2020 Mazda MX-5 RF Review | in a League of its own 

Yes, I'd take this hardtop over the softtop :) You can also my model cars here: amzn.to/2FuQIdL

A long time ago I had a Miata and graduated to a Porsche Boxster S. I could get into trouble in the Boxster but the Miata was just as much fun, and a lot cheaper.

Dude hugged a car- this is why I like him. An exceptional car for the $$$$. I hope you get your hands on the 400Z for a review when it comes out.

"You'll run out of confidence before you outrun this car's abilities"... Fantastic quote 👌 Love the review keep up the good work.

My girlfriend has this car and it truly is an experience. 2020 has some nice amenities I think she won’t ever drive another car

Now I want a Miata RF.

Great review. I currently have a 2020 Soul Red MX-5 club RF. Absolutely love the car. I sold my '17 Soul Red Mx-5 club RF with BBS and Brembos just for the improvements Mazda made. This is the 7th Miata I've owned so far.. It's better than my '04 MX-5 Mazdaspeed was... and at the size of my NA was. I loved my NA. Please note there is a small additional storage area behind the passenger seat.. tilt the seat forward.. you will see it.

From the snow of winter to the sunny days of summer this car never ceases to please. I've gone through 30k miles so far and they've never felt so short. Fantastic review of a fantastic car.

That is such a beautiful interior color! I currently drive an NB but these NDs are drop dead gorgeous.

i've had my 2017 RF for 2.5 years, and it's still a blast to drive every day. even missing out on the upgraded engine, the driving experience has still not become commonplace. i'm always looking for flimsiest excuse to go for a drive.

The hand brake is for the passenger

WOW, Mazda is killing it.

The old Miatas are more GoKarts than the new iterations. But the new Miata just looks beautiful and is really comfortable. When I think back at my old Miata, it really was a GoKart. More fun than the new ones but the new Miata is still fun plus you don't need to miss out on some luxury.

This review video is a serious step up in quality I feel. Well done!

Excellent! Thanks Kirk! You look great outdoors! ✅

Pretty cool seeing you doing a car review Captain Kirk!!! Always been a fan of the Miata!!!

Thanks for the videos, Kirk. Keep them coming. Those are wicked colors. Inside and out.

My dad bought the exact spec and color as the one in this review a couple of months ago and it drives as well as you say. Great review

This is a very well done review. Good job. Keep at it and keep on improving.

Nice to see you go back to your roots, doing reviews again

I'm saving up so I can get the mx 5 by tax season. I'm turning 21 in September and it was felt amazing driving down the beaches with the top down. I fell in love as soon as I sat in the rf. I want the soul crystal red and counting down the days till I bring it home👌🏼

Kirk just convinced me this is on my shopping list!

4:32 That was nice of some considerate soul to leave a roadside couch there for weary travelers to catch a snooze. It might make a nice addition to my living room. "You're gonna run out of your confidence before the car runs out of its capabilities." GREAT summary of this amazing car!

Hey Kirk, this was a nice video. I wasn’t too sure about a review video (like this) but now that I’ve watched it, yeah, I’d like to see more!

This is the exact same as my car that I purchased in June. It's a dream come true for me and every time I drive it, I have a huge smile on my face. :)

Nicely done video. I have a 2016 MX-5 club, it is one of the best sports cars I have ever owned and I have had many. I love the agility, the lightness and the power is sufficient, it is much quicker than moist people think, but you need to select the correct gear.

Great, fresh take on a review! I enjoyed it. Keep up the good work!

Excellent review and safe driving . You have sold me the RF .

10:36 Awww that mazda miata effect 🤗

Thanks for the video, scenery is stunning.

Loved your review!

I bought this same car last may in the machine grey with the same red nappa interior; absolutely love it!!

As much as I love that red leather, those brembo brakes and BBS wheels with the sport suspension are hard to pass up too.

