2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What's new

Engine updated with more power and a higher redlinePreviously unavailable rearview camera is now standardThe steering wheel now telescopesNew GT-S and 30th Anniversary packages for Grand Touring modelsPart of the fourth MX-5 Miata generation introduced for 2016

　　With the exception of the ultra-hardcore Alfa Romeo 4C, no vehicle on sale today represents purity of purpose as much as the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Like all Miatas throughout the last 30 years, the 2019 version is a two-seat roadster that prioritizes thrills over frills. You won't find massaging seats, high-tech features or generous trunk space here. But you will enjoy pure, unadulterated fun that no other cars in this price class can match. A bevy of upgrades for 2019 makes the Miata more enticing than ever.

　　Engine performance is at the forefront of 2019's enhancements. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine now produces 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque — an increase of 26 hp and 3 lb-ft over last year's model — and the redline is 700 rpm higher. We haven't tested its performance in the soft top yet, but our retractable hardtop MX-5 Miata RF tester zipped from 0 to 60 mph a half-second quicker than last year's model.

　　Convenience has improved, too. The steering wheel now telescopes, which improves the driving position for taller drivers. A previously unavailable rearview camera is now standard on every Miata, while the Grand Touring's advanced safety features are now available on Sport and Club models as part of the new i-Activsense package. And for drivers who want it all, a new GT-S package adds the Club trim's handling upgrades to the luxury-oriented Grand Touring model. Longtime Miata fans might also find the new 30th Anniversary package enticing. Every 30th Anniversary model features gunmetal gray wheels and exclusive Racing Orange paint. The theme continues inside, where orange accents complement the Recaro sport seats, which are upholstered in faux suede. This model even comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, which is available via a separate dealer add-on for other trims. The 2019 Miata's changes should make it more appealing to enthusiasts and casual drivers alike.

　　Notably, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a featured vehicle in our Cheapest New Cars article.

　　

What's it like to live with?

Interested in learning about what it's like to live with this little roadster? Check out our long-term reviews for the fourth-generation Cheapest New Cars and the updated Cheapest New Cars. We spent a year and more than 20,000 miles with each of these charming convertibles. In our long-term coverage, you can read in-depth reporting from our editors on everything from the way the Miata drives to its reliability.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

8.0 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Mazda MX-5 Miata Club w/ Brembo/BBS Package (2.0L inline-4 | six-speed manual | RWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	8.0 / 10
Driving	9.0
Comfort	7.5
Interior	7.5
Utility	6.0
Technology	8.0

　　

Driving

9.0

　　Driving a Miata is what fun feels like. From its newly elevated power output to its handling poise and predictability, the Miata is an affordable paragon of balance. Weighing in at just 2,342 pounds, it reminds us how good a sports car can be.

　　

Acceleration

9.0

　　Now with 181 hp, the Miata is not wanting for power or revs. The engine pulls strongly all the way to its 7,500-rpm redline. The next perfectly spaced gear — and more speed — is a short-shifter throw away. In zzdcar testing, we recorded a 0-60 mph sprint of 6.0 seconds, an impressively quick time for an affordable roadster.

　　

Braking

9.5

　　The optional Brembo brakes feel sure and predictable in daily use and easily handle spirited driving. In our emergency panic-stop test, our test Miata stopped from 60 mph in a short 112 feet. The pedal remained firm and easy to modulate, even after repeated runs.

　　

Steering

9.0

　　The steering effort is a tad lighter than we're used to from a Miata, and feedback is a little muted, too. Even so, steering response is immediate, and the car reacts accurately to driver input. The steering wheel has just the right grip-feel. It's one of the best systems available today.

　　

Handling

9.0

　　The Miata responds best to smooth and deliberate inputs but is still supremely fun to toss into a corner with abandon. It's precise and predictable, and it's easy to catch the rear end if you get a bit overzealous. There's plenty of body roll (even with the Club suspension), but the only time that becomes an issue is during fast, aggressive driving.

　　

Drivability

9.5

　　The MX-5 is capable of entertaining performance. Yet it's also easy to drive and enjoy in everyday commuting situations even when equipped with the manual transmission, which has a revelatory combination of a light, direct-acting clutch and a near-perfect shifter. Nothing short of a Porsche 911 GT3 does it better.

