It’s hard not to love the Miata—even if you’re not a roadster person, even if you’re not a sports-car person. The newest models are packed with lots of fun features, but don’t count out an older model. The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is an affordable, sporty option, and it comes with some really quirky things built-in.
Doug DeMuro reviewed the 2019 MX-5 RF, with the retractable fastback roof, back when it was new. He called it ”the best Miata yet.” With these 10 unusual but loveable features, I might agree.
Mazda MX-5 Miata | Mazda
8. Hidden card storage under the sun visors
There’s more crafty storage options in the 2019 Miata—though this one isn’t all that helpful. There’s a small pocket under the sun visor that may be meant for business cards, membership cards, or ID cards for parking. This isn’t a groundbreaking feature by any means, but it shows that Mazda designers were trying to make up for the Miata’s lack of space.
7. Adorably tiny trunk
A tiny car gets a tiny trunk. That’s just the way it goes. The 2019 Miata gives you an adorable 4.59 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. The Miata RF trims it even further, offering up a mere 4.48 cubic feet. It includes a tire repair kit since, as you can imagine, there’s not enough room for a spare. Fun fact: that’s also where the driver’s manual lives, to save space in the not-a-glove-compartment storage bin.
If there was one thing #Miata owners were clamoring for it's a telescoping steering wheel. Well, with the 2019 @Mazda Miata, you get that and a solid power boost. Rejoice! https://t.co/nvykygYM4W pic.twitter.com/BAaW3JdTma
— Edmunds (@edmunds) August 13, 2018
6. Sneaky storage compartment between the seats
It shouldn’t be a surprise that a tiny convertible doesn’t have a ton of storage space. There’s not even a conventional glovebox in the 2019 Miata. There is, however, a lockable, surprisingly large cargo compartment between the driver and passenger seats. It’s designed to replace the glove box. There’s also a center storage bin, but it’s only meant for keys or very small items.
5. Adjustable volume settings for car features
This is another feature that isn’t groundbreaking, but it could be really helpful for drivers who have issues with sound. The 2019 MX-5 Miata lets you adjust the volume of the turn signal tick to make it louder. If you’ve ever accidentally driven for miles on the highway with your blinker on (it happens), this could be a helpful feature. You can also adjust the volume of the “beep” that the 2019 Miata makes when you use the keyless locking feature. Want more? You can even change the timing, warning volume, and specific sound of the Lane Departure Warning System.
Mazda Miata interior | Mazda
4. Integrated speakers in the headrest
Another awesome feature in the 2019 Miata is a set of speakers that are integrated right into the driver and passenger headrests. Not only does this save space in the rest of the roadster’s cabin, it’s particularly helpful when the top is down. You and your passenger can still enjoy music or podcasts, and it makes the Miata great for road trips.
3. Open-air panel between seats to allow for maximum flow
This plastic panel is another quirky feature (on the Miata RF) that designers included to try to make the driving experience as authentic as possible. The fastback design of the 2019 RF model means that you don’t get the same fully open design when the top is down. But, this open-air panel provides space behind you, between the driver and passenger seats, to mimic that air flow. There is a wind deflector, but you can remove it if you want the full feel of the wind through your hair.
Mazda Miata with the roof retracted | Mazda
2. 181-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
A 2.0-liter engine isn’t necessarily quirky, but its relatively low power makes it unusual. Most of the Miata’s competitors make a lot more power. To be fair, the 2019 Miata does provide 181 horsepower, which is a real upgrade from the 155 HP from previous models. This convertible’s engine pairs to a six-speed manual standard, or an optional automatic.
1. Moveable cupholders
This is one of Demuro’s favorite features in the 2019 Miata, and it’s one of mine, too. Moveable cupholders? Gamechanger! Since the Miata’s cabin is so pint-sized, Mazda’s designers really had to work to maximize space. The center cupholders can be removed, and swapped to an anchor point in the passenger-side footwell to give you more room to relax.
The 2019 Mazda Miata really is that much better https://t.co/hCgxnbeK8j pic.twitter.com/IG1rv3adnn
— Jalopnik (@Jalopnik) March 11, 2019
How much does a 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata cost?
Base 2019 Miatas cost around $26,500, and prices crept up to close to $40,000 for a fully loaded Miata with an automatic transmission and additional features.
Autotrader lists used Miata cars for between $22,000 and $36,000. Expect to pay around that for a quality used 2019 Miata.
To learn even more about 2019 Miata features, performance, and ride quality, check out Demuro’s review on YouTube:
Keyword: 10 Quirky Features in the 2019 Mazda Miata