The introduction of the Mazda MX-5 Miata at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989 changed the automotive world for the better. The MX-5 proved that cheap, low-powered, and light cars could be as sporty as their expensive, high-powered, heavy equivalents. Suddenly, the average Joe could afford a car that served as a daily driver and as a sporty car for weekend fun.
Several critics probably dismissed the Miata after learning it had an engine that made just 116 horsepower. However, with those 116 ponies, it dashed from naught to 60 MPH in a respectable 8.6 seconds. The light, nimble sports car also clung to corners like the universe’s fate depended on it.
Consequently, the model was an instant sensation. Having remained true to its minimalist and fun nature, the car has remained popular for over three decades. Change is on the horizon for the Miata, which is a cause for excitement. Here are 10 reasons to wait for the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
We have studied manufacturer and regulator data and information from specialized sites like HotCars and MotorTrend to bring you the most exciting features of the upcoming Mazda Miata.
10 It May Be The Last Gas-Powered Miata
Mazda has made no secret of its plans to electrify its entire fleet by 2030, with fully electric vehicles making up at least 25 percent of the lineup. Therefore, there is no doubt that the Miata will be electrified. The expected release of the 2025 MX-5 in 2024 will coincide with the culmination of Mazda’s first phase of electrification, which involves streamlining supply chains and reducing costs.
However, Mazda has already shown its prowess in electric vehicle design. The assumption that it’s too early in Mazda’s electrification push for it to place a hybrid or pure-EV powertrain in the Miata is, therefore, misguided. On the other hand, Mazda might produce the last gas-powered MX-5. The 2025 Miata might be the last one running on gasoline alone. If that proves true, the upcoming vehicle may be the most valuable of all MX-5 models.
9 The 2025 Miata May Be A Mild Hybrid
The level of electrification that the Miata will get remains a mystery. Nevertheless, the MX-5 will likely adopt a mild hybrid setup with a 24-volt or 48-volt battery pack. The hybrid system’s provision of extra power will likely offset the increase in weight expected with the additional hardware.
A mild-hybrid system is probably the lightest electrification system that can be incorporated into the MX-5. Lightness is vital to the Miata’s identity, so Mazda will opt for the electrification method that adds the least weight. As such, the likelihood of an all-electric vehicle is low. To give the car decent range, Mazda would have to install a massive battery pack in the MX-5, adding weight and impacting performance and drivability.
Mazda could also stick a rotary engine in the front of the Miata and use it to charge the batteries powering the vehicle like it is doing with the Mazda Mx-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV. Such a system would reduce the batteries needed to power the MX-5 for long distances, allowing Mazda to keep weight down. The use of a lightweight rotary engine would also help keep the overall weight low.
8 The Miata Will Probably Get Lighter
It’s perhaps unsurprising that the lightest Miata at launch was the first one. Improvements in car safety meant it was inevitable that all cars, the MX-5 included, would gain weight. The second-gen MX-5 gained an ultimately insignificant 80 pounds. The third-gen MX-5, however, was nearly 300 pounds heavier than the original car.
For a car like the Miata, 300 pounds was a lot. Despite its added refinement, the NC-generation model was unpopular – it didn’t feel quite as agile as the Miata it had replaced. In response, Mazda began a weight-shedding exercise that cut nearly 150 pounds from the car: the ND-gen car tipped the scales at 2,332 pounds. The 2025 MX-5 could be even lighter: reports suggest that Mazda is targeting a 2,200-pound curb weight.
7 Improvements To The Car’s Fuel Efficiency
The MX-5 is already a frugal sports car when it comes to fuel consumption: the vehicle has a combined fuel efficiency of 29 MPG or 30 MPG, with the automatic variant being a tad more efficient than the manual model. That number is bound to improve, especially if the 2025 Miata features an electrified powertrain.
Improved consumption won’t mean a reduction in power.
Mazda’s target for the new MX-5 is 100 horsepower or more per liter, translating to at least 200 horsepower for the 2.0-liter Miata (the current Miata engine produces 181 horsepower). It could mean that the upcoming car will likely be quicker than the model it replaces. Estimates suggest that the 0-60 time will drop from 6.2 seconds to the high-five-second range.
