2024 Mazda Miata Debuts With More Screen, Better Options

All Mazda has really done since the ND-generation MX-5’s debut is hone the tiny sports car’s edge. It’s all it's ever needed, and for 2024, the edge gets even finer with an updated infotainment system, a new limited-slip diff, and more. However, at least one thing isn’t changing about the Miata, which starts at $29,460 including destination for 2024. The entire lineup is still powered by the brand’s Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque routed through a six-speed transmission (manual or automatic).

Things become drastically different from there. Mazda says it has made “major updates” to the Miata’s electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system including a new steering rack. Mazda says the new rack will have reduced friction and new electronic assist software, which should result in smoother steering with better precision and a more defined center point. The aforementioned refined limited-slip differential is available only on the Club model, and the result of the changes should be a reduction in understeer, per Mazda. Club models also see a new DSC-Track Mode, which can fully defeat the car’s stability control program.

There’s also aesthetic updates throughout the car. The exterior sees new, updated headlights with new DRLs, new LED taillights, and new wheel designs. Mazda has also added a new Aero Gray color that, like all other paint colors on the Miata, will run buyers a few extra bucks — in this case, $450. The big news, however, is a new 8.8-inch infotainment screen with (at long last) touch functionality when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Mazda has also integrated Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant into the system, allowing drivers to adjust the climate, radio, and other functions with their voice. Mazda also added more padding to the center console and revised the gauge cluster with new high-contrast graphics.

Pricing for the entire Mazda Miata lineup has been announced too. As mentioned above, the base Sport model begins at $29,460 MSRP. From there, the sportier Club model with its Bilstein dampers will run buyers $33,650 for the soft top and $41,375 for the power hardtop-equipped RF model. For 2024, the RF Club now includes the brand’s Brembo/BBS/Recaro Package, which adds heated Recaro buckets, larger red Brembo front brakes (with red painted rear calipers) and 17-inch BBS forged wheels. Soft top buyers will have to shell out an additional $4,800, a choice which is only available for buyers of the Club trim.

The top-tier Grand Touring trim is available with either the automatic or the manual transmission and can be had as either a soft-top or RF model. Soft-top models will run $35,450 for the manual and $36,370 for the automatic, whereas the RF will cost buyers $38,175 for the stick or $39,145 for the auto. Also available on Grand Touring models only is a $300 tan Nappa leather upgrade. Mazda hasn’t said when the new MX-5 will be hitting dealers, but the online configurator does show 2024 models as available for order.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.