“It's fun to drive with great pick up and handling. The hard top convertible is practical and stylish.”
Mazda MX-5 Miata: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a compact, two-seat, rear-wheel-drive convertible sports car known for light weight, agile handling, and an engaging feel rather than big power. The RF version adds a coupe-like retractable hardtop while keeping the same open-air character.
The Miata has long followed a simple idea: keep the car small and light so ordinary roads feel fun. Its balanced layout, direct responses, and manual-first character matter more than headline power. Newer generations have added comfort, safety, and touchscreen upgrades without abandoning that basic formula.
Strengths
- Its low weight and balanced layout make it feel responsive without relying on huge power.
- Rear-wheel drive and a manual-first design keep the driver involved.
- The compact size makes the car feel nimble and easy to place on a winding road.
- The soft top delivers the classic roadster experience, while the RF offers a more enclosed, coupe-like alternative.
- The core formula has stayed remarkably consistent even as newer models added better safety and touchscreen technology.
Who it's for
It suits someone who values the act of driving and wants a small sports car for weekend trips, scenic roads, or an entertaining daily commute. It works best for one or two people who can live with very limited cargo room and do not need everyday passenger space.
Mazda MX-5 Miata lineup
Pick the Sport for the simplest expression of the Miata idea: a light, straightforward roadster without the lineup’s more specialized focus. Step up to the Club for the enthusiast-oriented middle trim; since its 2013 debut, it has carried a more aggressive identity, and recent versions gained added cornering hardware and a track-focused stability mode. The Club with the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package is the more specialized take on that trim for shoppers who want a stronger performance-oriented presentation. Choose Grand Touring when comfort and convenience matter as much as back-road driving, since it has consistently served as the more upscale Miata.
Mazda MX-5 Miata generations
From 2009 to 2026, the MX-5 Miata spans two generations. The current 4th Generation — ND arrived for 2016, following the 3rd Generation — NC (2006–2015).
4th Generation — ND (2016–Present)
The ND redesign made the Miata smaller and about 150 pounds lighter, with a lower body and a 2.0-liter engine. The RF retractable hardtop arrived for 2017, and output increased from 155 to 181 horsepower for 2019.
195 In Stock
2026Trim changes
The Brembo/BBS/Recaro performance package gets more black suede-like Alcantara trim and cabin accents. The broader lineup carries over.
2025Trim changes
The limited 35th Anniversary special edition joins the U.S. lineup. Deep Crystal Blue paint also expands to Grand Touring.
2024Mid-cycle update
A larger 8.8-inch touchscreen, revised steering, updated lights, new wheel designs, and additional safety equipment arrive across the lineup.
2023
The 181-hp engine, trim structure, and technology carry over ahead of the 2024 update.
2022Trim changes
A brake-based cornering aid becomes standard. The automatic transmission is limited to Grand Touring, leaving Sport and Club manual-only.
2021Trim changes
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard across the lineup. Grand Touring adds wireless Apple CarPlay.
2020Trim changes
The limited 100th Anniversary Special Edition joins late in the model year. Sport, Club, and manual Grand Touring also receive equipment upgrades.
2019Mid-cycle update
The revised 2.0-liter engine reaches 181 horsepower and revs higher. A telescoping steering wheel and rearview camera become standard, and a limited 30th Anniversary edition joins.
2018Trim changes
A 7-inch touchscreen and keyless entry become standard. Soft tops also get revised steering and rear suspension tuning, plus more sound insulation.
2017Trim changes
The RF retractable hardtop debuts with a coupe-like roofline, including a limited U.S.-only Launch Edition. The soft top is largely unchanged.
2016New generation
The all-new ND is smaller and about 150 pounds lighter than the outgoing Miata, with a lower body and a 155-hp 2.0-liter engine.
3rd Generation — NC (2006–2015)
The NC used a 2.0-liter engine and came as a traditional soft top or with a power-retractable hardtop. The supplied years begin with the refreshed NC2 version for 2009, which brought revised styling and sharper steering, suspension, and shifting.
16 In Stock
2015Trim changes
A limited 25th Anniversary Edition joins with a power-retractable hardtop and special trim. Sport soft tops switch to a cloth roof.
2014
The Sport, Club, and Grand Touring lineup carries over from 2013 without significant changes.
