What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata? What does it compare to?
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the best-selling roadster in the world, and one of the most affordable sports cars you can buy. A low stance and legendary driving dynamics take the focus off speed and emphasize the importance of agility. This convertible has seats for just two, though it compares more with affordable coupes like the Toyota GR86 and the Subaru BRZ than roadsters such as the Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4.
Is the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata a good car?
This Mazda succeeds at its primary purpose, which is to deliver driving enjoyment on a budget. However, that comes at the cost of nearly everything else, such as passenger space, convenience features, and cargo capacity. Wicked fun but completely impractical, the 2025 MX-5 Miata earns a TCC Rating of 5.4 on our 10-point scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What’s new for the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
Not much. It’s the 35th car’s anniversary, which Mazda commemorates with a special edition that combines an Artisan Red exterior with tan nappa leather upholstery. Otherwise, the 2025 MX-5 Miata carries over unchanged.
The MX-5 Miata is a low, lean roadster available with the choice of a manually operated black cloth convertible top or, in RF form, a power-operated hardtop that will have the breeze in your hair in just 13 seconds. The RF model comes in Club and Grand Touring trims, the former of which includes the Brembo BBS Recaro package for upgraded brakes, wheels, and sport seats.
In terms of driving dynamics, the MX-5 Miata is one of a kind. It boasts perfect weight balance and rides so low it’s in constant danger of scraping its belly on the ground. This combination enables the 2.0-liter inline-4 engine’s modest 181 hp to feel positively spritely, while a glorious 6-speed manual transmission and independent rear suspension add plenty of visceral feel to the experience. This Mazda connects the driver to the road like nothing else, though it’s also one of the least practical cars you can buy.
That’s why Mazda gets away with keeping standard features minimal, in part because no one expects anything remotely practical and in part because you should be focusing on the driving experience anyway. The MX-5 Miata includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen display, which is cumbersome to use, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Safety features consist of blind-spot monitors, lane-departure warnings, and low-speed automatic emergency braking.
How much does the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata cost?
The base Miata Sport, which features a 6-speed manual transmission and a soft convertible top, starts at $30,515, including the $1,185 destination charge. The Sport and mid-range Club come only with the manual, so drivers who prefer a 6-speed automatic must spend up to the Grand Touring, which is $36,735 with the automatic gearbox option. The hardtop Retractable Fastback (RF) configuration is available in all but Sport trim, as well. The sweet spot of performance and features is the Miata Club RF with the Brembo BBS Recaro package for $41,835.
Where is the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata made?
Mazda builds the MX-5 Miata in Hiroshima, Japan.
