2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Convertible

　　

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　Sports cars with retractable hardtops are usually high-dollar luxury models that few can afford, but that's not the case with the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. It's without a doubt on the small side, but its tiny stature and agile handling afford it something most power-hardtop convertibles are missing: pure driving pleasure. While other sports cars provide more power and offer more features, the Miata just wants to put a big smile on your face.

　　Most are familiar with the regular MX-5 Miata (which is reviewed separately) and its traditional soft top. The Miata RF sports a power-folding hardtop that can quickly come down for fun in the sun or be left up when needed. When the top is up, the RF transforms into a chic fastback-style coupe that provides more insulation from the weather than the soft top does. It weighs a bit more than the soft-top Miata but is just as fun to drive. On the downside, the Miata RF's more complicated power hardtop and lack of the lower-priced Sport trim make it more expensive than the regular Miata.

　　The 2023 MX-5 Miata RF is a specialized and reasonably priced sports car offering lots of style and almost unparalleled driving dynamics. Its small size, however, doesn't make it a viable option for many people. If you need something a little larger that's still a blast to drive, consider the Toyota GR86. Or if you prefer more muscle, the Ford Mustang convertible might be the better option. There's also the Mini Convertible, another tiny, fun-to-drive drop-top. If you're having a hard time deciding if the Miata RF is right for you, make sure to read our test team's in-depth review in the zzdcar Expert Rating below.

　　

What's it like to live with?

We never had a MX-5 Miata RF as a long-term test vehicle, but we did have not one but two fourth-generation (current-generation) regular Miatas. Besides the type of roof, both versions of the Miata are practically identical. We got our hands on a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata and drove it over 20,000 miles. Then, when Mazda updated the Miata, we bought a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata to see whether the upgrades, which include a more powerful engine, made a difference. Check out the links above to find out what we thought of the little roadster's performance, comfort, fuel efficiency and more.

　　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 RF drive? The Miata's featherweight construction and rear-wheel-drive platform mean that you can have a ton of fun without a supremely powerful engine. There's just 181 horsepower on tap, yet our manual transmission-equipped Miata RF test car sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in a respectably quick 6.6 seconds. You'll get the most driver engagement by picking the manual transmission.

　　The Miata's brakes are another strong point — they are both easy to control and post short stopping distances. Though steering is a little light in effort, the steering wheel is just the right size and offers immediate response. The Miata responds best to smooth and deliberate inputs. It's precise and predictable, and it's easy to catch the rear end if it starts to slide out if you get a bit overzealous. There's noticeable body roll (even with the Club suspension), but the only time that becomes an issue is during fast, aggressive driving.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the MX-5 Miata RF? 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 sport 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, even with the additional sound insulation the RF provides compared to the soft top. Road and wind noise increases significantly with speed. On the highway, you'll have to raise your voice to talk to your passenger.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below