Mazda Miata RF: The Classic Roadster with a Modern Twist

Words and Photos by Jennifer Jensen

This is the Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring RF—a name that might sound a bit lengthy, but this car has earned some fanfare. Mazda’s lineup for the Miata runs the gamut from Sport, Club, Club with Brembo/BBS/Recaro, to this—the Grand Touring model, the top dog. And yes, Mazda was gracious enough to include the iconic six-speed manual transmission with this one, though for those preferring an easier commute, a six-speed automatic is also available in the Grand Touring. But don’t do it. You’ll regret it. Stick with the manual!

The Engine and Drivetrain

This Miata isn’t here to impress you with raw power but rather the experience of driving itself. Under the hood, we’ve got a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pushing out 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed manual, as it should be. The manual transmission feels purposeful, smooth, and every shift is a reminder of why this car is so loved. The Miata has never been about speed but more about balance, control, and maximizing every one of those 181 ponies.

A Roadster with Style—and Some Quirks

The Miata RF (Retractable Fastback) brings a unique styling twist. The hardtop retracts, creating a coupe-meets-roadster aesthetic that’s as practical as it is stylish. This setup gives you the pleasure of top-down driving when the weather’s just right, and in seconds, you can button it up with the press of a button if the skies take a turn.

Inside, Mazda sticks to what they know best: a focus on simplicity and quality. It’s all well-finished—silver accents on the dash and air vents, some on the steering wheel, too. It’s a nicely executed interior, with a Platinum Quartz Metallic finish outside that blends elegantly with the terracotta Nappa leather interior. The overall effect is distinctly upscale, reminding you this is a car that’s as much about design as it is about driving. Though those shiny silver bits can also be a driving distraction when the sun hits them.

However, it’s not all flawless. The Miata’s signature compact size is both a blessing and a curse. I’m six-foot-two, and it’s painfully clear that the Miata isn’t exactly built for folks my height. I’m literally brushing the roof, and even on smoother roads, I’ve hit my head a couple of times. You do feel a bit on top of the seats rather than in them, but it’s part of the Miata experience.

The Sound Experience

When we talk about the Miata RF, there’s a unique safety feature worth noting. Instead of the typical steering-wheel shake when you drift out of lane, this car alerts you with directional sounds, playing through the speaker on whichever side you’re edging toward. Is it perfect? Not quite, but it’s a clever feature and brings a bit of character.

The Miata’s sound system, however, leaves something to be desired. While the RF’s nine-speaker Bose system tries, the sound quality doesn’t quite match the car’s upscale interior. Then again, when you’re in a Miata, the real soundtrack is the rev of that little four-cylinder engine. The engine note, while a bit raspy, still has a charm that brings out the car’s playful character. Though you may want to seek some aftermarket suppliers to sharpen up that throttle tone a bit.

How It Handles

The Miata has always been about handling, and this RF version is no exception. Mazda’s signature lightweight build is in full display here—the curb weight is just around 2,341 pounds. With a double-wishbone suspension up front and a multi-link setup in the back, the Miata manages to feel both nimble and controlled. The RF’s retractable hardtop adds some weight, but the driving dynamics are still pure Miata: sharp and confidence-inspiring.

The steering itself has a satisfying weight to it. It’s not heavy, but it gives you just enough resistance to remind you that this car is built for driving. The Miata’s handling is not about brute force; it’s all about finesse. The cornering, the responsiveness—it’s all crafted to make the driver feel one with the car. Mazda even added a bit of clever tech called Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) to help with high-G cornering by braking the inner rear wheel to help stabilize the car’s posture. Does it work? Yes, but it doesn’t totally mask that the Miata can feel floaty at times.

Driving Impressions and Comfort

Here’s the thing about the Miata RF: it’s not a luxury car, and it’s not a muscle car. It’s not built to dominate the freeway or muscle through traffic. It’s a car that’s about the journey rather than the destination. On longer drives, you’ll notice that the cabin is a bit louder than many modern cars, and the suspension doesn’t exactly eat up rough patches on the road.

But there’s something so fun about the way this car drives. If you get the manual, you’re constantly engaged, constantly shifting gears, and Mazda’s kept the throws short and sweet. For those who find joy in the art of driving, this is a dream. Heel-toe downshifts are a breeze, and every shift feels like it’s coming from an era where driving was just… simpler.

Cabin and Cargo Space

Storage space isn’t exactly the Miata’s selling point, but Mazda’s made a valiant effort. There’s a small trunk that will fit a couple of weekend bags. Inside, you’ve got a glove box behind your right elbow rather than in front of the passenger seat, and a few cubbies that’ll fit your essentials. The cabin’s tight, but Mazda’s done their best to keep it practical.

One frustration is the rearview mirror. It’s on the large side, and in a small car like this, it actually blocks your view of oncoming traffic to the right. A small complaint, but something to get used to.

The Mazda “Human-Centric” Design

Mazda’s been big on the “human-centric” design philosophy—crafting a car that feels like an extension of the driver. They talk about this concept of “Jinba Ittai,” which essentially translates to “horse and rider as one.” But here’s the reality: the Miata feels a bit more like riding a spirited pony. It’s fun, it’s responsive, and it wants to go wherever you point it. But for taller drivers, that concept of perfect unity might get a little lost in translation.

Conclusion: The Miata RF is More Than the Sum of Its Parts

In the end, the Miata RF is a love letter to driving. The lightweight build, the balanced handling, and the open-air experience make it a blast for those who can fit comfortably behind the wheel. It’s not perfect—the sound system is a bit lackluster, the cabin can feel cramped for taller drivers, and it’s by no means a quiet ride. But it’s a Miata. It doesn’t need to be perfect.

The Miata RF is more than just a car. It’s a reminder of a time when driving was about the journey, about feeling the road, and about enjoying every shift and turn. It’s a rare breed in today’s market, where cars are loaded with tech and distracted by features. The Miata RF stands as an analog warrior in a digital world—a car that rewards the driver who wants to be involved.

If you’re looking for an escape from the ordinary, something that makes you smile every time you press the start button, the Miata RF delivers. For those who don’t mind a few quirks and crave that connection with the road, this little roadster might just be your perfect match.