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2021
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

Starts at:
$33,045
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New 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • Club Manual
    Starts at
    $33,045
    MPG
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    2
    Engine
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Rear Wheel Drive
    See all specs
  • Club Auto
    Starts at
    $33,645
    MPG
    26 City / 35 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    2
    Engine
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Rear Wheel Drive
    See all specs
  • Grand Touring Manual
    Starts at
    $34,525
    MPG
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    2
    Engine
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Rear Wheel Drive
    See all specs
  • Grand Touring Auto
    Starts at
    $35,050
    MPG
    26 City / 35 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    2
    Engine
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Rear Wheel Drive
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

Notable features

  • Two-seat rear-wheel-drive roadster
  • 181-hp four-cylinder engine
  • Six-speed manual or automatic transmission
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard
  • Power-folding retractable hardtop available (RF model)

The good & the bad

The good

  • Handling
  • Easy top operation
  • Energetic drivetrain
  • Fuel economy

The bad

  • Steering feedback could be better
  • Seats don't hold you in place
  • Snug cabin and limited legroom

Expert 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF review

Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article

What Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is powered by a 181-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission. This rear-wheel-drive two-seater comes with a standard manual-folding soft-top, while the nifty but pricey RF model has a power-folding retractable hardtop. The RF gives the Miata the look of a sporty coupe when the top is in place. The MX-5 is built on the same platform as the Fiat 124 Spider, and rivals include the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ.

What’s New on the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

The high-end Grand Touring trim level gains wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. 

What Features in the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 16-inch black alloy wheels
  • LED headlights and taillights
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Push-button start
  • 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Low-speed automatic emergency braking
  • Lane departure warning 
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert

Available features include:

  • 17-inch BBS forged wheels
  • Retractable hardtop
  • Limited-slip differential 
  • Bilstein shocks
  • Brembo front brakes
  • Bose premium stereo
  • Recaro sport seats
  • Heated seats
  • Leather-trimmed seats
  • Navigation
  • Automatic air conditioning

Should I Buy the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

If you can afford nearly $28,000 for a highly impractical car, go for it. The MX-5 Miata is thrilling to drive and doesn’t demand much financial outlay when it’s time to refuel. Taller car shoppers, take note: The cabin is a tight fit if you’re above-average height. The trunk is also tiny; a pair of soft-sided bags for a weekend getaway will max it out.

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is powered by a 181-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission. This rear-wheel-drive two-seater comes with a standard manual-folding soft-top, while the nifty but pricey RF model has a power-folding retractable hardtop. The RF gives the Miata the look of a sporty coupe when the top is in place. The MX-5 is built on the same platform as the Fiat 124 Spider, and rivals include the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ.

What’s New on the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

The high-end Grand Touring trim level gains wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. 

What Features in the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 16-inch black alloy wheels
  • LED headlights and taillights
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Push-button start
  • 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Low-speed automatic emergency braking
  • Lane departure warning 
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert

Available features include:

  • 17-inch BBS forged wheels
  • Retractable hardtop
  • Limited-slip differential 
  • Bilstein shocks
  • Brembo front brakes
  • Bose premium stereo
  • Recaro sport seats
  • Heated seats
  • Leather-trimmed seats
  • Navigation
  • Automatic air conditioning

Should I Buy the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

If you can afford nearly $28,000 for a highly impractical car, go for it. The MX-5 Miata is thrilling to drive and doesn’t demand much financial outlay when it’s time to refuel. Taller car shoppers, take note: The cabin is a tight fit if you’re above-average height. The trunk is also tiny; a pair of soft-sided bags for a weekend getaway will max it out.

Available cars near you

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6-YEARS / 80,000-MILE
Basic
12-MONTH / 12,000-MILE
Dealer certification
160-POINT inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2021
    5.0
    Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
    Starts at
    $33,045
    MPG
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    2
    Engine
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Rear-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2024
    5.0
    Toyota GR86
    Starts at
    $29,300
    MPG
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    4
    Engine
    Premium Gasoline H-4
    Drivetrain
    Rear-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2020
    4.9
    Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
    Starts at
    $33,045
    MPG
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    2
    Engine
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Rear-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2023
    5.0
    Mazda MX-5 Miata
    Starts at
    $28,050
    MPG
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    2
    Engine
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Rear-wheel Drive
    Compare
  • 2024
    Subaru BRZ
    Starts at
    $30,195
    MPG
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    4
    Engine
    Premium Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    Rear-wheel drive
    Compare
  • Compare more options
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Consumer reviews

5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 reviews
Write a review
Comfort
4.0 out of 5
Interior
4.5 out of 5
Performance
5.0 out of 5
Value
4.5 out of 5
Exterior
5.0 out of 5
Reliability
4.5 out of 5

Most recent

  • New to this Super Car

    IT is a super car that has great performance for the price. I am 6'4" and found it a great experience. It is comfortable to drive and good in the entry and exit :-) All in all, we are very satisfied with this vehicle.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    4.0 out of 5
    Interior
    5.0 out of 5
    Performance
    5.0 out of 5
    Value
    5.0 out of 5
    Exterior
    5.0 out of 5
    Reliability
    5.0 out of 5
    10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Love my Red MX 5

    Love the look, love the design, love the performance. We were looking to purchase a CPO car and fell in love with the beautiful RF Club trim so we purchased a brand new Red one!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    4.0 out of 5
    Interior
    4.0 out of 5
    Performance
    5.0 out of 5
    Value
    4.0 out of 5
    Exterior
    5.0 out of 5
    Reliability
    4.0 out of 5
    11 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Mazda dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is available in 2 trim levels:

  • Club (2 styles)
  • Grand Touring (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF offers up to 26 MPG in city driving and 34 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF reliable?

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF owners.

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF a good Convertible?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

5.0 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.0
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 5.0
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 5.0
  • Reliability: 4.5

Mazda MX-5 Miata RF history

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