A Decade Of Driving Joy: How Mazda Perfected The ND Miata
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Like other Miatas before it, the ND is aging like fine wine
It's been exactly a decade since the ND generation of the Mazda MX-5 Miata first landed on American soil, as confirmed by Mazda in a new post on social media. Not many cars have been in production for a full decade and remained as timeless and competitive as the ND, which is still a stellar sports car. The next-gen MX-5 is still a few years away, and we have no doubt Mazda will keep refining the ND to stay fresh until then. By model year, here's a look back at how the Japanese marque has maintained interest in the ND over the last decade by improving its performance, safety, and technologies.
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2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The ND arrived for the 2016 model year originally, replacing the NC. Mazda incorporated more angular, edgy styling when compared to the rounded NC, and the previous hardtop roof was replaced by a lighter fabric one for the ND.
When launched, Mazda pointed out the fact that the ND was around 148 pounds lighter than the NC, and the height dropped by almost half an inch. Shorter overhangs and a shorter wheelbase all ensured it was even more of a compact, lightweight driver's car, despite interior space increasing.
The new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, and was paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
Essentially, Mazda immediately addressed criticisms that the NC became too large and heavy, slimming down the ND in all the right ways.
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Source: 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The one major change for this model year was the introduction of the new Miata RF with its folding hardtop. At the press of a button, the roof could be lowered in only 13 seconds, and it also has a more distinctive profile than the normal Miata.
This year, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert also became standard on the Club derivative.
2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Source: Mazda
Once again, Mazda added more equipment to the Club trim of the MX-5. It received a new Brembo/BBS Recaro Package which, when optioned, added heated Recaro seats with heating, BBS wheels, and more powerful Brembo brakes.
A seven-inch infotainment interface made its way into the base Sport, and all models received advanced keyless entry.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
This was quite a significant model year for the ND as the 2.0L engine received a healthy boost in power, from 155 hp to 181 hp, becoming the most powerful MX-5 ever. Additionally, the redline was raised to 7,500 rpm, allowing drivers to push the tiny sports car even harder. Torque went up to 151 lb-ft, a smaller improvement from the 148 previously.
A standard rearview camera and a telescoping steering column were added, while new GT-S and 30th Anniversary packages became available for Grand Touring variants. The former included a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks.
2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Source: Mazda
While still a no-frills sports car, Mazda continued updating the tech and safety suite for the Miata ND to keep up with modern trends. For the Club and Sport, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard equipment. All models now got the i-Activesense safety suite, which includes forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
For Grand Touring variants, the sport suspension and limited-slip rear differential were added, features previously reserved for the Club. Other smaller updates included a new keyfob and new colors, inside and out.
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Source: Mazda
Not much changed for this model year, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto did become standard. A new white Nappa leather upholstery option became available, adding a touch of class to the roadster.
2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Source: Mazda
For this model year, the six-speed automatic was restricted to the Grand Touring variant, not that this would bother most MX-5 buyers. And, as if it wasn't already great to drive, Mazda added a new Kinematic Posture Control system to improve handling; this setup gently adds braking to the inner rear wheel when cornering.
After last year's striking white Nappa leather, this year introduced the option of Terracotta Nappa leather, but only on Grand Touring models.
2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Source: Mazda
Zircon Sand was added as a new exterior color choice for the Miata. Other than this, 2023 models are identical to those from 2022.
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Source: Mazda
For this model year, the ND underwent a mild facelift, with minor changes to the exterior lights and grille, along with new wheels. Inside, a larger 8.8-inch display replaced the smaller seven-inch unit used previously.
A limited-slip differential was included for all manual models, and Mazda implemented further refinements to the suspension and steering.
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
This is the current MX-5 Miata model year. No major changes were announced, besides the launch of a 35th Anniversary Edition of the sports car. These are all to be finished in Artisan Red Metallic over tan Nappa leather. They are also based on the well-specified Grand Touring trim.
There's Still A Lot Of Life Left In The ND
Source: Mazda
Mazda has done a brilliant job of keeping the ND fresh, so much so that it doesn't feel like we're in dire need of an all-new MX-5, even ten years later. Compared with the original ND that arrived in 2015, the current one is more powerful, handles better, and includes far more safety and tech features than before. Crucially, the satisfying manual gearbox is still a key part of the Miata experience.
Whenever it arrives, the next MX-5 has a tough job on its hands replacing the ND, which has remained faithful to the nameplate's lightweight philosophy.
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