2023
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

Starts at:
$38,950
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New 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • Grand Touring Manual
    Starts at
    $35,750
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Grand Touring Auto
    Starts at
    $36,300
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Club Manual
    Starts at
    $38,950
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2023 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
Power-folding retractable hardtop available (RF model)

The good & the bad

The good

Handling
Easy-to-operate top
Energetic drivetrain
Fuel economy

The bad

Steering feedback could be better
Seats don't hold you in place
Snug cabin
See all specifications

Expert 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF review

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

What Is the 2023 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. The base rear-wheel-drive two-seater comes with a standard manual-folding soft top, while the nifty-but-pricey RF has a power-folding retractable hardtop; with the top up, this gives the Miata the look of a sporty coupe. The MX-5 competes with the Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ.

What’s New on the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

There are no significant changes for this year. 

What Features in the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 16-inch black alloy wheels
  • LED headlights and taillights
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • 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 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

If you can afford nearly $30,000 for a highly impractical car, go for it. The MX-5 Miata is thrilling to drive, and it doesn’t demand a big financial outlay when it’s time to refuel. Taller car shoppers take note, however: The cabin is a tight fit if you’re above-average height. The trunk is also tiny, with space for only a pair of soft-sided bags for your weekend getaways.

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2023 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. The base rear-wheel-drive two-seater comes with a standard manual-folding soft top, while the nifty-but-pricey RF has a power-folding retractable hardtop; with the top up, this gives the Miata the look of a sporty coupe. The MX-5 competes with the Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ.

What’s New on the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

There are no significant changes for this year. 

What Features in the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 16-inch black alloy wheels
  • LED headlights and taillights
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • 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 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

If you can afford nearly $30,000 for a highly impractical car, go for it. The MX-5 Miata is thrilling to drive, and it doesn’t demand a big financial outlay when it’s time to refuel. Taller car shoppers take note, however: The cabin is a tight fit if you’re above-average height. The trunk is also tiny, with space for only a pair of soft-sided bags for your weekend getaways.

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

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2023
    5.0
    Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
    Starts at
    $35,750
    2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
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  • 2025
    Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
    Starts at
    $37,550
    2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
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  • 2024
    5.0
    Toyota GR86
    Starts at
    $29,300
    2024 Toyota GR86
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
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  • 2025
    4.0
    Subaru BRZ
    Starts at
    $33,210
    2025 Subaru BRZ
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded H-4
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    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2023
    5.0
    Mazda MX-5 Miata
    Starts at
    $28,050
    2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear-wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

100% of drivers recommend this car
5.0 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 4.5
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0

Most recent

  • By Renbar from Ft. Lauderdale
    Owns this car
    January 8, 2024

    Apprehensive.

    At first glance you ask yourself... what did I buy. It looks small and very low to the ground. You manage to get in and start the car. The engine roars to life and it's louder than what you might be used to. The seat hugs your body and you begin to get comfortable. First gear sprints the MX-5 into what feels like a roller coaster ride. It's lively and fun, and you tell yourself... yeah, I can get used to this. Is you're looking for excuses to take it out for a ride.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Matt from Toms River, NJ
    Owns this car
    November 27, 2023

    A True Beauty and Joy to Drive

    The Miata RF is a peppy, beautiful car with wonderful handling, and it is an absolute beauty and joy to drive. It's a non-exotic exotic at an attainable price.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

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Mazda dealers near you

See all Mazda dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is available in 2 trim levels:

  • Club (1 style)
  • Grand Touring (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

The 2023 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 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF reliable?

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 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 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF owners.

Is the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF a good Convertible?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

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

Mazda MX-5 Miata RF history

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