2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata review

1. Wide range of trims

The 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata sports car comes in seven convertible trims, including two special 100-year anniversary editions boasting elegant throwbacks to classic Miata style. It also includes a mix of both traditional convertible and retractable fastback (RF) options, and gives you the choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

This impressive range of options means there is something for every aesthetic. For instance, the entry-level Sport trim has a manual soft top, a seven-inch touchscreen display, a six-speaker stereo, and a CD player, while the mid-range Club package adds Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ integration, plus a BOSE^® sound system.

Meanwhile, the 100th Anniversary model pulls out all the stops with leather seats, parking sensors, lane departure warning, and other modern amenities wrapped in a sophisticated package.

2. Peppy engine

All 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata trims come with a 2.0L, 181 horsepower engine. Those specs may appear standard on the surface, but imagine how that will feel when you consider that the 2020 MX-5 weighs in at just 2,350 pounds — lighter than many other sports cars out there. That lower weight also gives it an edge on fuel economy; it gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Acceleration is also impressive, with the 2020 MX-5 going from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new).

3. It's designed for driver comfort

Miatas may have deceptively small interiors, but they've got everything a driver needs and then some. All trims come with a spacious 43.1 inches of leg room — more than some SUVs — and a comfortable 37.4 inches of headroom. The gearstick, pedals, and dials are all in exactly the right place to offer up a truly engaging driving experience.

4. Good range of infotainment options

Still listen to CDs? Needs handsfree Bluetooth^® connectivity? Want to hook up to Apple CarPlay? Need a top-line sound system? There's a 2020 MX-5 for you. Because of the wide range of trims and add-ons, you have the power to choose what kind of audio and navigation features you need from your sports coupe. This means you can soundtrack your next top-down road trip however you wish.

5. It's fun to drive

You can never go wrong with a Miata, but the 2020 MX-5 is especially fun. The classic convertible look combined with tactile steering and rapid response time work together to give you a deeply satisfying ride. That's true on both the automatic and manual models, the latter of which shows off smooth, easy shifting. Whichever you choose, you'll love the low center of gravity and light-on-its-feet feel of the MX-5.

2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata video review

If you're in the market for a fun driving experience that won't break that bank, then the Mazda MX-5 Miata is the car for you. For over 30 years, Mazda has been cranking out these fun little roadsters, and if you're in the market for a used Miata, Ryan ZumMallen from Edmunds is here to run down what you can expect when it's time to buy one. This is our review of the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF.

The Mazda Miata is a convertible roadster that comes in two roof styles: a classic convertible soft top and a power-folding hard top. The soft top allows for quicker handling, but the hard top offers better security and a quieter interior. The interior of the Miata is small, but the controls are easy to use and reach. However, people over 6 feet tall will most likely find themselves a little squished due to the lack of legroom and headroom. But let's face it, you're not buying the Miata for practicality or road trips.