Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The MX-5 Miata RF is an interesting twist on Mazda’s iconic and affordable roadster. It trades the standard Miata’s convertible soft top for a power-retractable roof that cleverly stashes itself out of sight when lowered. Remarkably, no passenger or cargo space is lost in the process – which is great news because the sporty Mazda has little to spare. Owners of the MX-5 Miata RF give it high marks for its grin-inducing handling, excellent brakes, and slick-shifting manual transmission. On the downside, wind noise from the open roof can get excessive at highway speeds. Additionally, the RF version tends to cost more than a standard Miata.
The MX-5 Miata RF is an interesting twist on Mazda’s iconic and affordable roadster. It trades the standard Miata’s convertible soft top for a power-retractable roof that cleverly stashes itself out of sight when lowered. Remarkably, no passenger or cargo space is lost in the process – which is great news because the sporty Mazda has little to spare. Owners of the MX-5 Miata RF give it high marks for its grin-inducing handling, excellent brakes, and slick-shifting manual transmission. On the downside, wind noise from the open roof can get excessive at highway speeds. Additionally, the RF version tends to cost more than a standard Miata.
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Model Lineup
The MX-5 Miata RF (short for “retractable fastback”) is a hardtop variant of Mazda’s popular two-seat roadster, the MX-5 Miata. In place of the convertible Miata’s folding soft top, the RF employs a power-retractable roof that automatically stows behind the seats when lowered. It’s the only sports coupe in the Japanese automaker’s lineup.
Under the hood, the MX-5 Miata RF utilizes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that was revised in 2019 to produce 181 horsepower, up from 155 hp previously. It’s mated to either a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission, which drives the rear wheels (only). No hybrid or electric versions have been offered.
Mazda builds the MX-5 Miata RF in two trims: the sport-oriented Club and the more luxurious Grand Touring. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot monitoring, and a 7.0-inch infotainment display that gained standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration in 2020. That’s also the year forward collision mitigation and lane-departure warning became standard safety features. An optional package that includes upgraded Brembo brakes, lightweight BBS wheels, and heated Recaro sport seats became standard on the Club trim in 2022. Opting for the Grand Touring trim adds adaptive headlights, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and navigation, among other features.