Review: 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring

Had a stressful week? Then you may need a little wind therapy.

That's right, hop into a Mazda Miata MX-5 Grand Touring RF, pop down the rigid hardtop which retracts in about 13 seconds, and feel the breeze blow through your hair as you maneuver twists and curves in this fun-to-drive roadster. The iconic vehicle with more than a million units produced is the Guinness World Record holder for the best-selling two-seater sports car and still maintains the lightweight, nimble character for which it is best known.

Impressions

Driving these types of sports cars is always a fun drive, especially when I can get a manual 6-speed with the short-throw shifter instead of the automatic. For a great convertible experience, a must have is also a top notch sound system that allows you to hear your music and navigational directions with ease. Mazda comes through in a big way with their 9-speaker systems including audio-filled head rests for your listening pleasure. The Bose audio system comes with an absolutely essential AudioPilot system that automatically monitors sustained background noise and adjusts sound quality accordingly. There is also the 7" full-color touch screen which is easy to read even in the sun. I can assure you that we came back rejuvenated and refreshed from our leisurely drive in the Miata and fun day of lakeside adventure at Cross Timbers Hiking Trail near Juniper Point on Lake Texoma.

The iconic roadster is a symbol of dynamic, top-down driving on thrilling open roads, making it the perfect vehicle to honor the brand's 100-year milestone.

Mazda North American Operations

In the News

Source: Mazda | New for 2020, MX-5 Grand Touring models with manual transmission will include the limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers, front shock tower brace and sport-tuned suspension that are typically found in the MX-5 Club. This helps fans enjoy the best of both worlds, benefiting from the exhilarating enhancements while keeping the premium amenities. An all-new Gray cloth soft top and Red Nappa leather interior are available at this trim level. In addition to the features in the MX-5 Club, other new updates include black with stainless steel door sills and SiriusXM® with three-month trial subscription, SiriusXM® three-year traffic and travel link subscription. In contrast to the MX-5 Club, this refined Miata features heated leather-trimmed seats with silver stitching, Mazda navigation system, 17-inch Dark Silver aluminum alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic on/off headlights, auto-dimming driver-side mirror, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink® and bright silver interior accents. Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Front-lighting System and High Beam Control are additional safety features at this trim level.

Specifications

Engine: 181 horsepower 2.0L 4-cylinder
Torque: 151 pound-feet
Transmission: 6-speed manual with short throw shifter
Color Shown: Soul Red Crystal
Wheels: 17" aluminum alloy
Sound: Bose® 9-speaker audio system with AudioPilot technology and UltraNearfield headrest speakers
Fuel: 26/35/30 (mpg city/highway/combined)
MSRP (starts): $34,425
MSRP (shown): $35,956

Learn More

For more information or to test drive a 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit:
Mazda | MX-5 Miata RF

About Mazda

Mazda Motor Corporation, based in Hiroshima, Japan, was established in 1920, and became a vehicle manufacturer in 1931, when it began producing three-wheeled trucks. Mazda began selling vehicles in North America 50 years ago, this year, with the establishment of affiliate companies in Canada (Mazda Canada, Inc.) in 1968, in the United States (Mazda Motor of America, d/b/a Mazda North American Operations) in 1970, and in Mexico (Mazda Motor de Mexico) in 2006. Currently, Mazda does business in more than 130 countries around the world, and produces vehicles in Japan, Mexico, China and Thailand. Building passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and crossover SUVs, with an emphasis on the driving experience and a focus on design, engineering and efficient manufacturing, the company sells more than 1.55 million vehicles annually.