In a world where crossover SUVs dominate dealer showrooms, it’s a wonder that a vehicle like the ND Mazda MX-5 is able to exist. While many cars have grown in both size and weight (no doubt driven by safety regulations and consumer demand), Mazda was able to take the fourth generation MX-5 Miata, known by its chassis code ND, to a new extreme:
It actually got smaller AND lighter.
The 2016 model year car was designed with an emphasis on saving weight: Mazda called this the “Gram Strategy”. Some of the major weight savings comes from things like reducing the size of the car, as well as utilizing more aluminum and lighter high-strength steel alloys in the chassis. But in other cases, the changes are very subtle: the seat adjustment lever and rearview mirror are smaller, the tailpipes have no external finishers besides a nice polish, and the transmission case lacks much external ribbing (some unfortunate foreshadowing; we’ll be revisiting the transmission later).
The ND Miata also received a slew of mechanical changes in the performance department. Gone was the previous generation’s MZR engine, replaced with a 2 liter direct-injected Skyactiv-G engine, complete with 155 hp and 148 ft.-lbs. of torque.
And while this is less peak power than the outgoing engine, don’t let it fool you, there’s now more power under the curve, and combined with the weight savings and revised gear ratios, the little roadster actually sprints to 60 mph faster than its NC predecessor. Additionally, all the five-speed transmissions are gone. Whether you row your own gears or let the computer handle it for you, you’re getting six ratios in the gearbox.
Besides the powertrain, Mazda spent some time doing all the other upgrades that come with a new, modern chassis. Hydraulic assist is gone from the power steering system, replaced with a new electric assist unit. The suspension has been tweaked as well, and while the multilink still lives out back, the geometry has been changed to help control chassis dynamics.
With all the major platform developments out of the way, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of year-by-year updates to the MX-5 Miata. We’ll just give you the key highlights here and spare you some of the more mundane changes. (Do you really want to know what the factory audio system was called? That’s what a performance exhaust system is for!)
2016
2016 was the first year for the all-new ND Miata. Trim levels were divided into three simple levels that actually carry all the way through to today: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring. Sport models were the most sparsely equipped (and, by extension, cheapest). Club models are the racer’s friend, with manual-equipped cars including slick equipment like a shock tower brace, sported-up springs with Bilstein shocks, and a limited-slip differential (LSD). Think of the Club model as the continuation of the Sport Suspension package from previous generations wrapped up into one trim. Club models also received front chin and trunk lip spoilers. The Grand Touring trim was the high-end option, with more focus given to comfort. Grand Touring cars include a little more sound deadening, a thicker roof liner, and more standard equipment than the Sport or Club.
Additionally, for Club models only, Mazda offered a Brembo/BBS Package, which net you red painted calipers, vented Brembo front brake rotors, lightweight 17 inch BBS alloy wheels, side sill extensions, and a rear bumper applique. The aero bits were available as standalone options from Mazda.
2017
There were two significant additions made to the Miata family this year. The first is the introduction of the RF (retractable fastback) model. While the NC generation had an optional fully folding hardtop, the ND can be ordered with a power folding targa roof. The speedster humps behind the seats fold up out of the way, allowing the targa roof to tuck neatly below, before returning to their original position. Of note, there is no option for a Sport RF model, just Club and Grand Touring.
The second addition was the introduction of the Fiat 124 Spider. In the ultimate ironic twist, one of the most famous affordable European roadsters returned as a pseudo-badge-engineered variant of the very car it helped inspire. We’ll fill you in on some of the differences at the end of this article, as the changes are more than skin deep (turbocharger, anyone?).
2018
A new Brembo/BBS/Recaro package goes on offer. This is the same as the Brembo/BBS pack, with the addition of sportier Recaro seats. RF models could not be ordered with the Recaro seats (for now).
2019
After three years of praise, Mazda decided it was time to update the MX-5 in a few notable ways. Referred to by enthusiasts as the ND2, the new Miata received a retuned suspension, as well as a recalibration in the electric power steering to improve feedback. For those taller drivers, the steering column can now telescope in and out, instead of only tilting up and down. In the options department, the Grand Touring gained the optional GT-S package, which adds the shock tower brace, Bilstein shocks, and LSD (again, manual transmission only) from the Club. Additionally, RF models can now choose the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package.
The biggest change, however, was under the hood. Mazda brought a slew of improvements to the Skyactiv-G engine, with lighter connecting rods, pistons, and a new crankshaft working in tandem with a revised camshaft and higher-flow intake and exhaust.
The result? A 7,500 rpm redline, and a power and torque increase to go along with it, with the Miata now making 181 hp and 151 lb.-ft. of torque. (If you’re keeping tabs at home, that’s more than any non-turbocharged Miata that had come before.)
2020
Courtesy of the lawmakers that govern vehicle safety, all MX-5 Miatas starting with the 2020 model year now come standard with blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning technology (as opposed to being an option previously).
Additionally, the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package became the new standalone performance option; you could no longer get the package without the Recaro seats. The Grand Touring GT-S package also disappeared, but only because the previously Club-specific parts were now standard on all Grand Touring cars.
