2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The original MX-5 Miata was first introduced at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show and has since become an iconic roadster. It's currently in its fourth generation that has been in production since 2015 with subtle updates over the past nine years.  New for 2024 is an asymmetrical limited-slip differential, upgraded Mazda Connect technology, updated LED headlights & taillights, new wheel designs, and new colors.

All MX-5 Miata models have a front engine, rear-wheel drive layout, with a Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm routed through a six-speed transmission. The MX-5 Miata Sport and Club models are exclusively paired with a six-speed manual transmission and MX-5 Miata Grand Touring is offered in either a manual transmission or a quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

It is available in two versions, either the standard MX-5 Miata convertible or the RF fastback with a retractable roof. The soft top convertible is available in three trims, Sport, Club, and Grand Touring with prices starting at $28,985 for the Sport and up to $34,285 for the Grand Touring. RF models come in two variants, Grand Touring starting $37,010 or Club models starting at $40,210. Competition is minimal in this segment but would primarily be vehicles such as the BMW Z4, Ford Mustang, Nissan Z, Toyota GR86, and Subaru BRZ. I spent a week in the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring and here's what stood out...

Exterior (+)
Despite this generation's age (9 years) the MX-5 Miata still looks good on the roads. The new LED daytime running lights up front and rear taillights in the back freshen its style along with the new wheel designs. Aero Gray is a new color for 2024 that joins the Zircon Sand Metallic that was added in 2023. These new earth tone colors are trending and look good with the dark trim and wheels. Sport models come with 16" alloys and high-performance tires while Club and  Grand Touring models get 17" wheels metallic black and combination black/machined finishes. I appreciate the MX-5 Miata has evolved, but still remained true to its roots as a compact roadster. While it has grown slightly, proportions are still on point. This car still evokes smiles and head-turns when cruising down the road... I even had a couple waves from fellow Miata drivers.

Powertrain (+)
All models come with the same 2.0L four-cylinder that delivers 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque exclusively with rear-wheel drive. It has sufficient power to propel fit from 0-60 MPH in 5.5 - 5.7 seconds depending on which version you opt for. On paper, the numbers may not look overly compelling, but behind the wheel this car is the definition of fun-to-drive cars. This lightweight 2,400 lb vehicle zips through traffic and around corners. The short shift manual transmission is engaging and a thrill to operate. Even the automatic is slick and highly capable on both highways and racetracks. It's one of the purest sports cars available that is highly athletic and entertaining to drive. It's agile with attentive tight steering in any driving situation. I've had the chance to drive this car on the road and in autocross track settings. Pushing it to its limits and screaming around corners as you shift through the gears is what the MX-5 Miata is meant to do.

While it's generally smooth over normal roadways, it does become a little tossable on uneven roads. Hitting the slightest bumps can cause it to bounce and feel a little unstable. While it may be unsettling to drivers seeking the ultimate comfort cruiser, it will likely appeal to the targeting enthusiast type of driver. I thoroughly enjoyed driving this car and it's liveable for day-to-day driving.

Fuel Economy (+)
When it arrived with a full 11.9-gallon fuel tank, the MX-5 Miata offered a driving range capable of around 350 miles. EPA estimates are 26/34/29 MPG city/highway/combined for the manual transmission or 26/35/30 MPG city/highway/combined for the automatic. Premium unleaded fuel is recommended, but it will also run on regular unleaded as well. It ranks high in overall economy compared to many other sports cars on the market.

Interior / Technology (+)
As a two-seat convertible, there is not a lot of interior space to review. Materials inside are high-quality and well laid out with extra padding on the center console. It gets a revised gauge cluster that features simplified graphics that are easy to read with the top up or down. A new, larger 8.8" infotainment display is now standard that includes wireless integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and for the first time Amazon Alexa.  The system is intuitive and works with touchscreen, buttons, and voice commands. The menu is straightforward, and the physical buttons on the center console let you adjust audio and climate settings quickly. A rotary controller on the center console is easy to reach, but you'll likely bump into it while shifting gears.Other options include navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, satellite radio, a Bose nine-speaker audio system and automatic climate control.

Seating (+/-)
Accommodations are tight, but reasonable for a vehicle of this size. The seats wrap around you but are comfortable with reasonable support.  It comes standard with cloth upholstery and manually adjustable seats. Leather upholstery and heated seats are optional. If you're over 6' tall, this may not be the right car for you, but that should be somewhat obvious. The seats are as low as they can get to maximize headroom, but that can require more effort getting in and out. Tan Nappa leather seats are a new upgradable option to the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring's standard black leather seats. Furthermore, the dark interior accents are exchanged for bright silver finishes while adding heated leather seats, Mazda Navigation system, automatic climate control, and a frameless auto-dim rearview mirror with HomeLink. With the small cabin, it's easy to reach up and manually fold the cloth top up or down in seconds.

Cargo Capacity (-)
Cargo room is minimal with only 4.6 cubic feet of trunk space. Most of its competitors like the Subaru BRZ / Toyota GR86 or Ford Mustang offer significantly more. Despite the minimal space, the trunk is deeper than I expected. You'll have to pack light as there isn't much more additional storage inside either. There is a small cubby between the seats, but it's an awkward space and better served for locking personal effects when the top is down.

Safety (+)
Standard driver assist features are minimal, but include basics like forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.  i-Activsense safety technology is available with additional features that include traffic sign recognition, high beam control, adaptive front lighting, rear cross traffic alert, and Mazda radar cruise control. All of the features work well and are a good supplement to the car's small stature.

Final Statement
The Mazda MX-5 Miata has evolved appropriately over time with just the right mix of new technology and raw basic car fun. The updates this year make it even more enjoyable to drive with improved handling. Upgraded technology keeps it current and the exterior style updates are subtle, but effective. This car is pure fun all-around and is great for a top-down cruise.

First Impression Summary

Test Vehicle: 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring
Exterior Color: Aero Gray
Interior Color: Tan Nappa Leather
Options: Paint Color ($750)
MSRP as tested: $36,200 (With Delivery/Destination)

Pros: Agile/Nimble handling, peppy acceleration, short-shift manual, updated technology
Cons: Limited cargo/storage, difficult to get in/out