2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What's new

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

　　The 2019 Mazda Miata is a great choice for an affordable sports car. But what if you want something that's a little quieter on the highway and can provide better closed-roof security? Well, Mazda has something for you, too: the Miata RF.

　　The RF, or retractable fastback, gives the Miata better isolation from noise and temperature than the regular soft top. It also gives the car a sleeker look with the top up. Power the top down — unlike the traditional soft top, the RF's hardtop is power-operated — and a roll-bar-like structure and buttresses remain, giving the car the look of a targa. Impressively, the trunk's capacity is unchanged either way.

　　Mazda has also made some small improvements to the Miata this year. The updated engine now revs to 7,500 rpm and cranks out 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, which is 26 hp and 3 lb-ft more than last year. For safety, the Miata is now available with forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Less obvious, but just as welcome, is a telescoping function for the steering wheel, which should help drivers get a more comfortable driving position. You'll also find a pair of new packages to further enhance the MX-5's appeal. Owners who want it all will find solace in the GT-S package, which 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.

　　Of course, there are compromises with everything. With the hardtop RF, you'll miss out on the unfettered rear visibility provided by the soft top, as well as the weight savings. The RF adds about 100 pounds and more on the bottom line to purchase as well. Still, there's very little on the market that competes against the Miata, and even less that can match the RF's versatile and enjoyable nature.

　　

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 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the updated 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 RF Club (2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed manual | RWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	8.0 / 10
Driving	9.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	5.5
Technology	8.0

　　

Driving

9.0

　　This is what fun feels like. From its newly elevated power output to its poise and predictability, the 2019 Miata is an affordable paragon of balance. Weighing in at just 2,438 pounds, the Miata RF reminds us how good sports cars can be.

　　

Acceleration

9.0

　　Up 26 horsepower this year, the Miata is not wanting for power or revs. The engine makes power all the way to its 7,500-rpm redline. The next perfectly spaced gear — and more speed — is a short throw away. In our testing, 60 mph came up in 6.6 seconds, nearly half a second quicker than last year.

　　

Braking

9.5

　　The optional Brembo brakes feel sure and predictable in daily use, and they easily handle spirited driving. Our car stopped from 60 mph in 109 feet in our panic-stop test. Even after repeated runs, the pedal remains firm and easy to modulate.

　　

Steering

9.0

　　The steering is immediate, and the car reacts accurately to driver input. The steering wheel has just the right grip feel, too. We could complain a little about the steering effort being a tad too light or the feedback being a little muted, but in the end it's one of the best steering setups available today.

　　

Handling

9.0

　　Precise and predictable are the operative words here. The RF responds best to smooth and deliberate inputs, yet you can still toss it into a corner with abandon and have a blast. There's a bit of body roll, even with the Club suspension, but it doesn't diminish the MX-5's ability to devour corners one bit.

　　

Drivability

9.5

　　Even though the RF is capable of entertaining performance, it is still easy to drive and enjoy in everyday commuting situations. That's true even with a manual transmission. It's hard to convey just how much we like the light but direct-acting clutch and the near-perfect shifter. No one does it better.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　Two-seat roadsters aren't known for comfort, but the RF proves otherwise with a surprisingly compliant suspension and innovative seats. Today's MX-5 is quieter than the previous generations but still leaks wind and road noise. The RF's retractable hardtop provides better isolation from excessive wind noise.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　The optional Recaro seats provide a surprising combination of support, breathability and comfort. Larger drivers will appreciate the added shoulder support, though the elevated seat height over the standard seats will be an issue for anyone 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 good compliance over rough roads. Bigger potholes can send a shiver through the chassis.

　　

Noise & vibration

6.5

　　Road and wind noise is prevalent at highway speeds with the top up, but not to the point that it's intrusive. With the top up, RF is only marginally quieter than the cloth top when cruising and is louder at full stomp. The exhaust note is a pleasant tenor that sounds special without being obnoxious.

　　

Climate control

8.0

　　The classic knurled three-knob layout suits the RF's retro foundation, and it's also easy and effective. The system cools the small cabin quickly, even on a hot day. 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. 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 quick glance and is redundantly controlled by touch or with a knob. 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. Short doors aid access in tight parking spots.

　　

Driving position

7.5

　　The steering wheel tilts and now telescopes (a new feature for 2019). Most drivers will find harmony between pedals, shifter and steering wheel placement, but taller drivers will dislike the high seat bottom height (especially with the optional seats) because it's not adjustable.

