Dubbed “ND3”, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata brings some significant updates to keep things fresh while we await a next-gen model.
After the updated MX-5 launched in Japan, we’ve been patiently (well, maybe not so patiently) waiting for its arrival here in the U.S. Now, the automaker finally shed some details on this third update to the ND Miata, improving both its driving dynamics and quality-of-life elements. We also know how much this year’s Miata will cost, but it’s not much more expensive than it was last year.
It’s not like the past years’ Miatas were bad to drive, by any stretch of the imagination. Nevertheless, Mazda engineers fiddled with the halo car, giving it a new steering rack. The company says it’s been revised internally, bringing “reduced friction”, and it also recalibrated the electric power assist to bring “smoother steering action and a more defined ‘on-center’ feeling for relaxed highway cruising, yet greater precision as the front tires are loaded up under hard cornering.” Since it’s coming up on spring and summer, I’m definitely curious to try the 2024 MX-5 out both on the daily commute and carving some canyons.
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata also gets a redesigned asymmetrical limited-slip differential on manual-equipped Club and Grand Touring models. Under the hood, the 2.0-liter engine remains the same, making 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. However, this updated model does add a “DSC-Track” mode to the stability control system, adding some extra flexibility without having to turn the system off entirely during track driving. While a 6-speed manual is the default transmission across the MX-5 range, you can still get a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters on the top-end Grand Touring.
Other changes to the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Fundamentally, we’re still looking at a similar ND Miata to previous model years. However, look a bit closer and you notice the small tweaks: New LED headlights, taillights and wheels, for example. Aero Gray is also the latest $450 addition to Mazda’s color pallette, running alongside favorites like Zircon Sand and Soul Red Crystal Metallic.
Inside, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata finally gets a noteable infotainment upgrade, after languishing with the past-generation MazdaConnect infotainment system for the past several years. You now get a much more modern-looking 8.8-inch infotainment display, largely controlled by the rotary command knob, although you do get touchscreen functionality when you’re using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The new display is also standard equipment, even on the base Sport trim. The MX-5 also gets Amazon Alexa baked into the base infotainment system to handle hands-free commands as well as some control over your smart home devices remotely.
Some other small touches for the 2024 model year include a subtly redesigned gauge cluster, with simplified graphics as well as more padding on the center console.
As before, the mid-range Club model is where most of the changes are happening, since it’s more or less the sweet spot between the relatively barebones Sport and the more luxurious Grand Touring. To that end, the Club gets more changes like black suede accents in the cloth seats, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay capability (sorry Android Auto users, but you’ll still have to use a USB cable). The Brembo BBS package with Recaro seats is still available on the Club model, as well.
How much does it cost?
The Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t exactly inexpensive, as it does start a little higher than the Toyota GR 86. Nevertheless, it doesn’t get a huge price bump, with the base Sport starting at $30,150 (including Mazda’s $1,165 destination fee). Sticking with the soft-top, the Club costs $33,650 (or $38,450 with the Brembo BBS Recaro package), while the Grand Touring costs $35,450 with the manual transmission (add $920 if you want the automatic).
If you want the hard-top RF, then the pricing starts at $41,375 for the Club model. That does include the package that’s an option on the soft-top, though, so you’re mainly looking at an extra $2,925 for the hard roof. The Grand Touring version of the RF is actually a bit less expensive since it doesn’t include the package, so prices start at $38,175 (or $39,145 for the auto).
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata goes on sale in the coming weeks. While this may not be prime roadster weather for some folks, it will arrive just in time for the spring thaw. We’ll give you some more updates when we actually get a chance to drive the ND3, so stay tuned!