2013Trim changes
The new Club trim replaces Touring as part of a light update that also revises the front styling.
2012
Stability and traction control become standard across the lineup. A limited-run Special Edition adds dark exterior details and extra equipment.
2011Trim changes
A limited-production Special Edition joins midyear. The regular Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring models are unchanged.
2010Trim changes
The SV soft top and Sport retractable-hardtop versions leave the lineup. The remaining models carry over.
2009Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling arrives with revised suspension and steering. Manual models get 167 horsepower and a higher redline.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Frequently asked questions
Is every Mazda MX-5 Miata a convertible?
Yes. Every MX-5 Miata is built for open-air driving. Most have a manually operated fabric roof, while the RF uses a power-retractable roof and a coupe-like rear section.
Does the Mazda MX-5 Miata have a back seat?
No. The MX-5 Miata is strictly a two-seater. Newer examples also have only about 4.5 to 4.6 cubic feet of trunk space, so it suits drivers who can travel light.
Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata a hybrid or all-wheel drive?
No. The MX-5 Miata uses a gasoline engine and rear-wheel drive. Its light weight and balanced handling matter more to its character than electrification or extra driven wheels.
Does the Mazda MX-5 Miata come with an automatic transmission?
Yes, but transmission availability depends on the year and trim. From 2022 onward, the automatic was limited to Grand Touring, while Sport and Club became manual-only.
What is the Mazda MX-5 Miata known for?
The MX-5 Miata is known for light weight, quick responses, balanced rear-wheel-drive handling, and a simple manual-first driving experience. It focuses on driver involvement rather than large power numbers.
How much power does the Mazda MX-5 Miata have?
ND-generation models from 2019 onward have a 181-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The 2016 through 2018 versions have 155 horsepower. The Miata relies on low weight and agility rather than sheer engine output.
What is the difference between NC and ND Miatas?
NC refers to the third generation sold through 2015. ND is the smaller, newer fourth generation introduced for 2016, about 150 pounds lighter than the 2015 car. The coupe-like RF roof joined the ND family for 2017.
Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata practical enough for everyday driving?
It can be if two seats and a very small trunk meet your needs. Its compact size suits solo commuting and short trips, while Grand Touring models add comfort features that make regular use easier.
Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
4.6
Mazda MX-5 Miata
(1,735 reviews)
“I fun car to own and drive. Gets lots of complements about looks. Very fun to take day trips down winding roads.”
“Small and fun to drive with some nice features like blind spot detection and good audio. Love the convertible option with less worried about failure since it is manually operated, and super easy to use.”
“If you want a vehicle that's absolutely fun to drive, very reliable, and definitely an eye-catcher, this would be the vehicle for you.”
“I would like the driver's seat to adjust height wise. I'm 5 foot and have to sit on a pillow to see over the dash. I hate the cup holders. They are hard to access when driving.”
“Mx-5 is most fun car I've ever driven. It isn't too expensive, but looks expensive. It gets great gas mileage and almost gets me through a full weeks commute on one tank.”
Sources
- news.mazdausa.com — 2026 01 27 2026 Mazda MX 5 Miata Pricing and Packaging
- news.mazdausa.com — 2024 12 05 2025 Mazda MX 5 Miata Pricing and Packaging
- news.mazdausa.com — 2024 01 25 24MY 2024 Mazda MX 5 Miata Pricing and Packaging
- news.mazdausa.com — 2025 01 24 Mazda Announces 2025 MX 5 Miata 35th Anniversary
- news.mazdausa.com — Vehicles 2023 Mx 5
- news.mazdausa.com — 2021 12 16 2022 Mazda MX 5 Miata Pricing and Packaging
- mazdausa.com — 2022 / Mx 5 / 2022 Mazda Mx 5 Miata Rf Hardtop And Soft Top Convertibles
- news.mazdausa.com — 2020 12 10 2021 Mazda MX 5 Miata Pricing and Packaging
- news.mazdausa.com — 2020 01 28 2020 Mazda MX 5 Miata Designed To Be Driven
- mazdausa.com — 2020 / Mx 5 / 2020 Mx 5 Miata Brochure
- news.mazdausa.com — 2019 Mazda MX 5 Spec Deck
- news.mazdausa.com — 2020 06 29 100th Anniversary Mazda MX 5 Miata Arriving To The U S