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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 2 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $28,115–$37,617 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a sports that earns a Carivo score of 8.2/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Value at 9.1/10, 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. Reliability stands out at 9.0/10. The MX-5 Miata nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 7.4/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.3/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sportss to actually drive. 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 $28,115–$37,617, 29 MPG, seating 2, the Mazda MX-5 Miata sits in the mid-market bracket of the sports segment. Its value score of 9.1/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 3 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.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sports should — quietly and competently.
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 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata ranks #20 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 94% of the segment. Its 8.2/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $28,115 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 39%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata scores 8.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 8.2 — 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 (this review) | 8.2/10 | $28,115 | |
| 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 | 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 → |
Other sportss at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