　　

Roominess

5.5

　　The cockpit's snug feel bolsters the driver-to-machine connection. 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 it uses what it has very cleverly.

　　

Visibility

8.0

　　Forward visibility is terrific thanks to slim roof pillars and a panoramic view out the windshield. But the rear side pillars that give the car its coupe look (with the top up) and targa look (top down) block rearward sightlines when changing lanes.

　　

Quality

8.5

　　Interior quality, as with other current Mazdas, meets the expectations for the price. Fit and finish, even in the engine bay, is very good. It's much nicer inside than it is in the Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ coupe.

　　

Convertible top

8.5

　　The power hardtop retracts in about 14 seconds and is operated with a rocker switch in the lower center console. When it is all over, the available trunk space is identical to the soft-top version. The hardtop RF is about 100 pounds heavier than a soft-top MX-5.

　　

Utility

5.5

　　A tiny trunk, no back seat, no glovebox and limited cabin space mean the RF is poorly suited to hauling stuff. Then again, no one expects a two-seat convertible to be great at this. Small items are more easily accommodated — just don't bring a lot of them.

　　

Small-item storage

6.0

　　A bin placed vertically between the seats serves as a less convenient glovebox (because there isn't one). It's your primary place for small items such as phones and it holds an average amount of stuff. The (thankfully) removable cupholders don't obstruct shifting.

　　

Cargo space

5.0

　　There's no way around it — the Miata's 4.6-cubic-foot trunk is small. At least it's not the hardtop's fault, because the soft-top Miata's trunk is identical. The trunk opening is big, and it packs easily. Use soft-sided duffels to get the most out of every inch of space. Three bags of groceries will fit with ease.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

6.0

　　There is sufficient room for one child or toddler in a forward-facing seat or booster only. The child seat must allow seat-belt anchoring due to the car's lack of LATCH anchors and top tethers. The seat's occupant sensor will disable the passenger airbag and illuminate a confirmatory indicator when a child seat is fitted.

　　

Technology

8.0

　　The Miata deftly balances driving purity with a driver's desire for modern connectivity and safety tech. But even with features such as blind-spot and lane departure warning and a nine-speaker stereo, the RF is no less fun than a soft top without those items.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.0

　　A nine-speaker Bose system, with speakers in the headrests, makes for good sound while motoring and does a reasonable job competing cleanly with ambient noise. The nav system can be operated by both the 7-inch touchscreen or center-console knob controller. But the graphics are starting to look a little dated.

　　

Driver aids

8.0

　　Lane departure warning seems anathema to a car like the RF, but it's there along with other modern aids (blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert). Forward collision warning with low-speed automatic emergency braking is available 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 RF does zzdcar recommend?

　　Our choice for the ideal Miata RF would be the Grand Touring model with the new GT-S package. You get the comfort equipment from the Grand Touring, such as leather seats and automatic climate control, but with a limited-slip differential and a sport-tuned suspension. This setup is only available when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, but that's the transmission we recommend anyway.

　　

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF models

　　The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is available in two trim levels: Club and Grand Touring. We like the Club because of its available sport-oriented hardware, although buyers seeking more comfort and amenities will gravitate toward the Grand Touring's longer list of convenience features. Both trim levels are equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 151 pound-feet of torque) and are available with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

　　Standard equipment on the Club includes LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry and push-button start, a 7-inch infotainment screen with a console-mounted rotary control knob, a nine-speaker Bose stereo with headrest speakers, and cloth upholstery.

　　Manual-equipped Club versions are the sportiest, gaining a retuned suspension, Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip differential and a shock tower brace. You can also get a manual Club with upgraded Brembo front brakes, BBS wheels and heated Recaro sport seats. An optional i-Activsense package for the Club adds lane departure warning, forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking.

　　The Grand Touring is equipped with adaptive headlights, heated leather seats, a navigation system, a cloth-lined top, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, and automatic wipers. These features are nice to have but strike us as contradictory to the Miata's elemental nature. Then again, a power-folding top isn't exactly simple either. You also get the safety features from the Club's optional i-Activsense package.

　　Normally, the Grand Touring lacks the performance features of the Club, but you can add them back with the optional GT-S package (front shock tower brace, limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers and a black-painted roof). If you want to spruce up the look of your RF, the new 30th Anniversary package adds special badging, Recaro sport seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and exclusive orange paint and interior accents.

　　

2019 MX-5 Miata RF Highlights

Trim: ClubGrand Touring30th AnniversaryClub

　　

Base MSRP	$32,345
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$160/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	4.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles