Having the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF in the garage for an extended period was a nice change of pace. We enjoyed its back-to-basics feel and driving experience, especially its satisfying manual transmission. However, all things must come to an end. We’ve appreciated the Miata for what it is and there’s nothing else like it. Unfortunately, life moves and we must go along with it to the next chapter without the dimunitive roadster.
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF was a reminder of the good times from our youth. It gave us a sense of youthfulness and fun as we age. From the smooth, high-revving 2.0-liter I-4 with 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque to its incredible six-speed manual, this car thrilled. A perfectly tuned chassis and steering, a curb weight of 2,453 lbs., and a tail-happy personality rounded out the entire experience. It’s fun and frenetic 24/7. Best of all, the car’s ride remains agreeable, despite the short wheelbase and stiff suspension tuning.
Can you daily drive one? We answered that in a long-term update with a yes! Part of it is due to its exceptional fuel economy. The EPA rates the Miata with a stick at 26/34/29 mpg city/highway/combined. In the real world, it consistently beat its official ratings. We easily achieved over 40 mpg on the highway and averaged 33 mpg in mixed driving. Even in all city driving, the car never went below 30 mpg.
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Caveats
The 2024 model year saw some improvements to the Miata’s quality of life. An updated infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen brought a bit more modernity. It featured cleaner graphics and simpler controls. Additionally, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked flawlessly and never glitched out. On the other hand, the nine-speaker Bose premium audio system sounded incredible top up or top down.
As with every car, things are not all perfect with the Miata. This roadster allows you to enjoy the drive with the wind in your hair in either soft top or RF hardtop form. However, you must take several things into consideration before jumping into one. First, the cabin. It’s tight in there. You’re essentially shoulder to shoulder with your passenger because every measurement is at a premium. Head and leg room, in particular, feel particularly lacking. Your knees are inches away from the dash and risk scraping when you’re working the clutch. Storage space, isn’t much either, meaning you have to rely on the tiny 4.5-cubic-foot trunk a lot.
The Great Seat Debacle
Seat comfort can also turn into an issue in the Miata. Having owned variants with the standard sport seats and a Club with Recaros, I can confirm the latter have more bolstering. However, both seat options lack lumbar support for the lower back. They’re also incredibly narrow, preventing people of larger frames from getting comfortable. Additionally, height adjustment is nearly nonexistent. Although, the driver’s seat features a slanted rail that raises it as you slide it forward, it’s a compromised solution. Taller drivers still can’t fit properly, while average-sized adults end up in awkward driving positions with either legs scrunched up or sitting way too upright. The small range of motion on the tilt/telescopic steering wheel doesn’t help things either.
So, which one seat should you get? My pick is the Recaro seats. However, it means giving up additional conveniences, such as automatic headlights and automatic climate control. Meanwhile, going with the standard sport seat allows you to choose supple Nappa leather in a nice two-tone scheme that goes well with the body-colored interior trim. The Grand Touring trim also adds some nice contrast with silver-colored climate control dials and air vent trim.
Unlike Any Other
The Miata, despite its flaws, epitomizes a vehicle honed to perfection. A car that emphasizes fun over brute force and outright track capability. This roadster defines a driver’s car. It’s fun, engaging, and won’t beat you up. Alongside the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ, the Miata is one of the best tools to learn the nuances and mechanics of driving. It’s a great teacher because it communicates everything to the driver. Best of all, this roadster will make you feel every repercussion when you mess up.
Unfortunately, the Miata’s singular focus on driving fun and purity compromised everything else. It’s cramped and not everyone can fit inside. Plus, its trunk barely fits anything except a couple of small duffel bags. So yes, the Miata’s the perfect small sports car, especially with its sub-2,500-pound curb weight. However, it comes with significant compromises, enough that it’s better as a second or third vehicle. Yes, you can drive it daily, but it comes with significant compromises. After all, the Miata is a toy.
So, should you buy one as a weekend car? Definitely. Now in the market for over a decade, the fourth-generation (ND) Miata is a timeless vehicle. It stands out in a sea of SUVs as the driver’s choice. A car for the consumer who values incredible driving dynamics complemented by top-class engagement. So if you have space for one, treat yourself and enjoy every moment behind the wheel.
