2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club: The Brand’s Iconic Hardtop Compact Roadster

Highlight: This is the one the few vehicles available with a manual transmission.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $42,485 (Base RF MSRP): $38,735

Seating Capacity: 2

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; rear view monitoring; stability control; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Miata RF): 17-inch BBS forged wheels; rear wheel drive; a sport-tuned suspension; a manual transmission; power retractable fastback roof; a rear lip spoiler; a manual operated Recaro cloth seats; lockable storage; glass rear window; cruise control; a push button ignition system; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering; heated seats; and power windows; a manual controlled a/c; navigation system; and leather trimmed parking brakes

Options:       

Premium White Pearl paint

Other Trim Levels:

MX-5 Miata

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 9-speaker Bose AM/FM audio system with SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder twin-power turbo engine/181-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 26-city/35-hwy (test model)

What’s New: Mazda celebrates the 35^th anniversary of the subcompact with a special soft top edition.

Why:

Easy to use power operated hardtop

2-seater

Nimble

Spunky engine/performance

Sport-tuned suspension designed for connecting with the road

Manual transmission (automatic available)

Fun-to-drive

Stylish

Some of the latest safety aids (eg. Blindspot mirrors)

Leather seating available

Brembo BBS wheels

Heated seats

Limited slip differential

Adaptive front lighting system available

Navigation system

But:

Only available in rear wheel drive

Limited cargo area

No light in cargo area

Verdict: The rear-wheel drive, eye-catching hardtop roadster is available in a manual or automatic transmission.

The spunky subcompact car is available in a softtop or hardtop. While we looking forward to reviewing the MX-5 Miata annually, ironically, this is the first time we have spent time behind the wheel of the RF model. Unlike other MX-5 Miatas we have tested, the RF features a one-touch power operated retractable roof that gives more of a coupe-like appearance, separating itself from the traditional Miata.

In fact, the subcompact Miata RF looks more like a premium coupe that would have been in a James Bond movie. Yes, this subcompact is the epitome of cool. So, in addition to the style, the RF continues to be a fun-to-drive vehicle that effortlessly delivers 181-horsepower.

So, while the RF model tops off in the low $40k range, when fully accessorized, it's one of the few vehicles on the road that's in a lane by itself and is very accessible in terms of the price point. 

Competition: None