There’s a lot to rave about when it comes to the Mazda MX-5 Miata. In an era of increasingly heavy, complicated cars, the Miata remains a refreshingly simple reminder of what makes driving fun.
Nothing compares to banging through the gears in this tiny roadster. The six-speed manual transmission is precise and immensely satisfying. Pair that with razor-sharp handling from a suspension that feels perfectly dialed in and the Miata (I’ve never heard anyone call it an MX-5) delivers a level of driver engagement that’s becoming increasingly rare.
The numbers back me up. The four-cylinder engine produces 181 horsepower, which may not sound like much. But when the car weighs less than 2,400 pounds, that’s plenty, as evidenced by my unintended tire chirps.
It certainly doesn’t hurt that this high-end Grand Touring model looks fantastic in Mazda’s signature Soul Crystal Red Metallic. Mazda even stylishly carries the body color through to the top of the interior door panels.
Of course, there are compromises. The climb in and out can be inelegant and embarrassing. Storage space is practically nonexistent, sometimes comically so. There’s no traditional glove box, just a lockable cubby tucked between the seat backs. Door pockets are nowhere to be found, either. Cupholders are mounted behind your elbows, of all places, in an apparently complete afterthought. They’re so awkwardly positioned that you only remember them when you bonk your funny bone.
Basically, if you have stuff, it goes on the passenger seat. If you have a passenger, your stuff goes in the trunk.
But then again, who cares? All told, few cars offer this much fun, this much character and this much connection between driver and machine. It delivers thrills without the supercar pricing, both upfront and ongoing.
At $37,560 as tested, including destination charges, this MX-5 Miata Grand Touring proves that one of the world’s great driver’s cars is still attainable. No car earns so many grins for that price — or any price, really.
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
