2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata review // Still the gold standard?

This is a Motormouth couple car review of the 2023 Mazda MX5 or Miata roadster convertible.
The MX-5 is such a special convertible, not only is it an affordable option but it’s
fun to drive especially with the manual transmission. I learned to drive manual on an MX-5 so this car holds a special place in my heart. It’s an absolute joy to drive.

This Mazda has a 2L 4-cylinder with a 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission, 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, RWD only.

In Canada, the automatic is an option on trims one up from the base model but in the US it is only available on the top Grand Touring trim.

The MX-5 is a two-passenger sports car that has a classic and sporty exterior design. Whether you decide on the soft top or hard top, it’s one of those cars you park and look back at to admire, it has beautiful lines. It comes standard with LED headlights, LED rear combination lights, 17” wheels in Canada, 16” in the US, available 17” and you get a tire repair kit.

The interior is simplistic with a 7” touchscreen and wired Apple Carplay and Android Auto. It comes standard with black cloth upholstery with black stitching, available black cloth with grey stitching, black leather on the top trim and optional terracotta or white Nappa leather for $400 CAD/$300 USD. White Nappa is not available in the US.

One up from the base model adds the 12-speaker Bose sound system and heated front seats. The top trim has navigation and wireless Apple Carplay. In the US, the Club trim one up from the base model gets wireless Apple Carplay.

In Canada, the GS trim is $33,300 CAD, GS-P $37,300 CAD, GT $40,400 CAD. In the US, the Sport model is $28,050 USD, Club $31,550 USD and Grand Touring $33,050 USD.

For fuel economy, the 6-speed manual gets 9L/100 km, 26 MPG city and 7L/100 km, 34 MPG highway. 6-speed automatic 9L/100 km, 26 MPG city and 6.6L/100 km, 35 MPG highway.

Get the dealership cost, any rebates and special interest rates, plus secret discounts, go to CarCostCanada. Use the promo code MOTORMOUTH to become an expert member.

[carloscanizares]

The only car people buy to impress themselves and no one else.

[MouseCIick]

im so happy she learned manual and is having so much fun in that mx5. that feeling and smile is why i love cars.

[timchalk]

As an mx5 nd rf owner i can honestly say that its great fun to drive and handles fine. Mx5 were only ever meant to be fun and mine delivers this by the bucket load. As for what i look like at the traffic lights well who cares im happy. Its not always about how quick a car is but how you feel driving it.

[markp]

Just got 23’ Grand Tour RF - great fun to drive! Use to do SCCA Autocross in one in my younger days. This is my 4th MX5. Actually owned a 911 - also a great car! But going into retirement wanted simple inexpensive fun & reliability of the MX5.

[jp]

I’ve watched and enjoyed a lot of your reviews but never have I thoroughly enjoyed one as much as this Miata. This winning formula from Mazda should never go away!

[Kryxtal]

One of the best manuals I've ever driven. Traded mine to get a new 911 but definitely want to get into another ND in a few years. I daily-ed my ND in Colorado winters. All you need are good winter tires. It's even more fun in the snow

[frankkoos]

Zack is correct. If Andrea was at a red traffic light in a Yugo; she would be getting chatted up! She does look very happy driving that Miata!

[Jorge_Magallon]

As a 6’1 owner of the 2021 ND2 RF (a retractable hardtop). It is “practical” enough for household grocery shopping and it is comfortable (enough) at my height. One caveat. Please no hard lefts for taller folks with the hardtop up. You could brain yourself. Ask me how I know.

One last thing. I highly recommend driving it in the snow around your house before they salt the ground. It’ is the the most fun I have ever had on 4 wheels.

[SpicyWoodsman]

The enjoyment the two of you get out of this car really comes through in this video. I absolutely love this car and always have.

[MsWoodgnome]

When driving the smiles did not stop. You don't see that in many reviews. Great content!

[cajunsushi]

I’ve had two Miatas and without a doubt, it’s the most fun you can have of any car ever. One year we had a Miata Club event at Lockheed Martin tight driving course set up by their engineers and I took home the first place trophy, an engraved glass mug. Not bad for a driver with a slight case of Cerebral Palsy. Zoom zoom.

[Dano-MX]

Great review Andrea and Zach! Miata Is Always The Answer! I own a ‘21 RF Club BBR…my 6th Miata since 2001. My current one is my favorite sports car that I have owned, which are many. Starting in 1970: Mustang Mach1, Corvette, Supra, 300ZX and 4 (yes 4) different S2000s. At 71 this will probably be my last sports car purchase. You both are correct, the Miata is the best bang for the buck in the sports car segment, nothing else comes close.

[nickjohnston]

I love Zacks little pokes at Andrea, my king of humor 🤣

[randyprice]

Andrea looks mighty cute with the ball cap on and driving this car!!!

[lukerinderknecht]

Thanks for answering my question! Happy to see you're driving the soft top -- nothing as satisfying as throwing the top down at a stoplight (well, other than the entire driving experience).

[demokid]

I live in Sweden, own a MX5 RF ND2 (2019). Putting on snow wheels and drive all winter, been to ski trips. No problems... 20-30 years ago all cars (in Europe) where rear wheel drive. We survived without ABS, traction control :D

[agallgood]

Good to see Andrea now love the manual transmission. Great review on the car ! Living in Northern Illinois my 2016 MX-5 Club soft top with the Brembo / BBS package is my daily car. I keep the out of season tires stacked up on a dolley in the garage. Thru some of the coldest / snowy / ice filled days I've ever driven my Miata was absolutely brilliant as long as the snow was under 7 inches. I left the car stock height & put in Weather Tech mats. The soft top takes extra care & don't park under ANY trees in ANY season to keep the roof drains free of debris so the interior doesn't flood. Never had a problem with flooding my interior. Of course in monsoon rains & extreme heat this car is also very good. Under rated foul weather car ! Never a garage queen the car wants to be driven.

[vicp]

Andrea driving stick, rowing the gears w a smile. Perfect. Seeing BPM on the radio, u know she was driving. It's a perfect roadster.

[bradbates]

You two are always a good time, no matter the vehicle you're in!!!

[rlrvir]

Just drove home my first Mazda MX-5 2023 a few days ago. It's the same Club with Brembo package and metallic red color reviewed in this video. Agree 100% with Andrea and Zack. Awsome styling! Engaging and exhilarating to drive for every trip, even to drive to the store.

The cockpit is perfect and closely contoured for my size (5 ft 9 in, 175 lbs). Surprised the taller Zack (6 ft) is comfy. When I transition from my SUV to the MX-5, there is a world of difference in the ground clearance--I feel as though I am sitting on the road. I am not looking forward to getting in/out of this car if I get back or knee issues.

Surprisingly quiet interior with top down compared to previous convertibles I have had. The rapid deployment of the convertible top allows for an easy stop light open/close.

The monitor display is not particularly bright and is difficult to read in the sunlight. But ahhh, the sunlight!! I have left the top down for the first week.