I love it , go carts. Are the most the funnest thing in adolescence, if it brings a sparkle to an adult of that era, it’s well worth it

Great review man, that's an awesome color combo. i am torn between getting a club version or the grand touring. i will probably go with the club as i plan to have this as a weekend car and also maybe doing some track runs in the future.

Hope your time with the 86 was fun and adventurous as well.

Finally you have the chance to review a car

Damn you got a car review now? Can't wait to see how you grow.

Nice review. The RF looks good.

I just bought a 2012 MX-5 Grand Touring PRHT 6 speed manual with 30,100 miles. Mint condition . A great little sports car. I wanted one for years and finally found what I was looking for. Nice fun little convertible, to drive around the Texas hill country winding country roads.

getting mine delivered tomorrow!

Thanks for the nice review. Thinking about getting one myself... want to cruise through the alps in Switzerland where I live... however, having a hard time coming to a conclusion, since I’m currently driving a 2019 Mini JCW Cabrio and not sure whether the swap will be worth it...

Loved this review. Do you plan on doing a review for the Mazda 3 Turbo when it comes out?

I like the car. I test drove one, and it reminds me a lot of the purpose and purity the S2000 has. But, this also a premium car, highly refined, and high value for its dollars. It's a GOOD package. Fitment is tight. It's better than the first two generations of Miata. The NC felt more roomy to me than the ND, although Mazda says the ND at least matches or improves upon this versus the NC. I own a RX8, so I live with the NC generation of space, although I did modify the seat for improved headroom. I'm 5'10" but with a tall torso. My upper body is like like a 6' to 6'2" person. Headroom in many mainstream cars isn't great for me, so smaller sports cars are even tighter. Just take the "I'm X height" notes with a grain of salt. Everyone's body shape is different. I'm 5'10" and my head is against the roof of the ND, soft top or hard top. If you're tall, the only good sports car to fit easily is the FT86. Overall performance is good on this car. People complained about body roll, but it's not bad. I guess I grew up with older cars, and this isn't nearly as big of a deal as people make it seem. The Club package is relatively firm in ride, plenty for anyone that cares. One thing I really like about the Miata versus other options is Mazda FINALLY went to short and close gearing. This was one problem with older models. The ND is the first actually fun manual transmission because you actually have to row through the gears and USE the gearbox. In stark contrast, my RX8 will do 65mph in 2nd gear, and shifting is far, far less of an experience. You row through gears more in a FT86 or S2000 than the older Mazdas. The ND is the first Miata where the manual is really proper and right. It sounds silly, but this is a big deal for driving experience and also for sport use. It's also not a problem to have to use many gears unless you actually have a very high HP car where each gear is so short that shifting actually interferes time wise. I have a heavily built Subaru like this, but even then it's more fun with more, close gears, and you get greater choice in which gear to use in which situation. It's...interactive. The ND is interactive, more so than I found with previous generations, and it's better in this way than even the very classic NA. It does so many things so much better than the NA or any generation of Miata. It does many things better than other sports cars in its market segment. There is one downside though, and I really do quite hate this in modern sports cars of any kind. Electric steering is bad. The lack of feel in the steering sucks. Some manufacturers help this by trying to transmit as much vibration information through the steering so you can at least feel the tires and suspension behavior through the steering column. This helps a lot in the modern world of electric steering, but god the ND steering feels dead. My Honda Ridgeline has better tactile feel through the steering wheel than the Miata. Yeah, really. It's something I notice tremendously when hoping back into my RX8 buzzes and feels alive, the tactile sense is immersive. This was the same problem when the RX8 went to electric steering too years back. I hate driving the RX8 refresh in comparison to the older one because the steering is so dead. It's oddly something Mazda hasn't really figured out very well. The FT86 has better tactile sense despite also being electric, and you don't really notice the problem with the steering wheel. But the Miata, I was starkly aware, and it has something to do with how Mazda chooses to implement the steering system or at least how they isolate the steering column/wheel from tactile contact with the road. That was the one and only thing that really bugged me with the car. You'll readily live with it in time, but holy hell does modern electric steering sap the life out of the tactile experience. For something you have your hands on for so long of the driving experience, it NEEDS to be a fundamental element of sports car design. I'm repeatedly and abundantly apparent of this every time I hop between newer and older cars. This needs to be fixed, not just with the ND but with modern cars and specifically any sport/performance segment of vehicle.

