“The Miata is simply a super fun little sports car that has roots from the old British sports car from back in the day, light weight, peppy engine. And fun to toss in tight corners you can tell Mazda put in a lot of time and effort is making this car its own, that's something you just don't see at this price level and to be frankly you just don't see in a lot of vehicles these days it's a one of a kind.”
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s biggest change is its upgraded 2.0-liter engine, which rises from 155 to 181 horsepower and revs to 7,500 rpm. Every U.S. model also gains a tilt-and-telescoping steering column and a rearview camera.
About the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
4th generation (ND, 2016-2023), major powertrain and equipment update year.
Mazda positions the MX-5 Miata as a pure, lightweight two-seat roadster built around driving enjoyment rather than outright power or luxury. The core appeal is simple: rear-wheel-drive balance, quick responses, open-top fun, and a small footprint that makes ordinary roads feel entertaining. Against rivals, the Miata stands out by being lighter, more playful, and more approachable day to day, while still feeling like a real sports car.
The Sport remains the simple, soft-top entry model, while the Club adds a more focused feel with heated seats, upgraded audio, and extra driver-assistance features. Grand Touring emphasizes comfort with leather-trimmed seats, navigation, and more safety technology, while the limited 30th Anniversary edition adds RECARO sport seats, RAYS forged wheels, Brembo front brakes, and serialized badging.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The revised 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, up from 155 horsepower. It also has stronger midrange response, a 7,500-rpm redline that is 700 rpm higher, and slightly better highway fuel economy with the manual transmission.
Styling
The limited 30th Anniversary edition joins the lineup with commemorative badging, RAYS 17-inch forged wheels, Brembo front brakes, and heated RECARO sport seats.
Safety
A rearview camera becomes standard across the lineup. Grand Touring also gains standard low-speed automatic emergency braking and traffic-sign recognition.
Tech
A steering column with both tilt and reach adjustment becomes standard, making it easier for drivers to find a comfortable position.
Structural
Mazda fits a lighter aluminum steering column, although the car does not receive a major chassis redesign.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-MT | Manual, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-MT | Manual, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-MT | Manual, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-MT |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | 181 hp | 181 hp | 181 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 4.6 cu-ft | 4.6 cu-ft | 4.6 cu-ft | 4.6 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Stability Control | ||||
| Traction Control | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Power Retractable Hard Top | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| AM/FM Radio | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Locks | ||||
| Power Steering | ||||
| Power Windows | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
How much more power does the 2019 MX-5 Miata have than the 2018 model?
The 2019 MX-5 Miata has 181 horsepower, an increase of 26 horsepower over the 2018 model’s 155 horsepower. Its revised 2.0-liter engine also has a higher 7,500-rpm redline and more midrange pull.
Does every 2019 MX-5 Miata have the upgraded engine?
Yes. Every U.S.-market 2019 MX-5 Miata uses the upgraded 181-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder, including Sport, Club, Grand Touring, and the 30th Anniversary edition.
What safety equipment changed for the 2019 MX-5 Miata?
A rearview camera became standard on every 2019 MX-5 Miata. Grand Touring also added standard low-speed automatic emergency braking and traffic-sign recognition.
What is special about the 2019 MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary edition?
The 30th Anniversary is a limited commemorative model added for 2019. Its distinguishing equipment includes heated RECARO sport seats, RAYS 17-inch forged wheels, Brembo front brakes, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, smartphone integration, and serialized badging.
Is the 2019 MX-5 Miata a meaningful upgrade over the 2018 model?
Yes, especially for drivers who value stronger acceleration and a better driving position. The 2019 model adds 26 horsepower, a higher redline, standard steering-wheel reach adjustment, and a standard rearview camera without changing the basic fourth-generation design.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
4.5
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
(227 reviews)
“The Mazda Miata is the ultimate driver's car. Its fun to drive has loads of power for its size, turns heads, and has a great sound system on the RF GT.”
“It's fun to drive! The car handles curves well. The comfort is great for a small sporty car. The gas mileage is great too.”
Sources
- news.mazdausa.com — 2018 10 01 Enhanced Engine New Brown Soft Top For 2019 Mx 5 Miata
- news.mazdausa.com — 2019 Mazda MX 5 Press Kit Version 21
- news.mazdausa.com — 2017 12 20 2018 Mx 5 Miata New Dark Cherry Soft Top Option
- news.mazdausa.com — 2018 02 08 2018 Mazda Mx 5 Rf Rolls Into The Windy City
- news.mazdausa.com — 2020 01 28 2020 Mazda MX 5 Miata Designed To Be Driven
- mazdausa.com — 2019 / Mx5 St / 2019 Mx 5 Miata Brochure
- news.mazdausa.com — 2019 02 07 Mazda Announces 2019 Mx 5 Miata 30Th Anniversary
- news.mazdausa.com — 2019 02 07 2019 Chicago Auto Show Press Information Mazda Mx 5 Miata 30Th Anniversary Edition
- news.mazdausa.com — 2019 05 13 Mazda North American Operations Answers Ongoing Demand For 2019 Mx 5 Miata 30Th Anniversary
- news.mazdausa.com — 2019 02 07 Mazda Unveils Mx 5 Miata 30Th Anniversary Edition In Racing Orange