2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata remains a worthy choice for the drivers who desire an affordable sports car. Sharp handling and a removable roof make the MX-5 Miata an especially fun daily-driver. You can also take advantage of the roadster’s strong fuel economy. Although the MX-5 Miata is not a luxury car, it still offers plenty of modern features.

What’s New for 2018?

This year, Mazda did not make any major changes to the MX-5 Miata.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata – The Pros

1. Small Engine Delivers the Thrills

Although the standard four-cylinder is small, it delivers just the right amount of muscle for the lightweight MX-5 Miata. Mazda tuned the free-revving engine to develop an entertaining 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. When tested at the track, the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata recorded a competitive 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds. Throttle response is exceptional.

2. Fuel-Sipping Sports Car

Unlike some of today’s more powerful sports cars, the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata manages to deliver solid gas mileage. When equipped with a manual transmission, you can expect to get around 26 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway. If you choose the automatic transmission, the MX-5 Miata’s highway fuel economy rating increases to a solid 36 mpg.

3. Very Engaging Manual Transmission

The automatic transmission is a good choice for the drivers who like to cruise. To experience the joy of changing your own gears, choose the six-speed manual transmission. Car reviews rank the MX-5 Miata’s stick-shift transmission as one of the best on the entire market. An easy-to-use clutch pedal makes traveling in bumper-to-bumper traffic less stressful.

4. Smile-Inducing Handling

Although the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata is not the most powerful sports car in the world, it can match the handling of cars that are far more expensive. Whether you are winding around a curvy back road or competing at the track, the new MX-5 Miata should inspire a great deal of confidence. You will have a direct connection to the road.

5. Performance-Oriented Club Model

The Club model is geared towards the folks who desire an even sportier driving experience. Like the rest of the lineup, it comes equipped with a 155-horsepower engine. However, you will benefit from performance upgrades such as Bilstein shock absorbers and a limited-slip differential. Stickier summer tires also help the Club model to maintain a tight grip against the pavement.

6. Iconic Styling

Although the MX-5 Miata’s exterior styling has gradually changed over the years, it is still among the most recognizable cars on the road. Its shapely physique is hard to overlook. Featuring standard LED headlights and taillights, the base Sport trim will certainly get its fair share of compliments. A special set of BBS forged wheels are available as an option.

7. Retractable Hardtop RF Model

Among the MX-5 Miata’s most adoring features is its convertible roof. The new RF model gives you the best of both worlds. A retractable hardtop makes the MX-5 Miata RF look like sleek coupe. However, it still delivers the thrills with the top down. The entire process of lowering the hardtop only takes the simple touch of a button.

8. Attractively Priced Base Model

You don’t have to pay extra in order to have fun in the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Most drivers will be more than happy with the base model. Prices start at less than $26,000, which is an outstanding deal for a true sports car. Some of the standard features include Bluetooth, a six-speaker sound system, and cruise control.

9. Can Accommodate Taller Drivers

In the past, the Miata was often criticized for its lack of interior room. While the new MX-5 Miata remains a small car, it is now more accommodating to taller drivers. When pushed back, the driver’s seat offers a surprisingly amount of legroom.

10. Advanced Safety Features

Fortunately, there are a few available safety technologies for the 2018 MX-5 Miata. Blind-spot monitoring gives you an extra degree of assurance on the highway. When backing out of a parking area, rear cross-traffic alert will help you remain aware of other vehicles. Lane departure warning is offered as well.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata – The Cons

1. Some Drivers May Desire More Oomph

While the new MX-5 Miata is quick enough to keep drivers engaged, some people will ultimately desire more power. In terms of straight-line acceleration, the MX-5 Miata won’t be able to hang with sports cars such as the Porsche Boxster and Nissan 370Z.

2. Only Offers Rear-Wheel Drive

All versions of the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata feature a rear-wheel-drive system. This could cause traction issues in the snow. An available AWD system would make the MX-5 Miata a more suitable sports car to drive during the winter.

3. No Backseat

The MX-5 Miata is strictly a two-seater. If you have young children at home, they will not be able to tag along. For the drivers who need a practical backseat, the new Buick Cascada convertible will prove to be a better fit.

How it Stacks up to the Competition:

Some of the other small sports cars to consider include the 2018 Fiat 124 and the 2018 Subaru BRZ. Although the similar Fiat 124 shares many of the MX-5‘s mechanics, there are some key differences. The MX-5 Miata’s naturally aspirated engine does not suffer from any turbo lag. Meanwhile, the Subaru BRZ does not offer a convertible top. You can also compare the MX-5 Miata to the Mini Cooper. However, you will find that the Mini Cooper has a higher price tag and is more expensive to maintain.

Conclusion:

Very few sports cars can match the MX-5 Miata’s affordability. When equipped with a few performance upgrades, the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata becomes a highly recommended track car. Nevertheless, it still proves to be a fun ride for everyday commuting. With the arrival of new safety features, the MX-5 Miata is now more modern than ever before.