Tested: 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF — A Clubworthy Ride Revealed

Over the course of 35 years, the MX-5 Miata has served as the budget-friendly leader in the open-top sports car segment. While various small two-seat convertibles have come and gone, Mazda steadfastly upheld their vision of a nimble sports car featuring a convertible roof and a manual gearbox. In 2016, the RF model emerged as a departure from this traditional design, replacing the classic cloth top with a retractable hardtop. Although this addition brought about increased heft and intricacy—two elements contrary to what the Miata stands for—the latest ND3-series RF continues to captivate enthusiasts looking for a distinctive driving experience.

Our skilled editors put each car through its paces during our reviews. Learn more about the process we follow for testing and reviewing vehicles. here .

The Lowdown:

The fourth-generation Miata is entering its second decade and its second revision. The latest update Highlighted by new LED lighting and a revised two-way limited-slip differential, ND3 comes with additional enhancements. These improvements encompass adaptive cruise control, an updated track-focused stability-control mode offering more lenient thresholds, along with adjustments to the steering aimed at enhancing driver responsiveness.

The RF hardtop is exclusively offered with the Club and Grand Touring trims. When you factor in the cost of the sophisticated roof mechanism, the Miata MX-5 RF kicks off at an impressive $38,735—a figure over $4,000 higher than its soft-top counterpart, the Club version. Standard across all RF models are features like the limited-slip differential and sportier “tune” suspension system; however, those opting for the automated gearbox in the Grand Touring model won’t get these enhancements.

• Vehicle Tested: 2025 Mazda MX-5 RF Miata
• Base Price: $38,735
• Price as tested: $42,285
• Location: Tampa Bay, Florida

More Specs

Engine: 1998cc inline-four

Power: 181 horsepower at 7000 revolutions per minute

Torque: 151 pound-feet at 4000 revolutions per minute

0-60 mph : 5.5-sec ( Car and Driver testing )

Transmission: six-speed manual

Weight: 2469 pounds

EPA MPG: 26 / 34 / 29 (Urban / Motorway / Overall)

How Does It Drive?

Throughout its extensive history, the Miata has undergone several changes; however, its fundamental charm stays unchanged. It continues to be the most lightweight sports vehicle offered for sale within a reasonable budget by a significant automaker, with this minimal weight being central to its allure. In the case of the ND3-series MX-5, it retains agility, responsiveness, and offers excitement even at typical driving velocities—more so than many high-performance vehicles which usually operate far below their potential capabilities.

In reality, the primary attractions of the Miata lie precisely within its constraints. The hardtop doesn’t transform the Miata into a versatile grand touring vehicle, nor is it designed for dominating track days with impressive lap times. In objective terms, it’s a small, somewhat limited car. Nonetheless, this is a vehicle capable of providing delight at every velocity, even when adhering to actual legal speeds on some of the nation's finest driving routes.

Venturing farther and testing the edges defines the essence of the Miata MX-5. Consistently, it stays user-friendly and reactive, communicating effectively as it approaches its well-marked limits. The car serves as an excellent instructor, excelling when pushed vigorously. No surprise then that every generation has become a favorite among enthusiasts for track days.

For ND3 models sold in the U.S., the sole available powerplant is a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which remains a standout feature. While raw power isn’t this vehicle’s forte, the engaging nature and eagerness of the high-revving motor form the core appeal of why the Miata MX-5 offers such an enjoyable driving experience. Reaching the 7500-rpm redline with each acceleration feels exhilarating. Although it lacks strong low-end torque, this deficiency provides ample chances throughout normal use to hit the rewarding portion of the RPM range where the fun truly begins.

The engine works exceptionally well with Mazda’s robust six-speed manual gearbox. Indeed, the Miata MX-5 RF does come available with an automatic transmission, though this option is exclusive to the pricier Grand Touring trim level. However, roadster And hardtop models shine most when equipped with a manual transmission and a tachometer.

Selecting the RF model instead of the softtop adds approximately 100 pounds in terms of weight. Despite this increase, the hardtop remains lightweight and agile when contrasted with all other sports cars available; even including this extra heft, the Subaru BRZ tS stands out. more than 400 pounds However, it prevents the RF from having the same level of ultimate agility as its roadster counterpart.

What Is It Like to Live With?

All the things that make a Miata wonderful are also behind all its flaws. Its compact size outside leads to an equally tiny and confined space inside without even a standard glove box. The cup holders positioned towards the rear of the car fail to meet most basic requirements expected from them. Additionally, the vehicle’s already limited storage area in the trunk becomes even more restricted due to the necessity of accommodating a foldable hardtop.

These irritations render it unsuitable as an everyday car for people who refuse to forego luxury amenities for the sake of driving pleasure. Although the Miata isn’t aimed at such customers, the RF seems somewhat diminished due to its effort to expand its market with a retractable hardtop.

The retractable soft top appears stylish whether open or closed, yet its aesthetic enhancement might be the most significant advantage of choosing the RF model. Inside the cabin, it’s notably quieter compared to the roadster when fitted with a solid roof; however, sound levels remain higher than those typically experienced in standard vehicles. Due to the fixed pillars supporting the distinctive T-top-style rear section, an unavoidable blind spot emerges for drivers on their left side. When driving with the top lowered, wind disturbance can also become noticeable. an issue with the RF since its introduction It is subjectively inferior compared to the more straightforward roadster.

The most disappointing aspect is the complex hard-top mechanism which doesn’t match the straightforwardness of the soft top. With the Miata roadster, due to its lightweight roof, even without power assist, a skilled driver can easily raise or lower it quickly while driving. In contrast, the RF’s multipart hardtop requires electric operation and takes considerably more time to deploy or stow away.

Should I Buy One?

In the end, the Miata MX-5 continues to be a highly recommended vehicle in all its iterations. It serves as an excellent sports car for everyone and excels especially as a gateway to understanding what makes driving enjoyable from the start. The ND3 represents yet another step forward in this beloved model’s lineage. has already become the finest Miata to date with its final update It is invariably the solution due to some reasoning. If you believe you could like it, you should likely purchase it.

Given that the Miata remains the sole two-seater sports car under $50,000, much of its main rivalry comes from within its own lineup. Buyers attracted to this type of vehicle primarily because they enjoy the overall appeal despite accepting certain limitations would likely prefer the roadster version. For those intending to drive mainly with the roof closed, the RF variant could be quite suitable. However, individuals who have little interest in open-air motoring may find themselves more content with an alternative option. Toyota GR86 or near-identical Subaru BRZ .

Highlights and Lowlights

We Love:

• Excellent handling balance, responsive steering, and clearly defined limits.
• The qualities of lightness and agility have largely been maintained across the generations.
• A high-revving engine provides deep satisfaction when exerting effort.

We Don't:

• The significant price increase from the roadster to the RF.
• Additional intricacy in a vehicle that excels with straightforwardness.

Favorite Detail:

The roadster might be the smarter choice when buying a Miata, but the RF has an impressive look. Especially with the roof raised, the ND seems like it was originally meant to feature the retractable fastback top.

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