2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata | Review & Road Test

For the latest Mazda MX-5 Miata pricing and information:

Are you looking for a good time in a small package? Well I may have the answer...

And it’s the Mazda MX-5, because Miata.Is.Always.The.Answer. Currently in its 4th generation, better known as the ND generation by car enthusiasts, the 2022 model year receives no big exterior changes but is now available in platinum quartz metallic paint. Nonetheless, the Miata maintains its charm. The sleek head and tail lights present an upscale elegance, while the aggressive front-end and sculpted body show off its sporty nature.

Mazda claims the MX-5 is engineered with the driver in mind, so yes visibility along with an almost perfect 50/50 weight distribution and standard RWD set-up should definitely help enhance the driving experience.

Convertible operation is easy as 1.2.3. *Convertible operation and seating demo*. 1. Unlatch 2. Pull back 3. Click in place. Lots of headroom for me at 6’4” but I think anyone taller may feel cramped. There’s a tilt & telescopic steering column with a slightly skinny steering wheel, but overall it’s comfy in the driver’s seat.

All trims come with a 7 inch touchscreen also controlled via knob below shifter with wired android auto and apple carplay integration, with available wireless apple carplay on upper trims. However there is no wireless charging option on any trim level.

On top of small trunk space, there’s a lot of hard plastics, and passenger legroom is compromised by the transmission tunnel, so your cupholder should go behind your elbow which I find annoying. I just throw them in the rear center console which is lockable.

Now when you’re ready to drive, a couple things to note are the body colored door panels which can tend to get hot and with the top down, the sun can wash out your infotainment screen... but the good part is once you get this thing out on the road, you forget about all of that stuff.

That’s because the MX-5 is simply a fun car to drive. From carving up Angeles Crest to taking it to the track, the MX-5’s driving dynamics fits into a wide range of driver’s wants and needs. All trims include a 6-speed manual transmission with an optional automatic transmission only offered priciest grand touring trim for an additional $500.

That’s fine because people who purchase a Miata really want to get an experience out of it with that manual transmission. The clutch pedal is light, the shifter is easy to operate with short throws, and the steering is precise. All of this combined with some open air enjoyment... you can easily forget that there’s no space to place your phone.

Propelling the MX-5 is a 2.0L 4-cylinder making (graphic: 181 hp/151 lb-ft) . Although the power numbers seem small, the low weight of the car makes up for the lack of power and also keeps the Miata agile. New to assist with that agility, Mazda introduces Kinematic Posture Control, dubbed K.P.C. which slightly applies the brakes to the inner rear wheel when cornering to help lessen body roll.

The MX-5 was already a carver of twisty bits, but the added technology coming from the KPC system gives you an even more confident connection with the road.

Standard features keeping you safe on that road include lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and smart city brake support.

Upper trims receive a Torque-sensing limited-slip differential, sport tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks, and front shock tower brace. Noting that these features are not available on the automatic transmission...

...And that’s another reason to just stick with the manual transmission. As for ride quality, it isn’t too firm given the Miata’s sporty nature. It’s tuned just right to enjoy the ride. Maybe even enjoy it too much you may get caught singing when the top is down... like me.

You’ll also sing to the tune of these fuel economy numbers (Manual 26 city/ 34 Hwy, Automatic 26 city/ 35 Hwy). There’s even a shift indicator that suggests which gear would help produce the best efficiency.

Pricing for a base soft top Sport trim starts at (graphic: $27,650) not including destination charges. Standard features include LED lighting, 16 inch wheels, keyless entry, cloth seats, 6-speaker audio system, cruise control, rear view monitor and 2 paint options.

The Grand Touring trim starting at $32,650 adds automatic headlights, leather seats, navigation, rain sensing wipers, automatic climate control, and offers that automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Though the affordable sports car segment is shrinking, the Mazda MX-5 Miata endures, offering a driving experience that makes you feel like a kid operating a racing simulator at an arcade. There’s a reason why the Miata has earned a cult following.

00:00 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata
0:30 Exterior
1:26 Interior
3:49 Driving Impressions
4:34 Engine
7:26 Competitors

[DraaelD]

As a big guy myself, I appreciate Mike doing this review.

[coejbee]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Mike is just such an asset to this channel. I love his reviews.

[AwesomeVFX]

Just got mine. I LOVE THIS CAR SO MUCH! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a reliable, fun, sports car!

[MonicaHolly]

Probably the most reliable sportscar ever

[carynmcentee]

I've always loved the Miata cause when it 1st came out, they marketed it to those who wanted an MG but never got one or couldn't get one cause they stopped coming into the US around 1981. My uncle was an MG dealer and I remember getting into all of them when they were on the showroom floor.

[zroger]

Most of my life, I dismissed Miatas as cute, impractical toys...then I drove one and instantly understood why they are so special. I rarely keep a vehicle for more than year, but I've had my 2019 MX-5 Miata for nearly three years with no planned exit strategy. I'm still just as smitten with it today as I was the day I bought it - if not more so. It's not my daily driver, but it actually could be. It's not only a blast to drive, but it's reasonably quiet and comfortable, fuel-efficient even when driven with spirit, and has a trunk large enough for most of what I bring home on my weekend shopping trips. Reliability has been impeccable and build quality is top-notch.

[coejbee]

I’m obsessed with this color combo. Looks so classy.

[jeffhyde]

My 2022 Club is being built as we speak. Soul Red, soft top with the Brembo/Recaro package. Glad to see someone with a similar build but 2" taller fit in it. I think I will mostly drive with the top down, but it's nice peace of mind. Zoom, zoom.

[Shadowwolf-gdcy]

Mike you are a great reviewer. Keep up the great work! :)

[mojojojo]

Mike 'sick fade' Danger. Solid review! Looking forward to the next one.

[malcolmjones]

Great review, Mike! At 6’0” I never could get comfortable in our2000 Miata. So glad to see that Mazda was able to make this generation more accommodating to taller drivers! Keep up the good work!

[hypnotechno]

this reviewer is refreshing. No corny jokes or ego. Decent review

[JDelta]

NICE MX-5 review, Mike! Also, your shirt/shoe combo is 🔥

[MHassan]

On other note, I never had the pleasure to sit in one but the one with round pop up headlights will always be my favourite because everything's better with pop up headlights

[RobReischakMusic]

Love seeing Mike Danger doing this review! Also, that new color is 🔥

[InuranusBrokoff]

Finally a tall guy that doesn't feel the need to pretend he doesn't fit in the mx5. I'm 6'2" and I see people shorter than me in the comments here on yt always going on about how they would get a miata if they could fit.

The verdict: Don't let your ego get in the way of a good time.

[BKHD]

I had an ND and sold it a year ago. Missed it so much I just bought another one. These cars are so much fun and you can extract that fun without going to jail speeds.

[Panzermeister]

Glad to see the manual isn't dead yet. And having it as standard fits this car well. Thank you for the video!

[Michael-liid]

I just bought this exact car (except a 23) and am grateful you spent so much time showcasing the color combo. Great review

[morganlewis]

Never had or felt the need for whistles and bells so I keep my '94 NA-8c going and it keeps me going.