6 Improved Driving Dynamics
The Miata has always retained its excellent driving dynamics, even when it gained considerable weight in the 2000s. With more power and reduced weight, the 2025 model could be the most fun to drive. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the car’s powertrain, it’s expected that the MX-5 will retain its excellent handling attributes.
A degree of skepticism is allowed, considering Mazda is forging into new territory with the new MX-5. However, history has proven that Mazda knows how to get it right. The satisfied grin you had when driving past Miatas up and down canyon roads may grow even wider as you chuck the new Miata into the corners of your favorite windy road.
5 The MX-5 Will Remain Affordable
The Mazda Miata ushered in the era of affordable sports cars. Before 1989, enthusiasts had to dig deep into their pockets to afford sporty vehicles. The MX-5 created a new segment that automakers rushed to exploit. Despite the introduction of worthy competitors, the Miata remained the most popular car in the segment, partly because it remained affordable.
The 2023 Miata starts at a little over $28,000, making it cheaper than rivals like the Toyota GR86. The car’s MSRP is expected to increase, especially if electrification occurs. However, a look at other Mazda models shows that the adoption of electric powertrains doesn’t lead to a huge price increase: the difference between the MSRPs of the gas-powered CX-9 and its replacement, the mild-hybrid CX-90, is only $845.
4 The Likelihood Of Special Variants To Mark The End Of Gas-Powered Miatas
Like many automakers, Mazda offers different variants of the Miata. The car’s underpinnings remain similar across the variants, with the pricier trims having more standard equipment. Things could change with the 2025 MX-5 if it truly is the last gas-powered Miata. Mazda may draw inspiration from Dodge when deciding how to bid adieu to the gas-powered MX-5.
Dodge turned the discontinuation of its iconic gas-powered muscle cars into a celebration of the internal combustion engine: the automaker announced seven outrageous special edition ‘Last Call’ muscle cars. It was the perfect way for Dodge to send off two of its most famous cars. The Miata and Dodge’s muscle cars are fundamentally different cars. However, Mazda could follow Dodge’s lead and release several special variants to mark the end of the gas-powered MX-5.
Unlike Dodge’s muscle cars, the MX-5 will remain. However, no one is sure how the electrification will change the vehicle. Therefore, the Miata as we know it now deserves a grandstand farewell, and the best way to do that may involve copying Dodge.
3 Improved Safety And Infotainment Technology
Mazda has no choice but to improve the Miata’s safety and cybersecurity features – they will become outdated soon. The car already had an impressive slate of safety features, including:
- Blind Spot Monitoring System
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rain sensing wipers
- Automatic adaptive headlights
- Lane Departure Warning
The 2025 Miata will likely have more safety features. It’s also expected that the upcoming MX-5 will feature improved infotainment technology. The vehicle should feature a larger infotainment touchscreen, navigation across all models, and wireless charging.
2 A Redesigned Interior
The interior of the MX-5 epitomizes minimalism. It gives off the sense that Mazda would have been amenable to only fitting a shifter, pedals, steering wheel, tachometer, and one seat for the driver. Given the Miata’s low price, you understand why the interior doesn’t feature posh materials or high-tech gizmos. Nevertheless, Mazda will likely redesign the car’s interior, though not by much.
The automaker might fit a few more cubbyholes to store personal effects and increase leg space for the occupants. The vehicle lags behind badly compared to its competitors when it comes to cargo space, which could motivate Mazda to increase cargo volume.
1 A Revised, Eye-Catching Exterior
Spy shots of the upcoming Mazda Miata suggest that the Mazda Miata’s shell won’t change much. The photos showed minimal changes, including wider rear fenders, which indicate that the new MX-5 will feature a wider rear track, improving rear grip. The images suggested that parts like the fascia, headlights, taillights, and exhaust pipes will carry over to the 2025 car.
However, the vehicle shown was likely a mule fitted with the current model’s body. Reports suggest the 2025 Miata will feature updated lights and a redesigned fascia. The MX-5’s exterior updates will likely be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, retaining its understated looks.