History/Overview
Beloved by driving enthusiasts everywhere, the Mazda MX-5 is a compact roadster whose modest straight-line performance is backed up by one of the most agile chassis in today’s auto industry. The current generation of MX-5 arrived in 2016, gained a folding hardtop option (called RF, and covered in a separate buyer’s guide) in 2017, and more power in 2019.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
The only notable change for 2022 is something called kinematic posture control, which gently applies the inside rear brake during spirited cornering to improve steering accuracy and reduce body roll.
Available Trims
Mazda offers the MX-5 in GS, GS-P, and GT trims. All are powered by a 2.0L, four-cylinder engine, which is mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. All MX-5 models are rear-wheel drive.
Standard Features
GS trim comes with 17-inch wheels, a soft folding roof, auto on/off LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, air conditioning, cruise control, and passive keyless entry. You also get blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning.
GS-P trim brings a limited-slip differential, sport suspension, heated side mirrors, an upgraded stereo, and heated seats.
GT adds traffic sign recognition, a cloth roof liner, an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, adaptive headlights, navigation, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, and a digital gauge cluster display.
Key Options
A GS-P sport package adds Brembo front brakes with red calipers, BBS forged wheels, and Recaro seats trimmed in Nappa and Alcantara leather.
Fuel Economy
Mazda’s fuel consumption estimates are 9.0/7.0 L/100 km (city/highway) with the manual transmission, and 9.0/6.6 L/100 km in automatic cars.
Competition
The MX-5’s closest competitor is the Fiat 124, which shares the Mazda’s platform but uses an Fiat-designed engine. Pricier versions of the MX-5 also compete with the Audi TT and BMW Z4.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