　　

Comfort

7.5

　　Small two-seat roadsters aren't known for comfort, but the Miata's surprisingly compliant suspension and innovative seats help a lot, even on highway trips. On the downside, there's plenty of wind and road noise.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　The optional Recaro seats in our test car provided a surprising combination of support, breathability and comfort. However, the Recaro's elevated seat height compared to the standard seats will put off many drivers more than 6 feet tall.

　　

Ride comfort

8.5

　　The Miata's ride isn't punishing despite the car's small dimensions and sporting mission. With the Club's Bilstein dampers, the ride is firmer and the body more controlled than a standard Miata, yet it still manages impressive compliance over rough roads. But bigger potholes can still send shivers through the chassis.

　　

Noise & vibration

6.0

　　Road and wind noise is prevalent at highway speeds with the top up, but not to the point that the noise is overwhelming. Vibrations are kept at bay, even when the tach is at redline, and the exhaust note is a pleasant tenor that sounds special without being obnoxious.

　　

Climate control

8.0

　　A classic three-knob layout suits the Miata's retro foundation, and it's also easy to use. The system cools the small cabin quickly, even on a hot day with the top down. The seat heaters work with similar urgency.

　　

Interior

7.5

　　The cabin's elegant design makes the most of the tidy space and prioritizes the fun of driving. The excellent overall visibility and intuitive tech reinforce that standard, but space is at a premium. Taller drivers will still struggle to get comfortable behind the wheel.

　　

Ease of use

8.5

　　The primary controls are well-placed around the driver. The infotainment screen can be read with a glance and is redundantly controlled by touch or with a knob controller. It's intuitive to use, even if the knob's placement isn't ideal. The compact cabin ensures that everything is within easy reach.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.0

　　The average-size adult will have no problem slipping in and out, though this low-slung car might be difficult for those who don't bend as well as they used to. Taller drivers will have to curl themselves through the opening when the top is up. The short doors aid access in tight parking spots.

　　

Driving position

7.5

　　The steering wheel tilts and telescopes, the latter of which is a new feature for 2019. Most drivers will find harmony considering the pedals, shifter and steering wheel placement, but taller drivers will dislike the high and non-adjustable seat bottom height (especially with the optional Recaro seats).

　　

Roominess

5.5

　　The cockpit's snug feel positively bolsters the driver-to-machine connection for typical adults. Drivers around 6 feet tall will push the boundaries of head- and legroom, and anyone much taller than that might not fit at all. There's not a lot of space, but the Miata uses what it has very cleverly.

　　

Visibility

8.0

　　Forward visibility is terrific thanks to the panoramic windshield positioning and slim roof pillars. With the top down, rear visibility is similarly excellent. With the top up, views out of your rear quarters are limited, but the close distance to the glass means you can easily compensate by looking over your shoulder.

　　

Quality

8.5

　　Interior quality, as with all other current Mazdas, has improved significantly over the previous generation, and now it meets the expectations for the price. Fit and finish, even in the engine bay, is very good. It's also much nicer than the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ coupe alternatives.

　　

Convertible top

9.0

　　There's no better manual top than the Miata's. The top can easily be opened from within the car in mere seconds and, if you're flexible, can be closed from inside as well. It's light and rigid enough that you can operate it from one hand or from one side of the car.

　　

Utility

6.0

　　No one expects a two-seat convertible to be a utilitarian machine, so its shortage of space is hardly a serious drawback. A tiny trunk, no back seat, no glovebox and limited cabin space mean the Miata is poorly suited to hauling anything. Small items are more easily accommodated — just don't bring a lot of them.

　　

Small-item storage

6.0

　　A tidy bin placed vertically between the seats serves as a less convenient glovebox (because there isn't one otherwise). It's your primary place for small items (wallets, phones), and it holds an average amount of stuff. The (thankfully) removable cupholders no longer obstruct shifting.