2021
We have no major updates to report for this year, except that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard across the board. Hey, some people just really like their tech interfaces!
2022
A few changes were made to the order sheet in 2022. First, if you ordered the MX-5 Miata with the Sport or Club trim, you didn’t get a choice of transmission anymore: you were getting a manual. If you wanted an automatic, you had to step up to a Grand Touring, where it was and remains optional. Second, all RF Club models now include the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package, so if you’re not interested in that, you’ll have to find an RF Grand Touring.
Finally, Mazda made some updates in the handling department by way of Kinetic Posture Control. This system helps with steering and chassis dynamics by braking the inner rear wheel during hard cornering, giving you rotation assistance through the corner.
2023
Again, we don’t have any major changes to report here…and what more could you want? Apparently, a new light tan color called Zircon Sand Metallic. Anyway…
2024
Clearly, Zircon Sand Metallic didn’t make a big enough splash, so Mazda made a few updates for what is called the ND3.
More like an ND2 and a half, this wasn’t much of a facelift, with the headlight and taillight assemblies receiving very minor updates. But there were some small updates to how the steering was tuned, as well as a tweaked LSD setup and the addition of a new Dynamic Stability Control option called DSC-Track. This mode gave LSD-equipped cars a sort of intermediate step between full traction control and no traction control.
2025 & Beyond
We aren’t aware of any big changes for the current model year, but in all honesty, the place to really get that information would be from your friendly local Mazda dealer, and particularly from the passenger seat of the one you’re test driving!
The Transmission Discussion
Remember how we said Mazda used “The Gram Strategy” to cut weight, including in the transmission case? Well, during development of the ND MX-5, Mazda originally planned to use the 1.5L engine that was (and still is) available in European and Asian MX-5s.
Late in development, Mazda decided to install the 2.0L, which was the only option in the USA.
The addition of more power and removal of some transmission reinforcement ribbing was a recipe for problems, with some early manual ND Miatas ending up with transmission failures. To combat this, Mazda continuously updated the transmission design through the years, and many transmissions have been replaced under warranty.
We don’t want this to scare you off from buying an ND Miata. For the most part, the cars that were going to have transmission problems had them at very low mileage and have already received replacements. But now would be a good time to remind you that no matter what kind of car you buy, always try to get as complete of an ownership and service history as possible.
The Fiat 124 Spider
Way back in 2012, Mazda and Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles announced a new joint venture: a next-generation Miata-based Alfa Romeo sports car built in Hiroshima, Japan. The concept of a new Alfa Romeo Spider was shelved when then-CEO of FCA, Sergio Marchionne, decided that all Alfa Romeos should be built in Italy. The project pivoted to resurrecting the Fiat 124 Spider instead, with the MX-5’s new Italian stablemate rolled out for the 2017 model year.
Affectionately referred to as the “Fiata”, the 124 Spider is more than a simple badge swap. The Fiat is 5.5 inches longer than the MX-5 thanks to longer front and rear overhangs and, as a result, it carries an extra 200ish pounds.
While the suspension, brakes, interior space, and much of the unibody is shared between the two, the primary difference lies under the hood. All versions of the 124 Spider carry Fiat’s 1.4L Multiair Turbo engine, with a six-speed manual transmission (borrowed from the previous-generation NC Miata to handle the extra torque) or the same six-speed automatic found in the ND MX-5.
The 124 Spider came in three trim options: Classica (the base option), Lusso (“luxury”, the upscale option), or Abarth (the sport option). All three shared the same 1.4L turbo engine, with the Classica and Lusso cars making 160hp and 184lb.-ft. of torque and the Abarth receiving a four horsepower boost thanks to a freer-flowing exhaust and mildly revised tune courtesy of Sport Mode.
Performance-wise, only the Abarth got all the party tricks. Sport Mode is an Abarth-exclusive set of parameters that brings the torque curve down in the rev range, changes up throttle response, reduces the amount of electric steering assist (giving the driver more mechanical feedback), backs off on stability control interference, and readjusts the automatic transmission’s shift points. Additionally, the Abarth versions received a very familiar set of sporty upgrades: a limited slip differential (manual transmission only), sport-tuned springs with Bilstein shocks, and a shock tower brace. Abarths also received a more aggressive body kit, optional Brembo brakes, and optional Recaro seats.
The Verdict
It’s pretty hard to give a definitive recommendation as to which ND Miata is the best, especially since Mazda could throw us a curveball by updating it further in the future. But if you happen to be searching for one right now, here’s our advice: if you can find a 2019-up model, you’ll get the big power bump right out of the box.
Also, don’t stress if you can’t find an upgraded Club model or any trims that lack the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package, because you’ll find plenty of brake, wheel, and seat upgrade options available in the automotive performance aftermarket.
Click here to see Miata upgrade & performance parts at Summit Racing.
And if you prefer the old-school experience that can only be had with an old-school roadster, browse through our other Miata Buyer’s Guides below to find the one that’s right for you.
More Mazda MX-5 Miata Resources
We’ve got more generation-specific Miata buyer’s guides too, as well as a short history of Mazda’s beloved sports car. Check ’em out:
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