4.8

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda
Starts at:
$26,830
Choose Trim
Compare trims Sport Manual Sport Auto Club Manual Club Auto Grand Touring Manual Grand Touring Auto Shop options
New 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Choose trim
Compare trims Sport Manual Sport Auto Club Manual Club Auto Grand Touring Manual Grand Touring Auto Shop options
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Key specifications

Highlights
Premium Unleaded I-4
Engine Type
26 City / 34 Hwy
MPG
181 hp
Horsepower
2
Seating Capacity
Engine
151 @ 4000
SAE Net Torque @ RPM
181 @ 7000
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
2.0 L/122
Displacement
Premium Unleaded I-4
Engine Type
Suspension
Multi-Link
Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
Double Wishbone
Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
Multi-Link
Suspension Type - Rear
Double Wishbone
Suspension Type - Front
Weight & Capacity
N/A
Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
12 gal
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
N/A
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
N/A
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
Safety
Standard
Backup Camera
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Blind Spot Monitor
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Entertainment
Standard
Bluetooth®
Electrical
100
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
N/A
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
Brakes
N/A
Drum - Rear (Yes or )
11 in
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
11 in
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or )
See specifications list

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)

Engine

151 @ 4000 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
181 @ 7000 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
2.0 L/122 Displacement
Premium Unleaded I-4 Engine Type

Suspension

Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
Double Wishbone Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear
Double Wishbone Suspension Type - Front

Weight & Capacity

N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
12 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
2,341 lbs Base Curb Weight

Safety

Standard Backup Camera
Standard Lane Departure Warning
Standard Blind Spot Monitor
Standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard Stability Control

Entertainment

Standard Bluetooth®

Electrical

100 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
N/A Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

Brakes

N/A Drum - Rear (Yes or )
11 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
11 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
4-Wheel Brake ABS System
4-Wheel Disc Brake Type

Photo & video gallery

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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
See all specifications

Expert 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata review

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

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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

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Factory warranties

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

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Consumer reviews

100% of drivers recommend this car
4.8 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.5
Interior 3.8
Performance 4.2
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0

Most recent

By Jon from Columbus, OH
Owns this car
September 29, 2022

Thoughts on Buying my Second Miata

This is my second Miata. I also own an ‘03 NB and have put a lot into it over the years. I’ve eyeballed ‘16+ Miatas for years and finally found a ‘21 Grand Touring with 2k miles on it and bought it. Aesthetically, it is a beautiful car. Ergonomically, everything is in its proper place and I fit perfectly at 6’. I have the seat pushed all the way back so anyone taller could possibly find themselves uncomfortable. I swapped the original rims and tires out for some Konig rims and Continental all-season tires. The stock rims are 7” wide and the aftermarket are 8” wide: more traction on the road. Off the line, you can chirp the tires so the power is certainly adequate. The manual gear box is tight and shifts cleanly. It is an extremely fun, nimble, and reliable car. The Grand Touring has the leather, backup camera, and Bose stereo. I have driven this car hard through the “twisties” and cruised it 500 miles with no reservations. There isn’t anything really needing done to this car; it is a fantastic ride out of the box. I did, however, give the performance a “4” because I know there is room for growth with aftermarket products. Nevertheless, you won’t be disappointed. Be careful though! My buddy wrecked his ‘19 Miata RF two weeks ago pushing it just a little too hard.
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 4.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 4.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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By Athoswhite from Atlanta, GA
Owns this car
June 9, 2021

Worth the tradeoffs...

If you’re buying an MX-5 you know what you’re getting into. Is it comfortable? It could be worse, I guess. Is the Mazda infotainment system just about the worst on the market? Absolutely. Is there any interior storage space? Laughable. But will it make you smile every time you get behind the wheel, will you find yourself making excuses to run errands that aren’t necessarily mandatory...yes. Most fun per buck on the planet.
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 2.0
Interior 3.0
Performance 4.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
34 people out of 34 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No
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FAQ

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

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is available in 3 trim levels:

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

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

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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?

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

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata has an average reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata owners.

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

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

4.8 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.5
  • Interior: 3.8
  • Performance: 4.2
  • Value: 5.0
  • Exterior: 5.0
  • Reliability: 5.0

Mazda MX-5 Miata history

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