In a world of ever more complex performance cars, the refreshingly pure and elemental 2025 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
MSRP excludes tax, title, license fees and $1,185 destination charge (Alaska $1,230). Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.
Josh Jacquot is a seasoned automotive journalist with a career spanning more than two decades. His passion for cars has been the driving force behind his career, fueling his love for storytelling and technical work. Josh has held staff positions at Edmunds and Car and Driver, where he performed instrumented testing and wrote everything from technical breakdowns to long-form adventure stories. This hands-on enthusiast's early fascination with cars evolved into a professional journey that blends his technical knowledge and deep appreciation for engaging driver's cars.
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
No significant changes expected for 2025
Part of the fourth MX-5 Miata generation introduced for 2016
Overview
There aren't many cars in today's market that can give you real raw exhilaration without breaking the bank. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a roadster that not only offers a fun driving experience without sacrificing fuel efficiency but is also affordable. Space is scarce in this lightweight brawler, but thrills are pleasingly abundant. The Miata received some minor updates for the 2024 model. There has been no official mention of a complete redesign for 2025, but that seems unlikely to us at this point. We also don't dismiss the possibility of electrification creeping into the Miata lineup.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 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 N/A undefined in Virginia.
The MX-5 Miata will completely redefine your perception of a "fun" car. With 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque from its perky 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the performance numbers on the Miata seem unremarkable, but don't let them deceive you. The two-seater is one of the lightest cars on the market. That, plus its rear-wheel drive and standard short-shifting six-speed manual transmission, creates an engaging and well-balanced sports car. Trust us when we say you won't need the high output numbers to feel joy. Read our full Expert Rating below for all the details.
Competitors to consider
The closest rivals to the Miata are the larger Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ. The GR86 and BRZ are mechanically related and have the same directive as the Miata: Be a back-to-basics sports car experience. They, however, come only in a coupe body style. The redesigned Mini Cooper is another good option if you want something with more cabin refinement than the Miata can provide.
What’s it like to live with?
We had a long-term MX-5 Miata when this generation (ND) was brand-new way back in 2016. This brilliant roadster more than met our expectations by turning the mundane into the magical. Trips to get stamps put a smile on our faces. It's fun. It's not practical or comfortable. And we loved it anyway. Read about our experience here.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe 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
In a world of ever more complex performance cars, the refreshingly pure and elemental 2025 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.
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 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 no matter 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 $1,287 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; $1,287 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Club trim.
MSRP excludes tax, title, license fees and $1,185 destination charge (Alaska $1,230). Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.
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 of 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 everything 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, the abundance of soft plastics and synthetic leather coverings gives 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.
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?
Mazda hasn't released official information on the 2025 Miata as of this writing. We'll update our recommendation if anything changes, but based on last year's Miata we like the Club trim. It offers Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip differential and a premium Bose audio system.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Mazda MX-5 Miata models
[Editor's note: The following unofficial information is based on last year's MX-5 Miata. We expect the 2025 model will have a similar lineup and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small two-seat convertible available in three trim levels: Sport, Club and Grand Touring. Each one is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 151 lb-ft of torque) driving the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is optional with the Grand Touring trim. Note that there's also the Miata RF, which has a retractable hardtop and is reviewed separately. Standard feature highlights for the Miata include:
Sport
The base MX-5 Miata Sport is equipped with:
16-inch black alloy wheels with high-performance tires
LED headlights and taillights
Black manual convertible top
Keyless entry and push-button start
Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake
Cloth seats
8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Six-speaker audio system
Two USB ports
Cruise control
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Club
The Club is the sportiest Miata, adding:
17-inch black alloy wheels
Sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers
Shock tower brace (stiffens the body structure to help with handling precision)
Limited-slip differential (enhances traction during acceleration)
Track mode for stability control system
Black front lip and rear spoiler
Upper door panel trim in exterior color
Gray contrast-color seat stitching
Heated seats
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto
Satellite radio
Nine-speaker Bose audio system
The Club's exclusive Brembo/BBS Recaro package includes:
Brembo front brakes with red front and rear calipers
17-inch dark gray forged alloy 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:
17-inch metallic black alloy wheels
Automatic headlights with automatic high-beam assist
Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers
Heated side mirrors with auto-dimming driver's side glass
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Automatic climate control
Leather upholstery
Navigation system
Road sign assistance (detects certain road signs and displays them on the instrument panel)
Adaptive cruise control (automatic transmission only; maintains a driver-set distance between the Miata and the car in front)
The sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers, limited-slip differential and shock tower brace isn't available with the optional automatic transmission.
