(NOTE: The Mazda MX-5 Miata remains unchanged for 2025 except for the discontinuation of the Zircon Sand Metallic exterior color shown here, which was only available on the 2023 and 2024 models.)
For the driving enthusiast, the Miata embodies pure joy. No matter the roof or generation, this iconic roadster continues to prove that it’s a winning formula for maximizing fun. Light and agile, the Miata prioritizes driver connection. Together with a high-revving engine and sweet manual transmission, it’s the ultimate expression of horse and rider as one. Nearly a decade into its current generation, the Miata feels modern, all while retaining a fresh back-to-basics ethos.
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Agility Without Compromise
Purity and agility. That’s the Miata’s modus operandi, and it’s remained true to that throughout its four generations. The current fourth generation — dubbed ND — marks the best iteration of this lightweight sports car to date, especially the stylish RF.
Slip behind the wheel, and the car turns into an extension of the driver. The light yet quick steering does exactly what you want and is even more communicative thanks to its improved precision and feel. Additionally, a masterfully tuned suspension gives you the perfect balance of responsive handling and a comfortable ride. Meanwhile, well-controlled body motions add extra communication, allowing the driver to stay connected with the vehicle. The rear-wheel drive layout also adds to the fun by allowing you to rotate the vehicle with the accelerator or induce controlled drifts at low speeds.
Building on its proven foundations, the Miata includes an asymmetrical limited-slip differential on manual-equipped Club and Grand Touring models. As a result, it puts power down efficiently, allowing the wheel with the most grip, while improving cornering stability. Every Miata also includes Kinetic Posture Control, a type of brake-based torque vectoring system. In turn, the system slows down the inner wheel through subtle brake applications. This allows the car to stay neutral and enables the driver to rotate the vehicle using the accelerator pedal.
Responsive and Connected
As for the 2.0L four-cylinder engine? It’s a peach. Generating 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, it moves this Miata RF effortlessly, despite its 2,466-pound curb weight, which is around 100 pounds more than the soft top. It’ll happily rev to its 7,500-rpm redline all day just to put a smile on your face. Near-instant throttle response complements the engine’s rev-happy character, making it incredibly satisfying to wind out.
Best of all, the Miata’s engine comes paired with one of the best six-speed manual gearboxes available. Every shift feels so satisfying with short, mechanical throws that have just the right amount of notchiness. Meanwhile, the short clutch travel and relatively instant engagement the moment you ease off add to its direct and connected feel. The lack of rev hang enhances this further, giving the Miata a truly athletic character that’s up for a good time any day of the week.
When it’s time to stop, the Miata’s light curb weight and strong brakes deliver. The available Brembo front brakes on the Club offer more stopping power and a perfect pedal feel that’s oh-so satisfying. Furthermore, the Miata’s brakes manage to avoid feeling abrupt, all while retaining its responsiveness and natural feel.
Svelte and Purposeful
Timeless. That’s the best description for the ND Miata. Since its arrival as a 2016 model, its exterior design remained relatively untouched until 2024, when it received subtle design details. These changes include LED daytime running lights in the headlight cluster and new LED taillights with the reverse lights housed in the middle. The latter also has a cool 3D jet engine-like effect for added pizzazz! Additionally, the Miata also received a mildly updated front grille and new reflectors where the reverse lights used to be.
Inside, it’s all about the driver. Controls come within easy reach and fall right into hand from the driver’s seat. This layout also enhances the Miata’s sporty personality, especially within the cozy confines of its cabin. Additionally, body-colored interior trim adds an enveloping sensation to this cockpit-like layout. Premium materials abound, giving the Miata that class-above feel. Just don’t expect a quiet cabin because this little roadster doesn’t have much sound deadening.
The intimate interior does have its limits. Minimal seat adjustability means you can’t recline it much. To compensate for the lack of height controls, angled rails allow the driver’s seat to get higher as you move it forward. Additionally, people over six feet may not fit inside the Miata because of its tidy interior. Passenger space is also at a premium, especially on the Club and Grand Touring because of the Bose audio system’s floor-mounted subwoofer. On the plus side, the available Recaro seats hold you well on those enthusiastic drives, all while remaining comfortable on the daily drive.
Convenience Enough
As part of its 2024 refresh, Mazda updated the infotainment system. Unlike the outgoing interface, it’s more responsive and has crisper graphics. However, the 8.8-inch display only becomes a touchscreen when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. As a result, you’ll need to use the knob and buttons just behind the shifter. The Miata does redeem itself with its awesome nine-speaker Bose premium audio system. Featuring two speakers mounted on each headrest, it offers an immersive listening experience with the top up or down.
In terms of driver assistance tech, every Miata includes Mazda’s i-ActivSense suite as standard equipment. Additionally, it also includes a standard blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. Looking for adaptive cruise control? It only comes on the automatic models. While most of its components work subtly, the lane departure warning system can get overly intrusive since it freaks out even at the slightest hint of you coming close to lane lines.
Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Ultimate Roadster
No other vehicle brings so much joy as the Mazda MX-5 Miata. From its engaging drive to its timeless design, it’s a proven formula that’s so fresh and modern yet pure. Every drive turns into an event, and you’ll look for a reason to get behind the wheel, even if it’s just for a grocery run. Think of the Miata as the modern iteration of the classic British and Italian roadster that inspired it, only this time it’s backed by a strong reputation for reliability. Those with the means to own one should do so. This is a future classic that lives up to its predecessors. Long live the Miata. Long live the roadster.
