Driving Fun with the Mazda MX-5 Miata

It is difficult to find fault with Mazda’s stubborn commitment to the MX-5 Miata. In an automotive world that’s been largely overtaken by crossovers, electrification, and cushy tech-laden rides, the Miata stands as a rolling testament to what driving used to mean—and, thankfully, still can.

A Familiar, Yet Evolving Story

For 2025, the MX-5 Miata soldiers on with a handful of tweaks that keep it sharp without diluting its soul. Mazda’s philosophy here is refreshingly old-school: keep it light, keep it simple, and keep it rear-wheel drive. Car and Driver echoes this by calling it “the purest sports car experience on the market for the money,” while noting small changes to steering and stability control that make it even more precise.

Once again, the lineup splits between the soft-top roadster and the Retractable Fastback (RF), with trims that walk up from Sport and Club to Grand Touring. Mazda also honors 35 years of Miata enchantment with a distinct anniversary model. This edition drapes the car in deep red paint, accents it with a tan interior, and subtly reminds us how rare longevity is in this slice of the market.

Style With Intent

Visually, the Miata still embodies Mazda’s “KODO” design language. Where the original NA generation was simple and playful with its pop-up headlights, today’s Miata is sleeker and more muscular. It’s got a low stance, dramatic creases, and an oversized front grille that seems eager to breathe. LED headlights and minimalist taillights keep the look modern.

Dimensionally, it remains tiny—just shy of four feet tall—making it lower than most people’s waistlines. And that is precisely the point.

Built Around the Driver

Climb inside and you are reminded this is not a car meant to pamper. If you are long-legged or broad-shouldered, prepare to get cozy. Yet Mazda’s cockpit feels right once settled, with a snugness that becomes an extension of the driver rather than a cramped afterthought.

Instrumentation is simple and driver-focused. The big center tachometer is a constant reminder of the Miata’s playful mission. The small screen is tucked neatly, controlled by a rotary knob so you are never poking around awkwardly. Mazda does minimalism well, resisting the urge to plaster the dash with oversized screens.

Seat materials range from basic cloth to premium leather with red stitching, depending on trim. The tan Nappa leather exclusive to the 35th Anniversary model adds a dash of understated luxury.

Powertrain: Enough, Not Excessive

Under the hood remains Mazda’s delightfully eager 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder. Its 181 horsepower might look modest on paper, but remember: the Miata weighs only about 2,400 pounds. That gives it a power-to-weight ratio that nips at the heels of heavier sports coupes like the Subaru BRZ.

Take note of the snappy throttle and smooth power delivery. Zero to 60 mph takes roughly six seconds—quick, but never uncontrolled. The six-speed manual feels tailor-made for this car, offering tight throws and a satisfying clutch bite. For those preferring a lazier commute, a six-speed automatic remains on the order sheet, though it feels almost like cheating.

Delight on the Twisties

On winding roads, the Miata is in its natural habitat. The car rotates eagerly, the revised steering is sharper than before, and Mazda’s subtle updates to the electronic stability program allow a bit more freedom before intervening. This means playful tail-out antics if you are in the mood—always with a driver-assist safety net nearby.

The suspension manages to keep things controlled without punishing occupants. You feel connected to the road surface in a way few modern cars permit. The Miata beckons you to discover limits without terrifying you, a trait most bloated performance cars seem to have forgotten.

Everyday Practicality? Not Exactly.

Yes, the Miata has a tiny trunk. Yes, interior storage is laughable. And yes, it is barely suitable for anyone over six feet.

But for those who prioritize pure driving enjoyment over Costco runs, it remains unbeatable. Dollar for dollar, there is no other vehicle that supplies the same grin-inducing experience as a Miata.

Miata Prime

Mazda’s perseverance with the Miata borders on heroic. In an era dominated by crossovers, battery packs, and driving by wire, the MX-5 remains a breath of fresh air—light, simple, manual, and gloriously mechanical. We can only hope Mazda’s accountants keep signing off on this modern classic for years to come. Because once it is gone, we will be left with little more than memories of what driving used to feel like. And what a shame that would be.

2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata Specifications

Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

See Also — Hard-Top Fun and a Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

Images copyright Stumpwater Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved.