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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 2 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $26,376–$32,100 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.1/10, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata earns a Recommended rating among the sportss we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.0/10, while Technology at 6.3/10 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. We rate the Mazda MX-5 Miata's reliability at 9.0/10 — among the strongest in our sports database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 7.5/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.4/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sports you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 6.3/10 — 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 $26,376–$32,100, 27 MPG, seating 2, the Mazda MX-5 Miata sits in the mid-market bracket of the sports segment. The 8.7/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sports delivers more than most of the class. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in technology are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 2021 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 $26,376 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 43%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata scores 8.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2021'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 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $26,376 | |
| 2020 | 8.0/10 | $25,506 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.1/10 | $24,637 | Read review → |
| 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.