2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

　　

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　With every generation of its MX-5 Miata, Mazda's goal has been to produce a car that can deliver a pure and enjoyable driving experience. It's easily overachieved that aim with its latest fourth-generation Miata, which has been around since 2016. This is a lightweight two-seat roadster that trumpets the basics of sports car design while offering a just-right amount of modern convenience.

　　For 2021, changes to the MX-5 Miata are minimal. Mazda has added wireless connectivity to Apple CarPlay smartphone integration and, as a possible appeal to perennially neat and tidy people, added white leather seats as an option. It's still pretty much in a class by itself too. Alternatively, you could consider the Mini Convertible as a more stylish option or the Chevrolet Camaro or Ford Mustang for more performance potential. Read out Expert Rating below for our full in-depth take on this year's Miata.

　　

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 of 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 coverage from our editors on everything from the way the Miata drives to its reliability.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

9.0/10

　　How does the MX-5 Miata drive? The Miata's featherweight construction and rear-wheel-drive platform mean that you can have a ton of fun even without a supremely powerful engine. That said, the latest Miata is pretty quick. In our testing, our manual-equipped Club test car sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds flat. The Miata's brakes are another high point since they're both easy to use and good for quick stops when you need them.

　　The Miata responds best to smooth steering inputs. Do that and this is a supremely fun car to toss into a corner with abandon. There's a lot of body roll (even with the Club suspension), but the only time that becomes an issue is during fast, aggressive driving.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the MX-5 Miata? Small two-seat roadsters aren't known for comfort, but the Miata is surprisingly livable in the day-to-day grind. The Club has a firmer ride than other Miata trims because of its Bilstein dampers, but it still has pretty good compliance over rough roads. Only larger potholes will send a shiver through the chassis. The optional Recaro seats offer an enviable combination of support, breathability and comfort. But they sit higher than the standard seats, making them a no-go for passengers over 6 feet tall.

　　The Miata's only significant drawback comfort-wise is the abundant cabin noise. Road and wind noise increases significantly with speed. On the highway, you'll have to crank the stereo to really hear it.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The cabin's elegant design makes the most of the tidy space and prioritizes the fun of driving. There are minimal controls, and those that exist are, perhaps unsurprisingly, easy to reach. The controls are placed cleverly, but their ease of use is primarily due to the Miata's minuscule cabin size.

　　Drivers around 6 feet tall will push the boundaries of head- and legroom, and anyone much taller than that might not fit at all. But average-size drivers will have no problem finding an agreeable position. Forward visibility is great, and even though the rear view isn't exceptional, your proximity to the glass helps reduce blind spots. The manual convertible top is phenomenally easy to use.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The MX-5 must balance driving purity with a driver's desire for modern connectivity and safety tech. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration comes standard on the Club and Grand Touring trim levels. There's also an impressive list of active safety features, though the Miata's tiny size means you don't truly need things such as blind-spot monitoring.

　　The nine-speaker Bose audio system does a good job both filling the cabin with sound and competing with ambient noise. Voice controls are limited and stick to a menu of on-screen prompts, but the system recognizes speech well.

　　

Storage

6.0/10

　　How’s the storage? No one should expect a two-seat convertible to be a utilitarian machine, so the Miata's lack of carrying capacity shouldn't come as a surprise. The trunk measures just 4.6 cubic feet. Unlike larger convertibles, there's no back seat to use as a cargo shelf. There's not even a glovebox. Instead, the Miata just has a small bin between the seats that serves as the main storage area for things like smartphones, wallets or small handbags.

　　There is sufficient room for one child or toddler in a forward-facing seat or booster only. There are no LATCH anchors or top-tether attachment points.

　　

Fuel Economy

9.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? EPA-estimated fuel economy for the six-speed manual is 29 mpg combined (26 city/34 highway), making the MX-5 way more efficient than other drop-tops such as the Ford Mustang convertible. We have found it easy to replicate these estimates in real-world scenarios too.

　　

Value

8.5/10

　　Is the MX-5 Miata a good value? The Miata justifies its price. An abundance of soft plastics and faux leather coverings give the interior an upscale feel. The price can creep up in upper trims and with option packages, but the Miata is a good value overall.

　　Mazda's bumper-to-bumper warranty is good for three years/36,000 miles, while the powertrain is covered for five years/60,000 miles. These are average for the segment. Roadside assistance is offered for three years/36,000 miles, which is below average among non-luxury convertibles.

　　

Wildcard

9.5/10

　　The MX-5 has a purity that's missing from modern vehicles. Drivers are fully engaged as the car executes their wishes with immediacy and accuracy. Its performance numbers aren't sensational, but the joy it brings when you're driving it well is unmeasurable.

　　

Which MX-5 Miata does zzdcar recommend?

Aim for the middle ground and grab the Club. The Club's heated seats and nine-speaker Bose audio system are nice upgrades over the Sport trim, but we really like the limited-slip differential and upgraded shocks that come standard when you opt for the near-perfect manual transmission. Should you be even more enthusiastic about driving, the Brembo/BBS Recaro package offers upgraded brakes, wheels and grippy Recaro sport seats. Just be advised those Recaro seats make the already small cabin even more cramped for taller drivers.

　　

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata models

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small two-seat convertible and comes in three trim levels: Sport, Club and Grand Touring. All are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 151 lb-ft of torque) that drives the rear wheels. On all trims, a six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. Standard feature highlights include:

　　Sport

　　The base Sport starts you off with:

　　16-inch alloy wheels LED headlights Keyless entry and ignition 7-inch touchscreen Six-speaker audio system Two USB ports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front and can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent) Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Rear cross-traffic alert (alerts you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)Club

　　The Club is the sportiest of the bunch, adding:

　　17-inch black wheels Black front lip and rear spoilers Upper door trim in exterior color Heated seats Nine-speaker Bose audio system Club models with the manual transmission also add:

　　Shock tower brace (stiffens the body structure to help with handling precision) Limited-slip differential (enhances traction during acceleration) Sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers Engine sound enhancerThe Club's unique Brembo/BBS Recaro package is only available with the manual. It includes:

　　Brembo front brakes with red front and rear calipers Gray BBS wheels Aerodynamic body kit Heated Recaro sport seats Grand Touring

　　The Grand Touring is the most luxurious MX-5. It builds off the Club (minus the front and rear spoilers) and adds:

　　Dark gray wheels Automatic headlights and wipers Heated mirrors Auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors Cloth-lined soft top Automatic climate control Leather upholstery Navigation system Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay

　　

2021 MX-5 Miata Highlights

Trim: SportClubGrand TouringSport

　　

Base MSRP	$26,830
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