　　

Cargo space

5.0

　　There's no way to sugarcoat it — the Miata's 4.6-cubic-foot trunk is small. Thankfully, the soft top doesn't get in the way. The trunk opening is relatively large, which facilitates packing somewhat. Use soft-sided duffels to get the most out of it. Three bags of groceries will fit with ease.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

6.0

　　There's sufficient room for one child or toddler in a forward-facing seat or booster only. There are no LATCH anchors or top tether, so the seat must allow seat-belt anchoring. The car's occupant sensor will disable the passenger airbag and illuminate a confirmatory indicator when a child seat is fitted.

　　

Technology

8.0

　　The Miata must balance driving purity with a driver's desire for modern connectivity and safety tech. These things add weight and slow the car. But even with features such as blind-spot monitoring and a nine-speaker stereo, the MX-5 still retains its fun and lively character.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.0

　　The nine-speaker Bose system (with speakers in the headrests) makes for good sound while motoring, and it does a reasonable job competing cleanly with ambient noise. The clever nav system operates by both the 7-inch touchscreen and center console knob controller but is starting to look a bit dated.

　　

Driver aids

7.0

　　Thanks to the Miata's small size, you really don't need much in the way of passive safety features, but it has blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert anyway. A standard rearview camera is fitted for 2019.

　　

Voice control

8.0

　　Voice commands are accessed through the steering wheel button and include standard commands for placing phone calls, navigating to destinations, and moving through music selections. It requires on-screen prompts but recognizes speech well.

　　

Which MX-5 Miata does zzdcar recommend?

　　We like all three MX-5 Miata trims, but we think most buyers will enjoy the sporty Club trim. It adds numerous mechanical enhancements to make the Miata even more fun to toss around tight curves. It also opens the doors to the Brembo/BBS package, which adds high-performance Brembo brakes, unique BBS wheels and an aero kit. You can get the Club's sporty upgrades on the Grand Touring model via the new GT-S package, but the Brembo/BBS package is not available on the Grand Touring.

　　

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata models

　　The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a two-seat roadster offered in three trim levels: Sport, Club and Grand Touring. All Miatas are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 151 pound-feet of torque) that drives the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission with wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Sport trim offers a more bare-bones motoring experience; the Club is for sport-oriented driving, with a number of mechanical upgrades and added interior features; and the Grand Touring trim focuses on providing comfort, convenience and technology.

　　Standard features for the Sport trim include 16-inch alloy wheels, a manually retractable black soft top with a glass rear window, LED headlights and taillights, keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment interface with an auxiliary control knob, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth, voice controls, and a six-speaker sound system with HD radio, two USB ports and an auxiliary audio jack.

　　The Club trim includes everything from the Sport but comes with different equipment depending on the chosen transmission. With the manual shifter, it's equipped with a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers, a shock-tower brace, a limited-slip differential and an engine sound enhancer. Opting for the automatic negates these features.

　　Otherwise, all Miata Clubs get 17-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, a sportier front fascia, a rear lip spoiler, black mirror covers and roll hoops, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, red interior stitching, upgraded interior trim panels, heated seats, a nine-speaker Bose audio system and satellite radio.

　　Both Sport and Club models are available with the i-Activsense package, which adds lane departure warning and low-speed forward collision warning with automatic braking. The Sport with this package also gets blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

　　The Grand Touring loses the manual-transmission Club's performance upgrades except for the sound enhancer, which remains a manual-only feature. These features, along with the sport-tuned suspension, are available in the new GT-S package.

　　Grand Touring features include adaptive headlights with automatic high-beam control, the i-Activsense package, an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, heated mirrors with body-colored covers, automatic wipers, a cloth-lined top, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and a navigation system.

　　The Brembo/BBS package is offered on manual-transmission Club models, and it includes 17-inch forged BBS wheels, more powerful Brembo front brakes, an aero body kit, and heated leather seats. It can be ordered with or without Recaro sport seats. Those Recaro sport seats come standard with the new 30th Anniversary package, which also adds special badging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and exclusive orange paint and interior accents.

　　Jump to:Related 2019 MX-5 Miata articles

　　

2019 MX-5 Miata Highlights

Trim: SportClubGrand Touring30th AnniversarySport

　　

Base MSRP	$25,730
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$160/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	4.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles