2021
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

Starts at:
$33,645
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New 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • Club Manual
    Starts at
    $33,045
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Club Auto
    Starts at
    $33,645
    26 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Grand Touring Manual
    Starts at
    $34,525
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Grand Touring Auto
    Starts at
    $35,050
    26 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

Notable features

Two-seat rear-wheel-drive roadster
181-hp four-cylinder engine
Six-speed manual or automatic transmission
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard
Power-folding retractable hardtop available (RF model)

The good & the bad

The good

Handling
Easy top operation
Energetic drivetrain
Fuel economy

The bad

Steering feedback could be better
Seats don't hold you in place
Snug cabin and limited legroom

Expert 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is powered by a 181-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission. This rear-wheel-drive two-seater comes with a standard manual-folding soft-top, while the nifty but pricey RF model has a power-folding retractable hardtop. The RF gives the Miata the look of a sporty coupe when the top is in place. The MX-5 is built on the same platform as the Fiat 124 Spider, and rivals include the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ.

What’s New on the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

The high-end Grand Touring trim level gains wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. 

What Features in the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 16-inch black alloy wheels
  • LED headlights and taillights
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Push-button start
  • 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Low-speed automatic emergency braking
  • Lane departure warning 
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert

Available features include:

  • 17-inch BBS forged wheels
  • Retractable hardtop
  • Limited-slip differential 
  • Bilstein shocks
  • Brembo front brakes
  • Bose premium stereo
  • Recaro sport seats
  • Heated seats
  • Leather-trimmed seats
  • Navigation
  • Automatic air conditioning

Should I Buy the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

If you can afford nearly $28,000 for a highly impractical car, go for it. The MX-5 Miata is thrilling to drive and doesn’t demand much financial outlay when it’s time to refuel. Taller car shoppers, take note: The cabin is a tight fit if you’re above-average height. The trunk is also tiny; a pair of soft-sided bags for a weekend getaway will max it out.

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is powered by a 181-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission. This rear-wheel-drive two-seater comes with a standard manual-folding soft-top, while the nifty but pricey RF model has a power-folding retractable hardtop. The RF gives the Miata the look of a sporty coupe when the top is in place. The MX-5 is built on the same platform as the Fiat 124 Spider, and rivals include the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ.

What’s New on the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

The high-end Grand Touring trim level gains wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. 

What Features in the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 16-inch black alloy wheels
  • LED headlights and taillights
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Push-button start
  • 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Low-speed automatic emergency braking
  • Lane departure warning 
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert

Available features include:

  • 17-inch BBS forged wheels
  • Retractable hardtop
  • Limited-slip differential 
  • Bilstein shocks
  • Brembo front brakes
  • Bose premium stereo
  • Recaro sport seats
  • Heated seats
  • Leather-trimmed seats
  • Navigation
  • Automatic air conditioning

Should I Buy the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

If you can afford nearly $28,000 for a highly impractical car, go for it. The MX-5 Miata is thrilling to drive and doesn’t demand much financial outlay when it’s time to refuel. Taller car shoppers, take note: The cabin is a tight fit if you’re above-average height. The trunk is also tiny; a pair of soft-sided bags for a weekend getaway will max it out.

Available cars near you

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2021
    5.0
    Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
    Starts at
    $33,045
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2018
    4.6
    FIAT 124 Spider
    Starts at
    $24,995
    25 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2023
    5.0
    Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
    Starts at
    $35,750
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2023
    5.0
    Subaru BRZ
    Starts at
    $28,595
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2023
    5.0
    Mazda MX-5 Miata
    Starts at
    $28,050
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear-wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2022
    Toyota GR86
    Starts at
    $27,700
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

5.0 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.0
Interior 4.5
Performance 5.0
Value 4.5
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

New to this Super Car

IT is a super car that has great performance for the price. I am 6'4" and found it a great experience. It is comfortable to drive and good in the entry and exit :-) All in all, we are very satisfied with this vehicle.
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 4.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Love my Red MX 5

Love the look, love the design, love the performance. We were looking to purchase a CPO car and fell in love with the beautiful RF Club trim so we purchased a brand new Red one!
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 4.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 5.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 4.0
11 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Mazda dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is available in 2 trim levels:

  • Club (2 styles)
  • Grand Touring (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF offers up to 26 MPG in city driving and 34 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF reliable?

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF owners.

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF a good Convertible?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

5.0 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.0
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 5.0
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 5.0
  • Reliability: 4.5

Mazda MX-5 Miata RF history

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