MAZDA SPORTS CARS AND CONVERTIBLES
Mazda sports cars are crafted for enthusiasts who live for the rush of driving winding backroads, coastal highways, and everything in between. Our light and agile two-seater roadsters feature razor-sharp steering, near 50/50 weight distribution, and an open-air, unfiltered driving experience that makes you feel at one with the road. The low-slung profile and intuitive controls of the Mazda MX-5 Miata are the perfect balance of roadster design with modern detailing and engineering. Whether the top is up or down, every drive in a Mazda sports car feels like a celebration of the road ahead.
SAFETY
DRIVE WITH A SENSE OF SECURITY
Mazda Sports Cars: 2025 Car and
Driver Editors’ Choice
Both the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata and MX-5 Miata RF have earned a 2025 Car and Driver Editors’ Choice Award.
MAZDA SPORTS CAR MODEL LINEUP
2025 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA ST: LIGHTWEIGHT, REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ROADSTER BUILT FOR PURE DRIVING JOY
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is powered by a responsive SKYACTIV®-G four-cylinder engine paired with a lightweight, rear-wheel drive chassis. With a manual-fold soft top that stores in seconds, a driver-focused cockpit, and an intuitive six-speed transmission (manual or automatic), the MX-5 Miata is designed for pure, unfiltered enjoyment every mile of your journey. Highlights include:
- Six-speed manual transmission with precision rev-matching, short throws, and clutch bite (also available with six-speed automatic and paddle shifters).
- Double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension for crisp turn-in, controlled body roll, and balanced feedback.
- Manual-fold cloth convertible roof that unlatches and folds down in seconds.
2025 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA RF: SAME EXHILARATING MX-5 MIATA DRIVE WITH A SLEEK, POWER-RETRACTABLE HARDTOP
The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF features the same SKYACTIV®-G powertrain and RWD dynamics as the soft-top model, but adds a power-operated retractable fastback roof. When closed, the roof insulates the cabin from noise and wind, making it both track-ready and great for everyday comfort in a single package. Highlights include:
- SKYACTIV® chassis made from high-tensile steel and aluminum keeps the overall weight low for a better power-to-weight ratio without compromising safety.
- Mazda Connect infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for music, navigation, and hands-free calling.
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- Power-operated two-piece targa-style retractable hardtop that stows with the touch of a button.
CRAFTED FOR THOSE WHO NEVER COMPROMISE
We believe a car should make your heart race before you even get behind the wheel, and since 1960, we've put that spirit into every Mazda vehicle
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
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While both vehicle types prioritize performance, sports cars place greater emphasis on agility and driver feedback (and therefore lighter curb weights). Muscle cars emphasize straight-line acceleration, large V8 engines, and heavier bodies for drag racing. When it comes to engine torque, sports cars are often optimized for broad torque curves while muscle cars tend to have higher torque at low RPMs for faster launches.
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Roadsters are a subset of sports cars with two seats, the absence of a fixed roof, and an overall emphasis on light weight, driving feel, and agility. Convertibles are a broader category that can encompass any vehicle with a retractable roof, sports car or otherwise. In other words, roadsters make up the intersection between sports cars and convertibles, which the MX-5 Miata perfectly occupies.
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Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the preferred drivetrain for most sports car enthusiasts because of how it optimizes weight distribution and steering feel. When power is sent to the rear wheels, it provides more grip and traction. At the same time, the weight of the engine in the front of the car keeps the front wheels planted and contributes to a more balanced overall weight distribution. This configuration also means that the front axle handles only steering (rather than both steering and propulsion), which in turn improves turn-in responsiveness
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While RWD is the gold standard for most sports car purists, AWD does offer some advantages, like better traction in slippery conditions and less wheelspin off the line. However, AWD also introduces additional complexity (center differential, transfer case, etc.) and weight, often making them less “playful” and dynamic. Because they’re driving double the wheels and are heavier, AWD systems tend to get lower fuel efficiency than a lightweight RWD roadster like the MX-5 Miata.
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Both the MX-5 Miata ST and MX-5 Miata RF have the same powertrains, chassis tuning, and interior features; their main difference lies in the roof. The MX-5 Miata ST has a soft top cloth roof that folds down behind the seats, while the MX-5 Miata RF has a power-operated hardtop that splits into two sections and stows behind the seats. This hardtop means the MX-5 Miata RF weighs slightly more (about 100 lb), but both still have near-identical driving experiences. Both models are also available with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters on Grand Touring models.
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Mazda sports cars are available with manual or automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions appeal to enthusiasts who crave maximum control, like clutch modulation,heel-toe downshifts, and the tactile feel of a shift knob in their hand. Automatic transmissions, meanwhile, are ideal for everyday comfort, stop-and-go traffic, and drivers looking for ease of use, though many automatic sports cars (including the MX-5 Miata) can still perform manual gear changes via paddle shifters. Whether a manual or automatic transmission is best for you depends on your preferences.
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Mazda sports cars have different offerings between the models and trim levels. Typical options include upgraded interior materials, premium audio systems, and additional interior/exterior colors.Both the MX-5 Miata and MX-5 Miata RF offer a Club model with optional Brembo®/BBS package with Brembo® front brakes with Red calipers, Mazda rear brakes with Red calipers, BBS® forged 17" aluminum alloy wheels in Dark Gunmetal finish and Heated Black RECARO® sport seats. Exterior trim elements are also available, like an aero kit with side sill extensions and rear bumper skirt.
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Rather than focusing on basic transportation, sports cars prioritize performance, agility, and a deep sense of connection between car and driver. Most sports cars are two-seaters (or have a small rear “jump seat”) and are engineered with a strong emphasis on power-to-weight ratio for maximum acceleration and nimble handling. Steering is typically tight and responsive, translating every input with precision. Inside, the cockpit is purposefully laid out, with gauges, shifters, and controls positioned for easy access so the driver can stay focused on the road ahead.
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Yes. Since its debut in 1989, the MX-5 Miata has embodied the philosophy of sports cars: lightweight, rear-wheel drive, two-seater roadster designed for pure driving enjoyment. The MX-5 Miata is a roadster, which is a subset of sports cars that typically has two doors and two seats, commonly with an open top. Its near-perfect 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution and precise rotation and responsive turn-in mean the MX-5 Miata delivers the agility and balance enthusiasts expect from a true driver’s car.
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