Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.MSRP: $29,530Use the table of contents to jump to a sectionOverviewThe 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a subcompact roadster that's now in its 10th model year, and it still uses the same basic ND-generation formula: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, rear-wheel drive, and a 6-speed manual transmission. The 2025 MX-5 Miata's engine develops 181 hp and 151 lb-ft and revs to a 7,500-rpm redline, and is also available with a 6-speed automatic on the Grand Touring trim.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt's been 35 years since the launch of the original NA, and the MX-5 Miata remains the best-selling roadster of all time. Its lightness and perfectly balanced RWD underpinnings make it the perfect car for enthusiasts looking for pure driving engagement over outright performance in a small roadster package.What's New for 2025?The highlight this year is the limited-edition 35th Anniversary MX-5 Miata, of which only 580 units have been allocated to North America (350 to the U.S. and 230 to Canada). All examples are based on the Grand Touring trim and are painted Artisan Red Metallic. Each one comes with a beige soft top, tan Nappa leather upholstery with embossed "35th Anniversary" headrest logos, a bespoke key fob, navigation, a Bose audio system, Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip diff, and a 6-speed manual gearbox only. The only other change is the addition of Deep Crystal Blue to the paint palette of the Grand Touring trim. ExteriorWith a length of 154.1 inches on a 90.9-inch wheelbase, the MX-5 Miata is a tiny car, and this, along with a feather-light curb weight of 2,366 to 2,515 pounds, depending on the model, and a near-50/50 weight distribution, defines its character. The Sport rides on smaller 16-inch alloy wheels, but all the other trims get 17s. The Club gets a black front air dam, a black rear spoiler, and black mirrors, while the Grand Touring (GT) gets color-coded and heated side mirrors. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 35th Anniversary is based on the GT but comes only in Artisan Red Metallic with a beige soft top, serialized badging, and bright wheels. An RF model with a folding hard top is also available in Club and GT trims.MazdaInteriorThe in-car tech is composed of an analog gauge cluster and an 8.8-inch center Mazda Connect display that works by touch and a rotary dial. The Sport gets bucket seats and wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, but the other trims upgrade to heated seats and wireless connectivity. Standard features include HD Radio, Mazda Connect services, Alexa built in, and cruise control. The Sport comes with a 6-speaker audio system, but the others have a 9-speaker Bose setup, both including driver's headrest speakers, as well as SiriusXM. Only the GT gets automatic climate control, navigation, and leather upholstery. Nappa leather is standard on the 35th Anniversary and optional on the GT, while Nappa-covered Recaro seats are an option on the Club. Trunk volume is around 4.5 cu-ft.MazdaPrice Range and Best Value TrimThe 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata's price ranges from $29,530 for the Sport to $41,300 for the RF Club. The soft-top Club adds items such as Bilstein dampers, bigger wheels, Bose audio, and heated seats to the Sport.TrimPriceBase: Sport (6MT)$29,530Top: 35th Anniversary (6MT)Top RF: Club$36,250$41,300Best Value: Club (6MT)$33,030Key SpecsPowertrainEngineHPTorqueTransDrive0-602.0L NA I4181 hp151 lb-ft6MT / 6AT (GT)RWD~5.5-6.4 sec (manual)Fuel EconomyTransCityHighwayCombinedRange6-speed Auto26 MPG35 MPG29 MPG345 mi6-speed Manual26 MPG34 MPG29 MPG345 miFuel type: Premium GasolineAdvertisementAdvertisementRedline: 7,500 rpmCurb weight: 2,366 - 2,515 lb.Cargo: 4.59 cu-ft (RF 4.48 cu-ft)Seating: 2WarrantyCoverageTermBasic3 years / 36,000 milesPowertrain5 years / 60,000 milesComplimentary MaintenanceNot includedPros and ConsPros:Club's Bilstein dampers, LSD, shock tower brace, and NA engine with a 7,500-rpm redline create one of the most rewarding driving experiences available at any priceThe $29,530 Sport with 6-speed manual and RWD is the most affordable sports car on the market and one of the last new cars to offer a manual-only powertrainThe soft-top folds by hand in seconds, and headrest-mounted speakers let you enjoy music at highway speeds with the top downCons:181-hp/151-lb-ft outputs modest by modern standards, and while the lightweight chassis compensates, acceleration trails the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ4.5-cu-ft trunk space barely fits a carry-on bag, and the 2-seat layout with no rear storage limits the MX-5's usefulness for anything beyond spirited driving and short trips8.8-inch infotainment system controlled by a rotary dial feels dated compared to competitors, and the base Sport lacks wireless smartphone connectivityVerdictThe Mazda MX-5 Miata has managed to stay true to its original brief, eschewing more power, tech, size, or weight than absolutely necessary. The main mission is to have fun, and 181 hp goes further than you'd imagine, given the low weight. The Club with its LS diff and Bilstein dampers hits the sweet spot at only $33K, delivering a driving experience unmatched by some much more expensive sports cars. In an era of 6,000-pound EVs and turbocharging, the MX-5 Miata remains the purist's choice.MazdaCompetitorsToyota GR86Subaru BRZFord Mustang EcoBoostHonda PreludeShop the Car MarketplaceView the original article to see embedded media.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Cars section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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