New 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata Miata

Mazda has been perfecting the Miata formula for more than three decades, and the result is that this affordable sports car is a highly polished gem. Whether as a classic soft top roadster or as the RF (retractable fastback) with a power-folding targa top, the Miata brings the same catalog of virtues—and a few shortcomings. Its 181-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder loves to rev and is best enjoyed with the easy-shifting six-speed manual gearbox, although an automatic is available. Direct, responsive steering guides an athletic chassis, although it doesn’t serve up the most cosseting ride over bombed-out pavement. The cabin is nicely finished but can be a tight fit for tall drivers, and cabin stowage space is at a premium—the trunk is tiny, too—making the Miata less than ideal for long-distance, two-person road trips. Instead, point it down a twisty road, drop the top, and revel in the purity of the quintessential sports car experience. As one of our favorites in its segment, the Mazda Miata has also earned a spot on our Editors’ Choice list for 2025.