“The Mazda MX5 is a fun little car to drive. It has plenty of pickup and feels great around turns. The seats are very comfortable while hugging you and allows a superior sports car feel but the small interior does not allow for any storage except for a small glove box that is behind you.”
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a light-update model led by one useful tech change: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every trim. Its engine, chassis, and styling otherwise carry over.
About the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
4th generation (ND, 2016-2023 before the larger 2024 update), late pre-refresh year.
Mazda positions the MX-5 Miata as a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster built around balance, quick responses, and a close connection between driver and car rather than big horsepower or luxury-car size. The model’s appeal is simple: open-top fun, compact dimensions, and a playful chassis that makes ordinary roads interesting. Compared with heavier sports coupes, the Miata stands out for its low weight, near-50/50 balance, and everyday usability with modern infotainment and safety tech.
The Sport is the straightforward soft-top roadster, while the Club has a more driver-focused look and features such as Bose audio with headrest speakers. Grand Touring emphasizes comfort with heated leather seats, navigation, and automatic climate control; Club and Grand Touring also make up the RF retractable-fastback lineup.
What changed, by category
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard across the lineup. Grand Touring also gains wireless Apple CarPlay.
Trim lineup
The 100th Anniversary Special Edition is dropped after 2020.
2021 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 |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-MT | Manual, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-MT | Manual, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-MT |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | 181 hp | 181 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 4.5–4.6 cu-ft | 4.6 cu-ft | 4.5–4.6 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Retractable Hard Top | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The biggest change is standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every 2021 MX-5 Miata trim. The engine, chassis, and exterior design otherwise carry over without a major update.
Does the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata have wireless Apple CarPlay?
Yes, but wireless Apple CarPlay is limited to the 2021 Grand Touring trim. Sport and Club have wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through their 7-inch touchscreen systems.
Did the 2021 MX-5 Miata get a new engine or suspension?
No, the 2021 MX-5 Miata keeps the 181-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the same basic chassis and suspension setup. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions continue.
Is the 2021 MX-5 Miata RF offered in every trim?
No, the retractable-fastback RF body is offered only in Club and Grand Touring form for 2021. The soft-top body spans the Sport, Club, and Grand Touring lineup.
Is the 2021 MX-5 Miata meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
Only modestly. The 2021 model makes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the lineup, adds wireless Apple CarPlay to Grand Touring, and drops the 100th Anniversary Special Edition; its performance hardware and styling remain largely unchanged.
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
4.6
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
(95 reviews)
“Wonderful to drive, looks great, fun experience, but you need to drive a manual transmission otherwise you are really just riding.”
“It's fun to drive with great pick up and handling. The hard top convertible is practical and stylish.”