The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata proves that you don’t need overwhelming power or complicated technology to have genuine fun behind the wheel. This lightweight roadster has earned the #1 ranking in the sports car category with an impressive 9.4 out of 10 score from U.S. News, and for good reason.
What Makes the Miata Special
Unlike many modern sports cars that rely on massive horsepower figures, the Miata takes a different approach. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, which might seem modest on paper. However, the lightweight design allows this roadster to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.
What really sets the Miata apart is how it makes you feel connected to the road. The steering is light with terrific feedback, and the six-speed manual transmission delivers short, precise throws that are simply a joy to use. Every drive becomes an engaging experience, whether you’re navigating city streets or winding country roads.
Two Ways to Enjoy Open-Air Driving
Mazda offers the MX-5 in two distinct configurations. The traditional soft-top version maintains the classic roadster experience with a manually operated fabric roof that’s quick and easy to lower. For those wanting a more coupe-like appearance, the RF (Retractable Fastback) features a power-folding hard top that transforms the car’s silhouette entirely.
Trim Levels and Pricing
| Trim Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Sport Soft-Top | $29,530 |
| Club Soft-Top | $33,030 |
| Grand Touring Soft-Top | $34,830 |
| 35th Anniversary Edition | $36,250 |
| Club RF | $38,535 |
| Grand Touring RF | $42,285 |
The base Sport trim comes well-equipped with essentials like air conditioning, LED lighting, and a 6-speaker audio system. The Club trim adds sporty elements including 17-inch black wheels, sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein dampers, and a limited-slip differential. Grand Touring models focus on luxury with leather upholstery, navigation, and additional convenience features.
Special Edition for 2025
The new 35th Anniversary Edition is limited to just 300 units in the United States, featuring exclusive Artisan Red Metallic paint and a tan Nappa leather interior. This commemorative model celebrates over three decades of Miata heritage and represents the pinnacle of the current generation.
Real-World Performance and Efficiency
The Miata’s performance extends beyond acceleration numbers. It handles city streets remarkably well despite its sports car nature, with only minor roughness over severely damaged pavement. The suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control.
Fuel economy is impressive for a sports car, with EPA estimates of 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the manual transmission. The optional automatic transmission slightly improves highway efficiency to 35 mpg while maintaining the same city rating.
Interior Reality Check
Let’s be honest about the Miata’s interior space. There’s room for two people and not much else, with a trunk capacity of just 4.6 cubic feet. The console is so narrow that traditional cup holders don’t fit – instead, removable ones attach where possible.
However, the seats are comfortable, supportive, and grippy, while high-quality materials adorn the small space. The driving position is excellent, and shorter drivers will find the cabin feels perfectly tailored to them.
Technology That Makes Sense
Standard tech includes an 8.8-inch display, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and dual USB-C ports. The Club trim adds wireless smartphone integration and a Bose 9-speaker audio system, while Grand Touring models include navigation.
The Miata’s approach to technology is refreshingly straightforward. Rather than overwhelming you with gadgets, Mazda focuses on essential features that enhance rather than distract from the driving experience.
Safety and Practicality
Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Grand Touring trims add adaptive cruise control and other advanced driver assistance features.
Should You Buy One?
The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata has an excellent value rating for the sports car class. If you’re looking for a pure sports car experience without the complexity and high costs typically associated with performance vehicles, the Miata delivers exactly what it promises.
The Club soft-top represents the sweet spot for most buyers, offering the perfect balance of performance, features, and value. Adding the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package ($4,900) brings additional performance components for track enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Miata reliable for daily driving?
A: Yes, the Miata has proven reliability over decades of production, though cargo space limitations make it better suited as a second car or for those with minimal hauling needs.
Q: Which transmission should I choose?
A: The six-speed manual is highly recommended for the full Miata experience, offering precise shifts and better connection to the driving dynamics.
Q: How does it compare to competitors?
A: While cars like the Toyota GR86 offer more power, the Miata’s open-top design and lighter weight provide a unique experience that’s hard to match.
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