New 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata ( Overview ). HIGHS
– A chassis that loves to zig, telepathic steering, two great open-top designs.
LOWS
– Taller drivers will be scrunched, noisy cabin on the highway, who hid the glove box?
VERDICT
– The MX-5 Miata offers an old-school sports-car driving experience that’ll have you joyfully rowing gears and happy that sunblock was invented.
In a world of ever more complex performance cars, the refreshingly pure and elemental Mazda MX-5 Miata is proof that you don’t need go-faster tech to have a great time. It isn’t perfect and presents a number of glaring compromises when it comes to day-to-day usability, but that’s not why you buy a Miata. In the pantheon of sports cars, the Miata delivers the thrills and joys every keen driver is looking for, and that’s what makes it so beloved.
– Pros
Fun and engaging to drive, even at low speeds
One of the most fuel-efficient sports cars you can buy
Manual soft top is easy to raise or lower quickly
Respectably smooth ride
– Cons
Not much room to stretch out inside
Can’t fit much stuff in the trunk
Cabin gets loud at highway speeds even with the top up
– What’s new
There are no significant changes for 2023
Part of the fourth MX-5 Miata generation introduced for 2016
Unlike most vehicles in today’s new car market, the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t built for practicality or utility. It doesn’t offer the latest in tech or much comfort, and it only has two seats. Instead, the tiny convertible is built for one thing: driving pleasure. Its precise steering, athletic handling and rear-wheel-drive layout will have you cruising along curvy roads with a big smile on your face. The Miata’s modest 181 horsepower won’t win any drag races, but this sports car isn’t about straight-line speed.
