Mazda MX-5 Miata

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?

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