Model Tested: 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring
![](https://autoreviewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2019_Mazda_MX-5_Miata_44-370x247.jpg)
Engine:2.0-liter I-4 gas, 181-horsepower, 151 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive
EPA Rating: 26 mpg city, 34-mpg highway, 29 mpg combined
Base Price: $33,335
As Tested: $35,905
Performance:
Excellent performance
26 more hp than 2018 model
Very nimble, easily darts in and out of traffic
![](https://autoreviewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2019_Mazda_MX-5_Miata_63-370x247.jpg)
Sporty exhaust note
Blind spot monitor is very useful
Lane Departure Control
Super smooth 6-speed transmission and clutch
Nice Hill Hold feature
Perforated pedal covers including large dead pedal
Easy to get over 30-mpg fuel economy
Front ventilated disc brakes
Comfort:
Good headroom
Knee and legroom tight especially for passenger
![](https://autoreviewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2019_Mazda_MX-5_Miata_65-370x247.jpg)
Snug, but overall comfortable once you’re seated
Flexibility/agility helps getting in/out
Slightly contoured, medium thickness leather steering wheel
Good auxiliary controls
Leather-wrapped shifter knob
Tilt/telescopic steering column makes the most of available space
Utility:
Small, deep trunk, but no length
Very high lift-over
No glovebox
No door bins
Small locking compartment between seats, but tough to reach
![](https://autoreviewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2019_Mazda_MX-5_Miata_21-370x247.jpg)
Decent size infotainment screen
Good infotainment controls in center console
Rear glass defroster
Window glass adjusts automatically to ease door shutting
Wind blocker for top-down motoring
WOW Factors:
Super slick retractable hardtop
Very fun to drive; great handling
Handsome styling
Thrifty fuel economy
![](https://autoreviewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2019_Mazda_MX-5_Miata_39-370x247.jpg)
Whines:
Tight quarters for people over six-feet tall
Extremely limited interior storage
Very small visors for an open-air car
Bottom Line:
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF (Miata) is a great little sports car. Its compact size is part of its personality and has a lot to do with it being so much fun to drive. The flip side is that the interior is snug for people over six-feet tall and 200 pounds. The retractable hardtop is a wonderful feature that provides the best of closed car quietness and open-air fun in one versatile package.
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