While the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata doesn’t receive major upgrades this year, the Hiroshima-based automaker is adding a noteworthy feature for the new model year, one that should improve the Miata’s handling.
The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata adds Kinematic Posture Control to enhance cornering.
Dubbed Kinematic Posture Control, or KPC, the new feature slightly slows the inner rear wheel during high-g cornering. This lowers that corner, suppressing body roll, while slightly stronger braking is used when accelerating through a corner, enhancing a limited slip effect. Other changes are minimal — and that’s a good thing.
The more things change …
Offered in ascending Sport, Club and Grand Touring trim levels, the MX-5 Miata can be had in soft top and Retractable Fastback, or RF, models. The Miata retains its lively Skyactiv 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that sends 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic transmission is available on the Grand Touring model, and a Brembo BBS Recaro Package is offered on the Club model.
As before, the Miata employs a front double wishbone suspension with aluminum arms, a rear multi-link suspension, monotube dampers, front and rear stabilizer bars, and four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist systems.
All models are equipped with such driver-assistance safety systems as blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, smart city brake support, and lane departure warning. There are some differences among the models, however.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is available with a soft top or as a Retractable Fastback.
The Miata Sport: $27,300
The Miata’s entry-level model, is available solely with a black soft top, but it still has much to offer, with black 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, dual exhaust, LED headlights and taillights, gloss black door mirrors, variable-intermittent windshield wipers, and rear glass window with defogger.
For 2022, it’s now available in Platinum Quartz Metallic paint. Inside, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, dual USB ports, and six-speaker audio system keep you digitally informed. A tilt and telescoping three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather shift knob and parking brake, cloth bucket seats, power door locks and windows are all the indulgence you might need.
The Miata Club: $30,800
All Miatas were designed for driving enthusiast, but the MX-5 Miata Club ups the ante with a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein dampers, a front shock tower brace, a limited slip differential, a gloss black front air dam, rear lip spoiler, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, dark interior accents, black cloth seats with light gray stitching. You also get wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bose 9-speaker premium audio system with subwoofer and headrest speakers.
Terracotta Nappa leather seats are a new $300 option on Grand Touring models.
The Miata Grand Touring, $32,800
If you’re the shiftless type, meaning that you prefer an automatic transmission, or just want it all, the Grand Touring is your ride. Available in both soft top and RF roof styles, it’s the most opulent Miata you can buy.
Outside, the Grand Touring’s grand demeanor starts with dark silver 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, body-color heated door mirrors, door sill trim plates, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Climb inside and you’ll find standard black leather seats, although Terracotta Nappa leather seats are a new $300 option for 2022. Navigation, automatic climate control, auto-dim rearview mirror with HomeLink, chrome interior trim, and a three-year SiriusXM Traffic & Travel Link subscription are standard.
The Miata Club with Brembo BBS Recaro package: $35,300
Club models can be fitted with a Brembo BBS Recaro package, which adds Brembo front brakes with red-painted front and rear calipers, dark gunmetal 17-inch BBS forged wheels, and heated Recaro sport seats. But it also gets function exterior upgrades, including an aero kit with gloss black side sill extensions and rear bumper skirt. The Club with Brembo BBS Recaro package model as Retractable Fastback, something unavailable on lower Club trim. When ordered, the roof is painted black.
Few changes on tap for 2022
Miata sales are up dramatically in 2021.
You might wonder why the MX-5 Miata is receiving only a minor engineering upgrade for 2022. One look at sales will answer that question. MX-5 Miata annual sales have been rising, up to 8,807 in 2020 from 7,753 in 2019.
In the first half of 2021, sales have been even stronger, registering 6,677 units, up from 4,320 year-over-year. Perhaps it’s the pandemic; consumers want a bit of indulgence, one they don’t have to share with three rows of family members.
But it might be for a simpler reason: the MX-5 Miata remains unique in the market, a two-seat rear-wheel-drive roadster. It’s in a market segment of one, unmatched by any competitors.
So why change a good thing? Thankfully, Mazda hasn’t.
Keyword: First Look: 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata