2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Pros: Pure sports-car personality; joyous fun to drive; lower-end models are reasonably affordable; high levels of refinement and new technology features

Cons: Tight cockpit for large occupants, especially with the top up; limited cargo space

CG Says: For 2022, the Mazda MX-5 Miata adds a system called Kinematic Posture Control, which improves handling composure by selectively applying slight brake pressure to the inner rear wheel during cornering. The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring is now the only model available with an automatic transmission; the Sport and Club trim levels are now offered only with manual transmission.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a two-seat sports car available as a roadster with an easy-to-operate manual cloth top, or as an RF (for Retractable Fastback) coupe version with a power-retractable targa top. Both have aggressive styling, aluminum-intensive construction for a lighter curb weight, a touchscreen infotainment system with available navigation, and standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality on all models. Wireless Apple CarPlay is also available.

The sole engine is a 181-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, paired with a 6-speed manual; the optional automatic transmission on Grand Touring models is also a 6-speed.

Standard safety features include low-speed automatic emergency braking, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. The Mazda MX-5 stays wonderfully true to the Miata’s pure-sports-car spirit while delivering good fuel economy, high levels of all-around refinement, and several welcome technology features. However, the inherent Miata compromises—namely a cramped cockpit and tiny trunk—are there as well. Even though base prices have crept upward, Miata still represents an excellent value in its class. For pure open-air driving fun at a relatively affordable price, it’s pretty much in a class all its own.