RF commands, makes it significantly more expensive than the base Miata.

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2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Review

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

What's new

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

Overview

Written by automotive expert Ryan ZumMallen

5/27/2021

The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF enters a performance coupe and convertible segment in flux for the 2021 model year. Though the MX-5 has remained among our favorite choices since its 2016 debut, it always had a healthy dose of competition. Now, with the discontinuation of the Fiat 124 Spider (which was largely a disguised Miata anyway), and the gap year before we see redesigned versions of the Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ and Nissan Z, the MX-5 Miata finds itself alone at the top of the mountain.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

19 listings

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2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Grand Touring Convertible
$25,995
great price
$1,874 below market
- 23,763 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl manual
- Auto Trademark (17 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Manassas, VA
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2DR Convertible Call 703-361-6882, MSRP 35,820 Driving w Soul And Spirit, Clean Carfax, 23K Miles Only, Factory...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (26 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAM71M0460460
Stock: AT17943
Certified Pre-Owned: No
New Listing
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Grand Touring Convertible
$26,500
good price
$1,263 below market
- 27,603 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 4cyl manual
- Ourisman Mazda of Rockville (19 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Rockville, MD
CARFAX One-Owner. This 2021 Machine Gray Metallic Mazda Miata RF Grand Touring RWD is in INCREDIBLE condition and includes these features and benefits...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (26 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAM70M0455685
Stock: BM11117
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-16-2025

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No matter. This was an excellent two-seater in a crowded class, and it's an excellent two-seater in a deserted one. The MX-5 Miata RF in particular is a strong choice due to its power-folding hardtop, lending the convertible a flashy exterior style. For 2021 there are no significant changes besides the inclusion of wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay, which only increases bang for your buck. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our take on the Miata RF's performance, comfort and more.

What's it like to live with?

For some inside perspective on the Mazda MX-5 Miata ownership experience, check out our long-term road test. In recent years we've owned both a 2016 MX-5 Miata and a 2019 MX-5 Miata. Both of these models were soft-top convertibles, but our team's reflections should provide insight into owning an MX-5 Miata RF as well.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

8.0

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

9/10

How does the MX-5 Miata RF drive? The Miata's featherweight construction and rear-wheel-drive platform mean that you can have a ton of fun without a supremely powerful engine. There's just 181 horsepower on tap, yet our manual transmission-equipped Miata RF test car sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in a respectably quick 6.6 seconds. You'll get the most driver engagement by picking the manual transmission.

The Miata's brakes are another strong point — they are both easy to control and post short stopping distances. Though steering is a little light in effort, the steering wheel is just the right size and offers immediate response. The Miata responds best to smooth and deliberate inputs. It's precise and predictable, and it's easy to catch the rear end if you get a bit overzealous. There's noticeable body roll (even with the Club suspension), but the only time that becomes an issue is during fast, aggressive driving.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the MX-5 Miata RF? 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, even with the additional sound insulation the RF provides compared to the soft top. Road and wind noise increases significantly with speed. On the highway, you'll have to raise your voice to talk to your passenger.

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, though the rear view is somewhat impacted by the RF's targa-like top. The automatic top is quick to retract and deploy.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? The MX-5 RF must balance driving purity with a driver's desire for modern connectivity and safety tech. Two USB ports are standard, as is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. There's also an impressive list of active safety features — the blind-spot monitor in particularly useful given the RF's visibility-reducing rear buttresses.

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

5.5/10

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 Miata RF's trunk measures just 4.6 cubic feet — the same as the one in the regular soft-top Miata. 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 such as 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 car seat 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). In our RF test car, we managed 32 mpg on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route. Matching the EPA's numbers in the real world should be pretty doable.

Value

8.5/10

Is the MX-5 Miata RF a good value? The RF costs thousands more than the MX-5 Miata soft top. That's partially because Mazda doesn't offer an entry-level Sport trim on the RF. But even if you compare the RF to a standard Miata at its Club level, the RF still commands a premium.

As with the standard MX-5, the RF's cabin materials are quite nice. An abundance of soft plastics and faux leather coverings give the interior an upscale feel. While the price can creep in upper trims and with option packages, 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 Miata maintains a thread from roadsters past, with a certain purity missing from more modern, tech-advanced cars. Drivers feel fully engaged as the car executes commands with urgency and accuracy. The RF's hardtop and fastback style are modern touches, but the driving enjoyment remains.

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF trim level differences

The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is a two-door sports car available in two trims: Club and Grand Touring. It separates itself from the standard MX-5 Miata with a power-folding roof that, when closed, makes the MX-5 RF look like a hardtop coupe. All models are rear-wheel-drive and powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 151 lb-ft of torque) paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic.

Which MX-5 Miata RF trim does Edmunds recommend?

We recommend the Grand Touring trim for most people given its wide range of comfort features that make this tiny two-seater a more pleasant place to be. It only costs a fraction more for the upgrade, and the standard equipment adds impressive value for the money. Of course, the Club is an excellent option if you can't take your eye off those performance upgrades.

Compare 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$161/mo

$157/mo

Avg. Compact Car

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Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Owner Reviews

4.7

26 reviews

5(84%)

4(8%)

3(3%)

2(0%)

1(5%)

See all 26 reviews Write a vehicle review

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 …

Perfect sports car!

Bran, 07/21/2020

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

Went from a 2011 camaro to a 2020 RF GT in eternal blue mica. Best purchase I’ve ever made! Absolutely a blast to drive, feels as fast as the camaro I traded in. I’m 6’1 and fit in easily with an inch or 2 of head room to spare. Cons: Interior is okay (Apple CarPlay/android auto is what saves the infotainment) wind noise isn’t the greatest at highway speeds but it’s not too loud, truck …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 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 26 reviews of the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

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2021 MX-5 Miata RF Highlights

Trim:

Club

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$33,045
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$161/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

Safety

Our experts like the MX-5 Miata RF models:

Blind-Spot Monitoring: Alerts you 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.

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2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Review

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Price & Payment

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RFGrand Touring Convertible

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RFGrand Touring Convertible

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What's it like to live with?

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF trim level differences

Which MX-5 Miata RF trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Drive It Like You Stole It

Fast, Fun, Fun, Fun!!

I'm in love

Perfect sports car!

2021 MX-5 Miata RF Highlights

Safety

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2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Grand Touring Convertible

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Grand Touring Convertible