Mazda MX-5 Miata 2021 Review

With every generation of its MX-5 Miata, Mazda's goal has been to produce a car that can deliver a pure and enjoyable driving experience. It's easily overachieved that aim with its latest fourth-generation Miata, which has been around since 2016. This is a lightweight two-seat roadster that trumpets the basics of sports car design while offering a just-right amount of modern convenience.

For 2021, changes to the MX-5 Miata are minimal. Mazda has added wireless connectivity to Apple CarPlay smartphone integration and, as a possible appeal to perennially neat and tidy people, added white leather seats as an option. It's still pretty much in a class by itself too. Alternatively, you could consider the Mini Convertible as a more stylish option or the Chevrolet Camaro or Ford Mustang for more performance potential. Read out Expert Rating below for our full in-depth take on this year's Miata.

What's it like to live with?

Interested in learning about what it's like to live with this little roadster? Check out our long-term reviews of the fourth-generation 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the updated 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata. We spent a year and more than 20,000 miles with each of these charming convertibles. In our long-term coverage, you can read in-depth coverage from our editors on everything from the way the Miata drives to its reliability.

Which MX-5 Miata does MatoCar recommend?

Aim for the middle ground and grab the Club. The Club's heated seats and nine-speaker Bose audio system are nice upgrades over the Sport trim, but we really like the limited-slip differential and upgraded shocks that come standard when you opt for the near-perfect manual transmission. Should you be even more enthusiastic about driving, the Brembo/BBS Recaro package offers upgraded brakes, wheels and grippy Recaro sport seats. Just be advised those Recaro seats make the already small cabin even more cramped for taller drivers.

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small two-seat convertible and comes in three trim levels: Sport, Club and Grand Touring. All are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 151 lb-ft of torque) that drives the rear wheels. On all trims, a six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. Standard feature highlights include:

SportThe base Sport starts you off with:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Keyless entry and ignition
• 7-inch touchscreen
• Six-speaker audio system
• Two USB ports
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
• Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front and can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent)
• Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (alerts you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)

Club The Club is the sportiest of the bunch, adding:

• 17-inch black wheels
• Black front lip and rear spoilers
• Upper door trim in exterior color
• Heated seats
• Nine-speaker Bose audio system

Club models with the manual transmission also add:

• Shock tower brace (stiffens the body structure to help with handling precision)
• Limited-slip differential (enhances traction during acceleration)
• Sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers
• Engine sound enhancer

The Club's unique Brembo/BBS Recaro package is only available with the manual. It includes:

• Brembo front brakes with red front and rear calipers
• Gray BBS wheels
• Aerodynamic body kit
• Heated Recaro sport seats

Grand Touring The Grand Touring is the most luxurious MX-5. It builds off the Club (minus the front and rear spoilers) and adds:

• Dark gray wheels
• Automatic headlights and wipers
• Heated mirrors
• Auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors
• Cloth-lined soft top
• Automatic climate control
• Leather upholstery
• Navigation system
• Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay