Fewaffordable sports carshave earned the kind of loyalty and legend this one carries. It’s been a go-to for driving purists for decades, known for its lightweight design, rear-wheel-drive layout, and just the right amount of power.
The newest generation doesn’t try to fix what isn’t broken—it just sharpens the edges. With refined styling, improved handling, and a still-attainable price tag, it sticks to the formula that made it iconic while feeling fresher than ever.
We break down what your money gets, from trim levels andtech upgradesto the peppy engine that makes this little roadster a joy to drive.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Mazda, and other authoritative sources, including CarBuzz, Car and Driver, FuelEconomy.gov, and TopSpeed.
The Mazda MX-5 Is a True Sports Car—Without the High-End Price Tag
Mazda’s kept theMX-5true to its roots—a sports car that doesn’t need a trust fund to own. Instead of loading it up with flashy extras, they’ve focused on what matters: pure, honest driving.
That minimalist approach is part of the charm, but there are still a few trim levels to choose from if you want a little extra. We break down what each step up gets you, so you know exactly where your money’s going.
$29,530
$33,030
$34,830
$36,250
$37,550
$40,850
(Source:Mazda)
The 2025 Mazda MX-5 kicks things off just under $30K, putting it among the most affordable ways to get genuine sports car thrills. It keeps company with theToyota GR86and Subaru BRZ, but still manages to undercut them—no small feat in today’s market.
Sure, it doesn’t have back seats like its rivals, but what it lacks in practicality, it makes up for with a drop-top that turns every drive into an experience. You’ve got two flavors to choose from: the classic soft-top or the sleeker, pricier RF with a power-folding hard roof.
While the base model keeps things simple (in the best way), each trim level adds just enough comfort and tech to make daily driving more enjoyable, without watering down the fun.
Top Trim for Your Money
Unless you’re truly set on the sleek look of the RF’s hardtop, the soft-top is where the smart money goes. It’s lighter, just as fun, and the difference in road noise is barely noticeable.
That extra cash you save? you may put it toward a trim that adds more bang for your buck. The base Sport is a blast, but the Club steps things up with sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein dampers, 17-inch wheels, and a punchy nine-speaker Bose sound system.
The real draw, though, is the optional Brembo/BBS/Recaro package—premium brakes, lightweight wheels, and supportive seats that make the Miata feel track-ready without sacrificing street manners.
Mazda’s MX-5 Still Nails the Pure Joy of Driving
Mazda has spent decades fine-tuning the Miata, and with each generation, it gets a little more dialed-in, a little more driver-focused. The current MX-5 feels like the peak of that evolution.
It’s not about big horsepower numbers—and honestly, it doesn’t need them. What it lacks in brute force, it makes up for with balance, feedback, and an irresistible connection between car and driver.
6-Speed Manual or 6-Speed Automatic
181 HP
151 LB-FT
0-60 MPH
140 MPH
(Source: Mazda andCar and Driver)
The Miata was never built to win drag races—and that’s kind of the point. Sure, a 0–60 time of 5.7 seconds is a solid improvement, but this isn’t about straight-line speed.
What sets the MX-5 apart is how it makes any speed feel fun. It’s the most affordable rear-wheel-drive sports car with a manual gearbox, and it wrings joy out of every shift and corner.
Handling is where the magic really happens. It revs with enthusiasm, corners like it’s on rails, and themanual shifteris so crisp it feels like an extension of your hand—this thing drives like a street-legal go-kart.
And don’t forget the Miata’s legendary reliability. Whether you’re buying new or picking up a used gem, odds are it’ll still be running strong years down the road—HotCars has the data to prove it.
Packed With Performance Gear
Mazda kept the Miata simple, but that doesn’t mean they skimped on the good stuff. It’s a no-frills sports car, but it still comes packed with the kind of performance gear that makes it shine on any stretch of pavement.
Every 2025 MX-5 gets a torque-sensing limited-slip differential, 11-inch vented front discs, and dynamic stability control to keep things balanced when the road gets twisty. And if you spring for the Club with the optional package, you’re treated to lightweight BBS wheels, Brembo front brakes, an aero kit, and heated Recaro seats—track-day touches in a daily-drivable package.
Mazda’s MX-5 Delivers Top-Tier Fuel Efficiency for a Sports Car
One of the Miata’s biggest perks might surprise you—it’s impressively easy on gas. Sure, fuel economy isn’t usually the headline for a sports car, but Mazda knows that keeping running costs low is key to making this fun ride truly affordable.
26 MPG
34 MPG
29 MPG
35 MPG
(Source:Fuel Economy.gov)
The Mazda MX-5 punches well above its weight when it comes to fuel efficiency. It not only beats many sports cars in gas mileage but also stacks up against plenty of regular gas-powered cars—and both the manual and automatic versions deliver nearly the same numbers, so you won’t lose out whichever way you shift.
Some purists might raise an eyebrow, but Mazda is hinting that the next MX-5 could be a hybrid. This would boost fuel economy and add more power to the little roadster, and as long as the price stays reasonable, it could be a winning move for the Miata’s future.
Mazda Puts Driving Thrills First—So Practicality Takes a Backseat
There’s a small trade-off that comes with owning Mazda’s budget-friendly sports car. To keep the Miata light and affordable, you’ll have to accept limited cargo space and just one passenger seat—so it’s not really a one-car-for-everything kind of ride.
Inside Space and Comfort
TheMX-5isn’t built for spaciousness—it’s snug, with tight front seats that hold you close but aren’t the best for long drives. Cargo space is limited, and don’t expect many storage nooks inside; it’s clear this isn’t a practical choice if you need a do-it-all car.
Its rivals, like the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, offer a bit more breathing room with tiny rear seats and extra storage that grows when you fold those seats down. They’re still cozy, but definitely more versatile than the Miata when it comes to carrying passengers or gear.
Tech and Touches
Mazda isn’t trying to compete with luxury sports cars when it comes to cargo or passenger space—they’re focused on delivering a pure driver’s experience. The Miata isn’t a budgetBMW M2; it’s more like a compact Porsche Cayman, and it’s all about the thrill when you hit the gas.
That driver-first mindset shows in the tech, too. For the 2024 model year, the screen size was bumped up to 8.8 inches, but beyond that, it’s all about the essentials—the steering wheel, tachometer, and pedals. The interior might be simple, but it’s classy, with every detail built to a high standard that reflects Mazda’s commitment to quality.
