The lovable 2-seat sports car is better than ever!
Trends come and go, and we’ve seen a bunch of them, compact SUVs, 3-row SUVs, EVs, full-size trucks, compact trucks, etc.…And we don’t mind the spice that comes with new and exciting directions. But we also like things that stand the test of time, especially things that bring us joy. And since 1990, the Mazda Miata has been the small, affordable sports car designed to delight driving enthusiasts.
Every time we get into a Miata it reminds us why we love to drive, and why we love sports cars. So, when Mazda gave us the opportunity to drive the 2024 MX-5 (also known as the Miata), with a host of notable improvements, we jumped at the chance.
Sleek, Athletic and Upscale
Mazda introduced the 4th generation (known as the ND) MX-5 Miata for the 2016 model year, but they’ve managed to keep things fresh over the years. It was an interesting step from the previous model (the NC for those in the know) that had gotten a bit larger – a trend we’ve seen in a lot of other cars, including sports car legends like the Porsche 911. Instead, Mazda tightened things up, tailored the look and went back to the purist roots found in the original 1990 model.
Speaking of purity, while the last few Miata’s we’ve tested have been the RF model, which stands for “Retractable Fastback” our tester this time was a fabric soft-top, and we love the classic looks.
From the front, the Miata has a happy smile with a nicely sized grille, while the sharply angled LED headlamps that feature a new daytime running lamp element that’s modern, but without the frowny looks we seem to find on most other cars. This is not an angry car!
The profile is pure sports car, with minimal front and rear overhands, a bit of muscle in the fenders, and large radiused wheel wells, with 8-spoke, 17-inch, machine-finished, alloy wheels looking meaty and capable.
We especially love the new-for-2024 LED afterburner-style rear taillights, that give off a Jaguar-like vibe, and a curved lower fascia that echoes a dual exhaust and adds a tough look. Finishing things off was the optional Aero Gray paint. New for 2024. it’s a creamy, cement-colored tone that’s popular right now, and on our tester, it just made it look upscale and expensive.
Pure Sport Car Interior
While the interior remains a true driver-focused design, Mazda has continued to massage it to enhance the experience. Plop down into the supportive driver’s seat, and you’ll find the center console gets some added padding, while the gauge cluster has new simplified high-contrast graphics. Subtle, but appreciated. Despite the MX-5’s tight exterior dimensions, you don’t feel cramped inside – there’s enough legroom for taller drivers, and you really get that sports-car, intimate vibe.
That said, there are some compromises in such a small space. For example, there’s no glove box and the center console storage spot under you elbow is tiny. You do have a large storage area between the seats on the rear bulkhead, but it’s not easy to get to when you’re seated in the car. And there’s additional storage behind the passenger seat.
Another step up is the larger 8.8-inch info-tainment display, with a more horizontal layout that looks upscale and sleek. Tech includes new touch-screen functionality when using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’ve also got Mazda’s first integration of Alexa serving up hands-free control of the audio system and climate control. Worth noting: The exceptionally clear and loud phone system made making calls easy, even with the top down and windows open while driving.
Mazda is a master of the convertible top. You can swing it up or down from the driver’s seat, and it clicks into place easily. Literally a 5-10 second job. Those who feel the need for a metal retractable top will find that also available and it does give the Miata a distinctive look. For us, we’ll take the fabric top!
Our tester also enjoyed the new Tan Nappa leather interior which really brightens up the small space and looks quite tasteful.
Still Zoom-Zoomin’
When there’s a Miata in your garage, it’s always calling to you – this sports car wants to play, and driving one is one of autodom’s greatest pleasures.
A rev-happy, 4 cylinder has always been part of the Miata’s prescription, and this one’s a honey, a 2.0-liter, normally aspirated engine producing 181 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft of torque. While this doesn’t sound huge, remember the MX-5 is a lightweight.
That engine loves to pull to redline, and the standard 6-speed manual transmission is a delight, with short, light throws, and with 0-60 coming up in under 6 seconds, it’s plenty quick for real-world traffic. It’s thrifty, too with a combined 29 mpg EPA rating.
Of course, you should escape traffic and find a winding road, as the Miata’s handling is superb, with great steering feel, quick response and plenty of grip. And it’s so approachable too, a leisurely cruise is a delight, and when you give it the spurs, it’s a thrill as well. Mazda made a major update to the power steering for 2024, and it’s hard for us to tell without doing a back-to-back comparison, but it is precise, and features a strong on-center feel for effortless cruising.
Speaking of effortless cruising, we were surprised how supple and comfortable the ride was, even on our choppy Los Angeles freeways. Again, considering the short wheelbase and overall size, it’s impressive suspension tuning. Mazda even makes your commute more enjoyable for 2024, with a new adaptive cruise control and a rear-automated emergency braking system. How they fit all this in such a small package is amazing engineering!
Affordable Fun?
You bet! The MX-5 Sport starts at $28,985, and there’s no better fun-for-the-buck in the marketplace. Our tester was the more luxurious MX-5 Grand Touring, which serves up leather seats, navigation adaptive front lighting and more. At $34,285 it’s still impressive value. The only option on our tester was the delightful Aero Gray paint and Tan Nappa Leather combo at $750. Add in $1,185 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $36,200.
While affordable convertible sports cars used to be plentiful, including Triumph, MG, Alfa Romeo, the Miata is now the last of its kind. The closest you can get to it are the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 twins, which are dynamite little sports cars and a bit more practical to boot. But without a convertible top – or even a sunroof – they come up short. And BMW’s Z4 convertible starts at a lofty $54,050. If you want that wind-in-your-hair enjoyment, the Mazda is in a class by itself.
Gorgeous, fun, with added upgrades to make it even more desirable, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata is our favorite sports car!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.