2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring

Description

Overview

Few cars deliver driving thrills at an affordable price quite like the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata, and it's the only affordable sports car with a convertible top. It's also on our 2022 Editors' Choice list. A spunky four-cylinder primarily pairs with a satisfying six-speed manual, but an automatic transmission is offered, too. The Miata's handling is eager and playful, which makes encountering twisty roads a joyful experience.

Most versions come with a manually-folding soft-top, but there's a more expensive RF model available with a power-folding Targa hardtop. With either roof, the Miata's interior is snug but nicely equipped, with infotainment features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims.

What's New for 2022?

Mazda has eliminated the six-speed automatic transmission from most of the MX-5 Miata's trims for 2022, making it available only on the top-level Grand Touring trim where it is a $500 option on the convertible and a $550 option on the RF. Fine by us. We think ordering a Miata with an automatic is sacrilege.

Elsewhere, Mazda has incorporated a new feature called Kinematic Posture Control that is said to sharpen handling by applying small amounts of brake pressure on the inner rear wheel during cornering. Mazda says this reduces body roll and improves stability. Platinum Quartz Metallic is a new color choice this year, as is a the richly colored Terracotta Nappa leather upholstery,

which is available only on the Grand Touring trim. Going with the Club trim on the Miata RF automatically adds the Brembo BBS Recaro package that includes Brembo brakes, BBS wheels, and Recaro seats.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price of the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata starts at $28,715 and goes up to $39,215 depending on the trim and options.

The mid-range Club trim strikes the best balance of features and performance here as it comes with 17-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, heated seats, and a nine-speaker Bose stereo system. Although the Miata is available with an automatic transmission, we believe it's best equipped with the crisp and joyful six-speed manual, which is the sole offering on the Club trim.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Miata's engine revs eagerly and is powerful enough to deliver stirring acceleration. Exploring the engine's high-revving personality is encouraged by the direct, easy-to-shift manual transmission. Even the optional automatic impresses, with quick shifts and sporty programming.

The soft-top model ran to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds in our testing; the slightly heavier hardtop RF model needed 5.8. Miatas ride firmly and can get bouncy when driving over a quick succession of bumps. The mid-level Club's firmer shocks and springs return the stiffest ride of the lineup, although no Miata rides poorly. The handling is eager, and the Miata changes direction promptly.

We especially enjoy the light, tactile steering; it responds immediately and keeps the driver informed of what the front tires are doing. This is a fun car, plain and simple.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Chalk up another "W" in the Miata's column for its light weight. With such a small amount of car to haul around, the 2.0-liter engine manages relatively high EPA fuel-economy numbers of 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway (with the automatic transmission) and outperforms them in the real world.

On our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route, a soft top Grand Touring model delivered 36 mpg and a hardtop RF Club managed 37 mpg, both equipped with Mazda's excellent six-speed-manual transmission. For more information about the Miata's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

You don't sit in a Miata so much as wear it. The cabin is a cozy fit for two adults and includes only the bare essentials. While some might categorize the interior as spare, glass-half-full types (us) appreciate the businesslike prioritization of the steering wheel, pedals, and shifter and the refreshingly basic accommodations.

With few storage cubbies, not to mention a tiny trunk, the Miata barely acknowledges the need to bring along your personal effects. Then again, its Lilliputian dimensions make few promises in the way of practicality. If you pack light, the trunk can accommodate a weekend's worth of stuff for two. Meanwhile, the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GR 86 twins absolutely crush the Miata when it comes to cargo space; their folding rear seats allow owners to haul up to four full-size wheels and tires (for, say, a track day) between the trunk and the cabin.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Miata boasts a touchscreen infotainment system that is made better by an easy-to-reach control knob and hard buttons on the center console. Every Miata comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity (for both phone and streaming-audio functions), as well as a CD player.

Navigation is standard on the Grand Touring and a dealer-installed accessory on Club models—added via a Mazda SD card. Also included is HD radio compatibility. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models.

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Reviews (2)

satu

07 Oct, 2024

That long love affair cooled with the arrival of the sixth-gen (F30 chassis) 3-series in 2012. We felt betrayed as the magic from prior generations slipped away with the adoption of unfeeling electric power steering, a turbo four-cylinder base engine, and a general tuning philosophy at odds with the model's sporting roots. 2022 Toyota 4Runner Limited

After a 23-year run, the unthinkable happened: The 3-series failed to make the 10Best cut.

satu

07 Oct, 2024

That long love affair cooled with the arrival of the sixth-gen (F30 chassis) 3-series in 2012. We felt betrayed as the magic from prior generations slipped away with the adoption of unfeeling electric power steering, a turbo four-cylinder base engine, and a general tuning philosophy at odds with the model's sporting roots. 2022 Toyota 4Runner Limited

After a 23-year run, the unthinkable happened: The 3-series failed to make the 10Best cut.

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