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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 2 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $24,637–$29,386 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata at 8.1/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sports. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.1/10, while Technology at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 9.1/10, reliability is one of this sports's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 7.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.2/10. The Mazda MX-5 Miata delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Technology scores 6.4/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $24,637–$29,386, 25 MPG, seating 2, the Mazda MX-5 Miata sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sports market. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.7/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a solid, well-rounded sports that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata ranks #41 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 87% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $24,637 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 47%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata scores 7.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 8.1 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.3/10 | $29,854 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.3/10 | $28,985 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.2/10 | $28,115 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.2/10 | $27,245 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.1/10 | $26,376 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.0/10 | $25,506 | Read review → |
| 2019 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $24,637 | |
| 2018 | 8.0/10 | $23,767 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.9/10 | $22,898 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.9/10 | $22,028 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $21,159 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.