2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Price Range: $28,050 - $33,550 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Convertible Exterior Shown

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Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Convertible Exterior

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In a world of ever more complex performance cars, the refreshingly pure and elemental 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata is proof that you don't need go-faster tech to have a great time. It isn't perfect and presents a number of glaring compromises when it comes to day-to-day usability, but that's not why you buy a Miata. In the pantheon of sports cars, the Miata delivers the thrills and joys every keen driver is looking for, and that's what makes it so beloved.Read full review

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$25,858

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

byMichael Cantu^{Correspondent
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.}

rating written byNick Yekikian^{Senior News Editor
Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the Senior News Editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.}

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

There are no significant changes for 2023
Part of the fourth MX-5 Miata generation introduced for 2016

Overview

Unlike most vehicles in today's new car market, the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata isn't built for practicality or utility. It doesn't offer the latest in tech or much comfort, and it only has two seats. Instead, the tiny convertible is built for one thing: driving pleasure. Its precise steering, athletic handling and rear-wheel-drive layout will have you cruising along curvy roads with a big smile on your face. The Miata's modest 181 horsepower won't win any drag races, but this sports car isn't about straight-line speed.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$160/mo

$152/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Engaging driving dynamics and open-top fun sound enticing, but the Miata isn't for everyone. Its very small interior will force tall people to shoehorn themselves in — or not fit at all. The trunk is so small a weekend trip for two might be out of the question unless you pack very lightly. The Mazda also doesn't offer as much tech or as many advanced driver aids as some of its rivals do. If those drawbacks have you reconsidering, the larger Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are the Miata's closest rivals in terms of price, size and fun factor. But if you want something larger and more powerful, there's the Ford Mustang, which is offered as a coupe or convertible. If you don't mind front-wheel-drive fun, consider the more practical Volkswagen Golf GTI. Be sure to check out the Edmunds Expert Rating below for our test team's in-depth review of the Miata's performance, comfort, tech and more.

What's it like to live with?

We know exactly what it's like to live with a fourth-generation MX-5 Miata because it has been in our long-term test fleet not once, but twice. That already gives you an idea of how much we like the roadster. We drove a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, the first model year of the current generation, over 20,000 miles. Then we got our hands on the updated 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata to see if the upgrades, which include a more powerful engine, made this little fun machine any better. Our long-term reviews cover just about everything including maintenance costs, real-world fuel economy, comfort, performance and more.

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

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

9/10

How does the MX-5 Miata drive? Mazda's latest upgrade to the Miata is what it calls Kinematic Posture Control. It's a brake-based torque vectoring system that Mazda says should help the car turn in during harder driving, but the new system didn't make much of an impression during our time with the venerable roadster. We could feel the system working (and we could smell the brakes after a hard session on our test track), but it didn't make too much of a difference.

Even so, the Miata is a light, nimble, precise and easy-to-drive sports car even when you're pushing its limits. At our test track, our manual-equipped Miata accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. That's respectable but a bit off the pace of the Subaru BRZ (6.1 seconds) or a hot hatch such as the VW Golf GTI. Braking performance is solid, and we measured a stop from 60 mph in just 113 feet.

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. You'll notice big lumps and bumps in the road as the Miata tends to crash over pavement that's in poor shape, but smaller imperfections are much more muted. For many on our staff, the Miata seats are one of the high points of the interior — they're supportive and comfortable — and the seat heaters do a great job of warming you up during chilly excursions. That said, a few editors found the seats to be a bit oddly padded and bolstered in odd places.

One unfortunate reality of the Miata — you'll be shocked to read this, we know! — is its exceptional amount of wind noise. The cabin can be a truly uncomfortable place to be with the top up on the highway. Shouting is occasionally required to speak with passengers. An alternate solution is to drive with the top down and the windows up while you enjoy the Miata's unlimited headroom. It's going to be a bit noisy anyway.

Interior

7/10

How’s the interior? The cabin's elegant design makes the most of the tidy space and prioritizes the fun of driving. Most of the controls are easy to reach given the small cabin. The infotainment system's control knob is awkwardly placed, but redundant touchscreen controls make it less of an issue. The cupholders, too, are awkwardly placed and make getting drinks extremely cumbersome.

Drivers over 6 feet tall will notice the lack of head- 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.

One of the very best things about a soft-top Miata is just how quickly you can retract and extend the top. It's a manual top, so there's no power operation, but it's quite easy to do.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $4,379 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; $4,379 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Grand Touring trim.}

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? A Miata 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 driver assist features — the blind-spot warning system is particularly useful should you opt to have the top up.

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. The available navigation works fine enough but is fairly basic in scope and design.

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's trunk measures just 4.6 cubic feet, which means it won't be suitable for longer trips that require more than one piece of luggage per passenger. The space is tall enough for carry-on luggage or a few tall grocery bags. But 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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

9.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? EPA-estimated fuel economy for the Miata with the six-speed manual is 29 mpg combined (26 city/34 highway). During our two weeks with the Miata, we regularly saw 27 mpg on a mix of both city streets and highways, but we may have been a little overzealous with the go pedal. In other tests, Miatas have regularly exceeded their fuel economy estimates.

