2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review: A Living Legend

A genuine modern-day automotive icon, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is simply a cosmetically modernized version of the compact, lightweight, and dynamically balanced 2-door sports car that debuted more than three decades ago. Its become known as the spiritual successor to the British and Italian roadsters of old, and though initially devised by the British, it is now eternalized by one of Japan's most honored automotive authorities . With a traditional 181-horsepower four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual gearbox, and rear-wheel drivetrain enabling its famed performance credentials, it's clear that Mazda has made a concerted effort to keep the MX-5 Miata roadster as original and unfiltered as possible to preserve the true essence of driving.

In the USA, the Miata's only competition comes from the Toyota GR 86 and the Subaru BRZ, both of which will debut as all new generations for the 2022 model year. The once iconic Fiat 124 Spider was discontinued last year. Soon, the Mazda MX-5 will be sold only as a hybrid vehicle, which means that the ND-generation could be the last to retain the original's nat-asp pedigree.

2021 MX-5 Miata Exterior

Dimensions

2021 MX-5 Miata Performance

2021 MX-5 Miata Interior

2021 MX-5 Miata Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata A Good sports car?

As an icon and a fairly niche offering within the modern market, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata must possess specific qualities that enliven and appease driving maestros, enthusiasts, and purists alike. The naturally aspirated engine, manual gearbox, and classic sports car rear-wheel drivetrain do just that. While most automakers have turned toward producing over-powered cars that are way too fast to even reach their full potential on public roads, Mazda has stuck by the pearl of wisdom that speed does not always equal fun. Anyone that gets behind the wheel of the Miata will easily understand exactly what that means, as it's a car that's fun, adroit, and engaging no matter how fast you're going. It's good-looking, too, and its contemporary guise still carries a lot of the design cues of its predecessors. The interior is delightfully modern, though, as the driver and one passenger will find plenty of comforts and conveniences and an impressive infotainment system setup. Though no official authority has subjected the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata to review for its crashworthiness, it comes standard-fit with a good selection of driver aids and safety features. The fact that the Miata is sold at a starting price of well below $30,000 just seals an already done deal.

What Mazda MX-5 Miata Model Should I Buy?

You really can't go wrong when with the MX-5 Miata. Whether with the manual gearbox or the automatic, it's purposed to show you a good time. Choosing which model to go for really just comes down to how much you're willing to spend for extras and whether or not you intend on pushing it to its limits on the track. For the regular Miata fan, the entry-spec Sport comes with all the necessary comfort, convenience, and safety features needed for day-to-day driving. Higher-spec models are elevated mostly by fancier exterior cosmetics and in-cabin-material improvements. If you do plan on maxing out the Miata's potential on track, then the Club model is the go-to. Keeping the manual gearbox ensures this model comes equipped with a rear torque-sensing limited-slip differential that aids it around the bends. It also gets black exterior accents and a rear lip spoiler indicative of its added capability. We'd throw in the optional Brembo/BBS/Recaro Package for the Recaro sports seats that offer greater support, and the more powerful brakes that will provide some confidence at the limits. In this guise, the price of the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster comes in at around $36,900.