Over the span of 35 years, the MX-5 Miata has maintained its status as the budget-friendly leader in the roadster segment. While various small two-seat cars have come and gone, Mazda consistently stayed true to producing a light, sporty vehicle equipped with a convertible roof and 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 increased both mass and intricacy—factors at odds with what defines the Miata—the latest third-generation RF continues to exude plenty of appeal for enthusiasts looking for something distinctively new yet familiar.
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The Lowdown:
The fourth-generation Miata is entering its second decade and its second revision. The latest update ND3 features enhanced illumination from newly designed LED lighting and incorporates a new two-way limited-slip differential. Additional enhancements encompass adaptive cruise control, an updated track mode for dynamic stability control with a more lenient intervention threshold, along with modifications to the steering aimed at enhancing driver responsiveness.
The RF hardtop comes exclusively with Club and Grand Touring trims. Including the cost of the intricate roof mechanism, the starting price for the Miata MX-5 RF reaches $38,735, which is over $4,000 higher compared to the comparable soft-top Club model. In both RF configurations, you get a limited-slip differential and sportier “tuned” suspension as standard features; however, choosing the optional automatic transmission means forfeiting these perks for those opting for the Grand Touring version.
- Vehicle Tested: 2025 Mazda MX-5 RF Miatа
- 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 @ 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?
Over its extensive history, the Miata has undergone several changes, yet its fundamental allure persists unchanged. It continues to be the most lightweight sports vehicle offered for sale at a reasonable cost by a prominent automaker. Its charm is still largely attributed to this minimal weight. The third generation of the MX-5 stays agile, reactive, and offers a more exhilarating experience even during regular driving compared to high-performance vehicles that usually operate well beyond these typical boundaries.
In reality, the primary attractions of the Miata lie precisely in these constraints. The hardtop doesn’t transform the Miata into a versatile grand touring vehicle, nor does it make it a high-performance machine capable of outstanding lap times. In objective terms, it’s a small and limited car. Nonetheless, it has the ability to provide delight at every velocity, even at speeds that comply with regulations on some of the nation's finest driving routes.
Venturing farther and testing the extremes is precisely what defines the Miata MX-5. Consistently, it stays user-friendly and reactive, effectively conveying information when nearing its well-marked limits. This vehicle serves as an excellent instructor, excelling particularly when pushed intensively. No surprise then that every generation of the Miata has become a favorite among enthusiasts for track days.
For RD3 purchasers in the American market, the sole available propulsion system is a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which remains a standout feature. While sheer force isn’t this vehicle’s forte, the personality and eagerness of the high-revving motor form the backbone of what makes operating the Mazda MX-5 such an enjoyable experience. Each sprint up to that 7500-rpm limit is exhilarating. Although the absence of strong initial acceleration might be seen as a drawback, it also provides ample chances for drivers to hit the engaging portion of the rpm range during regular use.
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 are at their best with a stick and a third pedal.
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; the Subaru BRZ tS is one such example. 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?
Everything great about a Miata is also responsible for everything terrible about a Miata. The tightness of the exterior dimensions means the small, cramped interior still does not have a conventional glovebox. Cupholders mounted to the back of the cabin struggle at just about every goal a cupholder is meant to accomplish. The roadster's already-small trunk is compromised even further by the need to house a folding hard top.
These irritations render it an unsuitable everyday choice for individuals 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 attractive whether open or closed, yet the primary advantage might lie in the aesthetic enhancement it offers when choosing the RF model. Inside the cabin, it’s notably quieter compared to the roadster with the solid roof up; however, noise remains higher than one would typically encounter in standard vehicles. Due to the fixed pillars behind the seats which resemble those found on a targa-style coupe, there is an unavoidable blind spot for the driver on their left side. When driving with the top lowered, wind disturbance can also be quite noticeable. an issue with the RF since its introduction It is subjectively inferior compared to the more straightforward roadster.
Worst of all, the closing hard-top mechanism lacks the simplicity of the soft top. The Miata roadster's roof is so light that, despite the lack of power assistance, an experienced driver can open or close it at speed with a single motion. The RF's three-part hard top is power-operated, but it is a much longer process to operate it.
Should I Buy One?
Ultimately, the Miata MX-5 remains a very easy car to recommend in any format. It is a great sports car for anyone and particularly good as an introduction to the things that make driving so fun in the first place. The ND3 is another evolution of what had already become the best Miata ever with its last refresh It is consistently 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 rivalry comes from within its own lineup. For those purchasing this two-seat convertible primarily for its appealing features and accepting its limitations, they would likely enjoy the roadster more. The RF variant suits individuals who frequently drive with the roof closed; however, potential owners indifferent towards open-top experiences may find greater satisfaction elsewhere. 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 remained intact 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 better choice when buying a Miata, but the RF has an impressive look. Especially with the roof up, the ND seems like it was originally intended to feature the retractable fastback top.
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