The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata is better than ever. With a six-speed manual transmission, the convertible delivers exceptional handling, tight steering, and precision performance.
Mazda’s roadster is a Consumer Reports top-rated, recommended sports car, outperforming all other vehicles in its class. With impeccable owner satisfaction ratings, the Miata offers a heart-racing driving experience at an affordable price.
Unfortunately, this little car has one big flaw that could be a dealbreaker for some drivers.
Consumer Reports offers high praise for the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF | Mazda North American Operations
Regardless of trim level, the MX-5 Miata packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The two-seater can hit 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
Ranging from $27,300 to $38,200, the 2022 Miata is one of the most affordable models in its class.
Plus, its performance capabilities even impress Consumer Reports. CR gave the 2022 MX-5 Miata an overall score of 85/100 and declared, “There isn’t a better fun-per-dollar performance car on the market that delivers the Miata’s magic.”
How do you think the Mazda MX-5 Miata rates? See what Consumer Reports says about the 2021 MX-5 Miata.
— Mazda USA (@MazdaUSA) December 10, 2021
Claiming the 2022 MX-5 Miata is “much more reliable than the average new car,” CR’s testers gave the sports car a perfect 5 out of 5 for predicted reliability. But they didn’t stop there, assigning another 5/5 for predicted owner satisfaction.
In addition, the Miata scored an impressive 80/100 on its road test. CR’s test drivers said, “The Miata’s steering gives immediate turn-in response, and the car remains playful and predictable even sai pressing the limits of the tires.”
The roadster’s possible dealbreaker
Despite its many positive qualities, the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t perfect. Consumer Reports knocked off 15 points from the overall score because of a few negative complaints surrounding the vehicle’s interior.
The first problem is the rock-bottom 1/5 noise rating, thanks to the thinly insulated convertible soft top. Drivers report agonizingly high-volume sounds permeating the cabin, coming from the excessive road, wind, exhaust, engine, and tire noise. Sure, you could crank up the radio to muffle the racket, but the invasive noise can grate on even the most patient person’s nerves.
The other common complaint is the limited storage space with a virtually nonexistent trunk that has no real cargo-carrying capacity. Consumer Reports assigned a 1/5 rating for the trunk/cargo area, saying the Miata “fits like a shrunken pair of skinny jeans.” Having the ability to carry only a smartphone and a few sticks of gum in the center console could bother some drivers.
Though the trunk space is forgivable for a sports car, the loud noise volume could be a dealbreaker for some thrill-seeking drivers. Many might find the overpowering distraction far outweighs the benefits of the affordable sports car model.
More positive qualities of the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda #MX5 RF steers and handles really well, having the same nimbleness and ability to change direction quickly as the Convertible. Sport models receive a stiffer suspension that keeps roll under much tighter control and also makes the RF feel keener to turn in to a corner. pic.twitter.com/Qn5JwfAaAF
— What Car? (@whatcar) February 19, 2022
If you think you can handle the excessive cabin noise, there are plenty of positives about the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata to consider.
Consumer Reports gave the roadster perfect 5/5 scores for braking, emergency handling, transmission, and fuel economy.
In addition, Car and Driver said, “With such a small amount of car to haul around, the 2.0-liter engine manages relatively high EPA fuel-economy numbers of 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway (with the automatic transmission) and outperforms them in the real world.”
C/D’s reviewers agree with Consumer Reports’ findings and gave the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata a 9/10 overall score.
In the end, Consumer Reports highly recommends the MX-5, claiming, “With its handling agility, revvy four-cylinder engine, easy-to-fold manual top, and precise manual shifter, it’s the quintessential modern roadster.”
And if road noise is a dealbreaker for you, Mazda also makes a hard-top MX-5 Miata RF, so don’t despair.
Keyword: Consumer Reports Says the 2022 Mazda Miata’s Only Problem Is a Dealbreaker for Some Drivers