The 2024 Mazda Miata stays true to its roots as a lightweight, agile roadster designed for pure driving enjoyment. This compact sports car maintains its reputation for delivering an engaging and responsive driving experience while incorporating subtle updates for the modern era. The Miata is built for enthusiasts who crave a connected, unfiltered connection between the driver and the road, with a classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that has made it a beloved choice in the sports car segment for over three decades.
The exterior of the Miata is as sleek and elegant as ever. Its curvaceous lines, wide stance, and short overhangs create a dynamic and aggressive silhouette that is immediately recognizable. The signature Kodo design language gives the Miata a sense of movement even when standing still, with sharp angles and flowing curves that make it a standout on the road. The Miata’s compact proportions emphasize its purpose as a driver-focused vehicle, while its classic, minimalist styling speaks to its rich heritage. Available in a range of vibrant colors, including Mazda’s signature Soul Red Crystal, the Miata remains one of the most stylish and iconic sports cars on the market.
Under the hood, the Miata is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers may seem modest compared to more powerful rivals, the Miata’s lightweight design (weighing just over 2,300 pounds) allows it to make the most of its power. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic, both offering crisp and engaging shifts. The Miata’s high-revving nature and responsive throttle make it a joy to drive on winding roads and tight corners.
On the road, the Miata delivers one of the most engaging driving experiences you can find. Its lightweight chassis, perfectly balanced 50/50 weight distribution, and precise steering make it incredibly nimble and agile. The Miata excels at cornering, offering quick turn-in response and minimal body roll. The six-speed manual transmission provides an involving and satisfying feel with each shift, while the rear-wheel-drive layout allows for playful handling dynamics. Despite its small size, the Miata feels stable and composed at high speeds, and its excellent feedback from the road makes every drive a thrilling experience.
The 2024 Miata is relatively fuel-efficient for a sports car, offering an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. The automatic variant offers similar numbers, making it a viable option for those who want performance without compromising too much on fuel efficiency. Thanks to its lightweight design and efficient engine, the Miata balances its fun-to-drive nature with commendable fuel economy.
When it comes to safety, the Miata includes a range of advanced driver-assistance features to help keep occupants secure. Mazda’s i-Activsense safety suite comes standard across all trims, providing features such as lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. While the Miata may lack the extensive safety equipment found in larger vehicles, these features contribute to added peace of mind for drivers in a compact sports car.
Inside, the Miata offers a simple yet driver-focused cabin. While space is understandably limited, the Miata’s interior is thoughtfully designed with high-quality materials and an emphasis on functionality. The driver and passenger sit low in the car, with supportive sport seats that provide a snug and comfortable fit during spirited driving. Although minimal in terms of luxury, the Miata’s interior is well-appointed, featuring soft-touch materials, leather-wrapped surfaces, and modern controls. There is also adequate trunk space for weekend getaways, given its compact size.
The Miata comes with modern technology features, including a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system is intuitive and easy to navigate, controlled via a rotary knob on the center console. A premium Bose audio system is available on higher trims, ensuring that your favorite tunes sound great even with the top down. Keyless entry, push-button start, and climate control are also standard features, ensuring the Miata is equipped with the essentials for an enjoyable driving experience.
Mazda offers the 2024 Miata in a few distinct trims: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring. The base Sport trim comes with standard features like LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, and the aforementioned infotainment system. The mid-tier Club trim adds a sportier suspension setup, limited-slip differential, and 17-inch wheels, making it ideal for enthusiasts who want a more dynamic driving experience. The top-tier Grand Touring trim focuses on luxury, offering leather-trimmed seats, automatic climate control, and advanced safety features. Pricing starts around $28,000 for the base Sport trim and can reach around $35,000 for the Grand Touring.
The RF (Retractable Fastback) trim is a standout feature in the Miata lineup, offering a power-folding hardtop that adds a touch of refinement and practicality to the roadster. The RF model provides a quieter cabin experience compared to the standard soft-top, making it more suitable for long-distance cruising. Despite the addition of the hardtop, the RF maintains the same dynamic performance and handling characteristics as the soft-top model, ensuring that drivers can still enjoy the Miata’s legendary driving experience.
The 2024 Mazda Miata remains one of the purest expressions of driving pleasure on the market. Its lightweight design, precise handling, and engaging performance make it a true enthusiast’s car. While it may lack some of the luxury and tech features found in other sports cars, the Miata’s focus on driving enjoyment is unmatched. With the addition of the RF trim for those seeking a bit more refinement, the Miata continues to be a standout in the compact sports car segment, delivering zoom zoom and excitement in every drive.
