2021 Mazda MX-5

History/Overview

Mazda's MX-5 has had the small roadster market nearly to itself since 1989 and four generations later is still the go-to choice for drivers wanting a reasonably affordable sports car that delivers a connection to the road like no other. This is direct and simple at its best, though if you want massive power and a huge cabin then you'll need to look elsewhere.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

After a new engine in 2019 and some small colour changes this year, additions to the model are limited. A new blue paint is available as is a white Nappa leather interior. GT trims gain wireless Android Auto and there is a 100th Anniversary Edition limited special.

Available Trims

For 2021, the Mazda MX-5 (formerly known as Miata) is available in GS, GS-P, GT, and 100th Anniversary Edition trims. A 2.0L 181 hp four is standard as is a six-speed manual with a six-speed automatic at no extra charge.

Standard Features

GS offers 17-inch alloys and a glass rear window along with LED lights front and rear. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen with a six-speaker stereo including driver headrest speakers. Cloth manual-adjust seats are standard. Driver assistance features include blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, smart city brake support, lane departure warning, and high beam control. Keyless entry and start are also included.

GS-P adds Bose nine-speaker audio with passenger headrest speakers as well as heated seats and mirrors and grey stitching for the black cloth seats. Manual transmission cars get a sport suspension with Bilstein shocks, a strut tower bar, and limited-slip rear differential.

GT buyers add wireless Apple CarPlay and satellite radio with SiriusXM Traffic Plus and Travel Link five-year subscriptions. Navigation is included as is automatic climate control, leather-trimmed seats, auto-dimming mirrors, adaptive front lights and traffic sign recognition. They don't get the Bilsteins, bar, or limited-slip differential of GS-P.

100th Anniversary Edition cars come exclusively in Snowflake White with Garnet Red Nappa leather seats and dark cherry roof. They also get 100th anniversary badges inside and out.

Key Options

A Sport Package on GS-P manual cars adds Brembo front brakes, 17-inch BBS forged wheels, and Recaro sport seats with Nappa leather and Alcantara trimming. Red leather is available on GT-trim cars.

Fuel Economy

The Mazda MX-5 has an estimated fuel economy rating of 9.0/6.6/7.9 L/100 km city, highway, combined when paired with the automatic transmission and 9.0/7.0/8.1 with the manual. It requires premium gasoline.

Competition

The biggest competition for the MX-5 is the Fiat 124, a car that shares the same platform but with more Italian styling and a turbocharged engine. It also competes with entry-level models of the Audi TT and BMW Z4 and the Nissan 370Z, though all are larger, heavier, and pricier.