2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Miata RF

The 2025 MX-5 Miata  and 2025 MX-5 Miata RF carry on the tradition of this much-loved sports car, each offering its own take on top-down driving fun. Whether you like the timeless soft-top or the clever retractable fastback, both roadsters stick to what makes a Miata special while catering to different tastes. In this 2025 Miata review, we’ll sort through what makes each unique so that you can find your dream sports car.

What’s the Main Difference Between the 2025 Mazda Miata Models?

The standard 2025 MX-5 Miata comes with a soft-top roof that’s manually retractable. In contrast, the 2025 MX-5 Miata RF has a power-retractable hardtop, which is where the retractable fastback (RF) name comes from. There are other minor differences and options to note, so we’ll review what’s most important next.

Performance and Driving Experience

Both the 2025 Miata varieties pack the same zippy 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine. This peppy powertrain puts out 181 horsepower when pushed to 7,000 rpm and delivers 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. They come with a snappy six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but you can choose a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters on certain trims if that’s more your style. Whether you choose the manual or automatic transmission, you’ll have a fun and engaging driving experience.

These cars are defined by their handling prowess. They both have a nearly 50/50 weight distribution and nifty performance-boosting tricks. The Kinematic Posture Control system lightly brakes the inside rear wheel during hard cornering, allowing these cars to dance on twisty roads. Spring for the Club trim, and you’ll get an asymmetric limited-slip differential that improves cornering stability. The RF comes in about 100 pounds heavier than the standard Miata, but that’s likely not enough to make a noticeable difference in handling.

The Miata can hit 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. Despite this speed, its gas mileage won’t break the bank. The manual transmission models score 26 mpg city and 34 mpg on highways. If you choose the automatic transmission, city gas mileage stays the same, and highway gas mileage improves to 35 mpg.

Design and Comfort

The Miata’s design has elegant lines and is full of charisma. Both models also roll on 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels that add a bit of attitude to their already sporty stance. There are also plenty of classic sports car colors to choose from.

The soft-top and hardtop RF roofs operate differently. The classic soft-top can flip open or shut in a matter of seconds while sitting in the driver’s seat. The RF’s power-operated three-piece hardtop folds in about 13 seconds. You can even operate it at speeds up to 6 mph, which is handy for those surprise rain showers. Also, note that the RF’s hardtop roof has slightly better sound insulation. You’ll likely notice this on the highway.

Both cars have a snug interior. The soft-top Miata has 37.4 inches of headroom, compared to the RF’s 36.8 inches. Every Miata offers a comfortable 43.1 inches of legroom. Lower trims get cloth seats, and higher trims have leather. If you’re looking for something special, the 35th Anniversary Edition soft-top comes decked out with gorgeous tan nappa leather seats paired with an eye-catching Artisan Red paint job. Only 300 of these will come to the U.S., so get in touch to see if any are available.

When it comes to truck space, let’s just say you won’t be helping friends move with the Miata. With the soft-top, you’ll get 4.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, and the RF comes with 4.5 cubic feet. That’s enough for a couple of weekend duffel bags or groceries.

Technology and Safety

Mazda packed loads of modern tech into these little roadsters, enhancing what makes them special. Both versions include an 8.8-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, and two USB-C ports as standard equipment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come baked in, with wireless connectivity on Club trims and up. You also get Amazon Alexa built-in across the range. Music buffs will dig the optional nine-speaker Bose sound system with headrest speakers that make it easy to hear your tunes with the top down.

Safety and driver-assistance features are plentiful in both. Every trim gets the i-ACTIVSENSE safety package standard. This bundle comes with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. By choosing the Grand Touring trim, you’ll add fancier features, such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. These extras bring peace of mind, which can only add to your joyrides.

Prices and Trims

Starting at $29,530, the base Sport soft-top is pretty affordable for a brand-new sports car. From there, the Club begins at $33,030, and the Grand Touring is $34,830. The limited 35th Anniversary Edition starts at $36,250 and will surely gain value as a collector’s item.

The Miata RF models cost more and skip the base trim. You can get a Grand Touring beginning at $37,750, and the Club trim starts at $40,850.

Which Is Best for You: Soft-Top or RF?

Let’s review why you might want to choose a soft-top Miata or an RF Miata in 2025. The soft-top is a classic that gives you that raw, old-school roadster feeling. If you’re looking for the most affordable option, you’ll want to stick with the soft-top. You also get more trim options to choose from with a soft-top model, including the 35th Anniversary Edition. A Miata RF is for you if you value a quieter cabin and the extra durability of a hardtop. Those points make the RF worth considering, especially if you plan to use your Miata as a commuter.

Test-Drive the Mazda MX-5 Miata at Capistrano Mazda

Soft-top or RF, you’ll have a classic that’s loads of fun. Both versions deliver grins per mile that cars costing twice as much can’t touch. They’re properly equipped with tech and safety gear that make them totally livable daily drivers. If you’re still torn, come visit our dealership in San Juan Capistrano, California, and drive both back-to-back. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive or ask us any questions about our used cars for sale.