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! … Could it use a smoother ride and more storage ...yes but it would add weight and size and its perfect size now for anyone 6'2" and under (I'm 5'10"). 32 mpg and I drive it like I stole it! Had it 6 mos now. I suspect I will trade it in for every new major update until I die or until the other companies make something similar. Havent had a "stick" since my 20's but stick is the way to go here. Very easy to shift. Mark hoyle Dallas Texas.
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.
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 … showroom floor! The art of driving is can still be had with this amazing vehicle. It's been said a thousand times, the Miata is truly an extension of the driver. It makes you feel like a way better diver than you really are. (Not trying to offend any boy-racers out there.) You can handle any turn and twist the road ahead of you has to offer all while enjoying the elements. (Wind in your hair if I had any ;) Driving was starting to be a chore and now I look for excuses to go and don't even mind the "grind" that is my commute. You owe it to yourself to drive one and learn to drive a stick before it goes the way of the Dodo bird! Besides, it's the best theft prevention on the planet. The only this I'll say about the size is that I'm 5'5" and it fits like of glove. I'm also older and can still get in and out of it easily enough. Visibility is good and BSM picks up on anything you might miss. If you miss the art of diving as much I as apparently did, this is your ticket for the best time you can have behind the wheel of anything! You only get one trip around the block, have fun doing it!
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 … 70 to 80mph with the top down! Only draw back is my 81 year old legs need seat all the way back to get out. Little different ride from my Genesis G-80 and GMC Sierra.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata, so we've included reviews for other years of the MX-5 Miata since its last redesign.
PERFORMANCE CAR CHALLENGE: Hyundai Elantra N vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Honda Civic Si vs. Subaru BRZ
NOTE: This video is about the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata, but since the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
MSRP excludes tax, title, license fees and $1,185 destination charge (Alaska $1,230). Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.
There aren't many cars in today's market that can give you real raw exhilaration without breaking the bank. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a roadster that offers a fun driving experience without sacrificing fuel efficiency and at an affordable cost. Space is scarce in this lightweight brawler, but thrills are pleasingly abundant. The Miata received some minor updates for the 2024 model. There has been no official mention of a complete redesign for 2025, but considering its tenure in the current generation, we don't fully rule out the possibility. We also don't dismiss the possibility of electrification creeping into the Miata lineup.
Edmunds spotlight: Fun behind the wheel
The MX-5 Miata will completely redefine your perception of a "fun" car. With 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque from its perky 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the performance numbers on the Miata seem unremarkable, but don't let them deceive you. The two-seater is one of the lightest cars on the market. That, plus its rear-wheel drive and standard short-shifting six-speed manual transmission create an engaging and well-balanced sports car. Trust us when we say you won't need the high output numbers to feel joy.
Competitors to consider
The closest rivals to the Miata are the larger Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ. All are similar in size and they run in the same price range, although neither offers a convertible top like the Miata.
Edmunds says
The Miata is revered by many because it embodies driving excitement. With inevitable electrification and technological advancements in sight, we sure hope the Miata doesn't lose its essence.
FAQ
Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 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 2025 MX-5 Miata gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 28 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 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata:
No significant changes expected for 2025
Part of the fourth MX-5 Miata generation introduced for 2016
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 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 MX-5 Miata and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 MX-5 Miata gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 28 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 MX-5 Miata is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The least-expensive 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata is the 2025 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 $29,330.
Other versions include:
Sport 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $29,330
Club 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $32,830
Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $34,630
Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $35,550
35th Anniversary 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $36,250
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