Value

8.5/10

Is the MX-5 Miata a good value? Despite being small, the Miata isn't flimsy. It's built well and every thing has a solid feel to it, though the gear lever in our test vehicle constantly rattled around inside the gate. Typical of Mazdas these days, 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 is truly in a class of its own. There is not another rear-wheel-drive convertible that delivers the same thrills at the same price. It's both entertaining and compliant, and it does this with a certain purity missing from more modern, tech-advanced cars. After so long, the Miata, for many, is still the answer. And it's the right one.

Which MX-5 Miata does Edmunds recommend?

Any trim will deliver plenty of open-top fun, but to get the most out of the MX-5 Miata without having to pay more for the extra features in the Grand Touring trim, we recommend opting for the Club trim. You get added performance with sport-tuned Bilstein suspension and a limited-slip differential, and more luxury with heated seats and a Bose audio system. Also, the Club is the only trim that offers the Brembo/BBS Recaro package, which includes BBS forged wheels, heated Recaro seats and Brembo front brakes. Just keep in mind that the Club is a build-to-order model.

Compare 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.7

34 reviews

5(76%)

4(21%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(3%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

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! …

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.

Deja Vu Many Years Later

Should have done this sooner!, 03/12/2023

2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

I just purchased a 2022 Grand Touring 6 speed manual in Soul Red. Many years ago, I went to buy a fully loaded Protege. they didn't have what I wanted and the salesman asked me if I wanted to have fun? I said yes and we took out a Miata. (1st gen.) Most fun I ever had buying a car until now. I went there looking at something totally different and ended up buying in right off the …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata, so we've included reviews for other years of the MX-5 Miata since its last redesign.

See all 34 reviews of the Mazda MX-5 Miata

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2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata video

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

NOTE: This video is about the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata, but since the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

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 American icons, like the Ford Mustang GT and Chevy Camaro SS, plus a few overseas offerings such…

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Features & Specs

Trim:

Sport

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$28,050
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$160/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

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Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Toyota GR86

Besides the Miata, the GR86 (or similar Subaru BRZ) is another rare example of a two-door sports car that delivers endless amounts of fun at an affordable price. This Toyota coupe is more powerful, longer and heavier than the Miata. It has small rear seats that provide decent storage space or room for (small) passengers, and they can fold down in case you need to haul large items in the trunk. Both sports cars drive and handle phenomenally, so choosing the one for you comes down to personal preference.

Compare Mazda MX-5 Miata & Toyota GR86 features

Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Ford Mustang

Like the Miata, the Mustang convertible is a rear-wheel-drive sports car that can drop its top. The Ford, though, is a lot larger, heavier and more expensive — its starting price is as much as the top-spec Grand Touring Miata. The Mustang won't devour canyon or back roads as well as the Mazda, but its potent engine delivers quicker acceleration. It's also more practical thanks to its much larger trunk and rear seats (as small as they are). The popular Mustang is a good alternative if you don't mind missing out on the more entertaining driving experience the Miata provides.

Compare Mazda MX-5 Miata & Ford Mustang features

Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Mini Convertible

The Mini Convertible is another charming and tiny drop-top that's a blast to drive, although its front-wheel drivetrain doesn't provide the rear-wheel-drive handling dynamics you get in the Miata. The Mini sports an interior with more personality and offers more features, but it comes at a price. The starting price of the base Cooper model is significantly higher and it packs much less power than the Miata. The Cooper S adds power but starts to get expensive. Neither convertible offers much room, but that's not the point of these smile-making machines.

Compare Mazda MX-5 Miata & Mini Convertible features

Safety

Our experts’ favorite MX-5 Miata safety features:

Blind-Spot Warning: Alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot.
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.

FAQ

Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 MX-5 Miata both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 MX-5 Miata gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 34 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the MX-5 Miata has 4.6 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. Learn more

What's new in the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata:

There are no significant changes for 2023
Part of the fourth MX-5 Miata generation introduced for 2016

Learn more

Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?

To determine whether the Mazda MX-5 Miata 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. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the MX-5 Miata's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 MX-5 Miata and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 MX-5 Miata gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 34 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 MX-5 Miata is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

The least-expensive 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata is the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $28,050.

Other versions include:

Sport 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $28,050
Club 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $31,550
Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $33,050
Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $33,550

Learn more

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

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

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Pricing

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Save as much as $4,379 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; $4,379 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Grand Touring trim.

Edmunds suggests you pay

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which MX-5 Miata does Edmunds recommend?

Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

an enjoyable ride

Most fun of any car ive ever been in.

Best Miata Yet!

Deja Vu Many Years Later

Helpful shopping links

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata video

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

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Features & Specs

Compare the Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Toyota GR86

Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Ford Mustang

Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Mini Convertible

Safety

Our experts’ favorite MX-5 Miata safety features:

FAQ

Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata a good car?

What's new in the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?

Is the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

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

Related 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata info

Submodels of MX-5 Miata

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Save as much as $4,379 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; $4,379 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Grand Touring trim.}