Great review !

I miss all the smiles and random adventures with my best buddy 1995 NA miata. Hope to get one and never let it go. Btw you said 20 years newer than your 91 but more like 29-30 now d:

Seems like a good one! Needs a 50mm drop though, there's too much arch gap

Nice review! How do you think Mazda can improve on it? (besides the small cockpit for tall folks)

Great video, Kirk! Does the MX-5 Grand Touring have the Mazda "heads up display?"

Handbrake position is perfect for right hand drive 👍🏻

Nice! Can't wait for the 86

Excellent review you covered everything except one issue I heard about. That is the wind while driving with the top down. The RF as a targa design is said to cause wind buffeting while driving?. Please advise. Thanks. Otherwise you covered all issues I own an NC Miata. Love it too. It’s a GT with the PRHT and I drive as my daily. True fun and so easy to live with. I had a Boxster previously... but this is as much fun, and I don’t worry about it being in a parking lot!

Storage is behind the passenger seat in the hard top and behind both seats in the soft top.

You were great. I want this car.

What are the year to year differences between the MX-5 Miata touring since 2016 when the HP was increased to the 180 range? Is there a particular reason to get a specific year’s model?

MAZDA NEEDS A WHOLE LINEUP FOCUSED ON COUPES (2 DOOR AND 4 DOOR) I SEEN HOW THEIR SUV MOVES THROUGH TRAFFIC AND CORNERS... I WAS SURPRISED 😮

I love the Mazda Mx-5 RF. Additionally to the peppy little sports car feeling while driving with the top down I personally also have the experience of driving a Lexurious grand touring when the top is up also because the hood looks so long. Just one question has the wind noise bothered you above 90kmh? And last last but not least the Mx-5 is one of the few convertibles in my opinion that also look stunning with the top up.

Hi Kirk, I love your videos and follow them on a regular basis. Great Job in putting together these videos with all the Japanese auto industry news. I have a question would you recommend getting a manual or an auto MX-5 RF? It will be my only vehicle (daily driver) that I will be driving over the winter. I live in Toronto, Canada and it snows during winters. I have been driving Manual cars abroad in tropical weather but never in winters, so not a new manual car driver. (One more thing if I get the manual transmission one then no Strut tower brace, no Bilstein shocks and no LSD, all these are available only in Auto versions) I will appreciate your thoughts and advice. Thanks

I'd take the soft top. Cheaper, more flexibility to operate it and more open air feel

I have to be honest, I still love the 1st and 2nd gen the most. Those generations have so many mod combos with motor swaps and kits etc. That being said, It would be good if they gave the new models with about 250hp as a NA motor. The top should also really be much like the 1st generation top, save money and add performance. Cant wait to make my 1st gen J32 swap. 2020 seems cool I guess if you want to just buy it as a single or couple only.

Interesting, i had ND 2016 1.5 L open top mx5 for 2 years. Steering needed to be thicker. Mine was right hand drive so the handbrake was perfect position. I would like the new 2.0 Skyactive X engine with torque over 220 NM in new refreshed MX-5. Keep front same. Just change interior to new mazda 3. Best car i had.

its a shame we didnt get driving footage that seemed such a great road

Not off to a great start with that hand position at 0:20, but nice review besides that! I also agree with the too-narrow steering wheel thickness; wish the ND’s was a bit meatier.

Small car Big smiles,absolute description of the Miata

I want a manual steering rack option. I haven't bought a ND Miata yet because the lack of this option...and also lack of a green paint option.

Love the red leather, the grey duco is bland for this type of car. I'm 5"9' and find that I have to recline my backrest to an uncomfortable position to have reasonable vision under the interior rear view mirror (that's with the mirror shoved as high as it goes). Anyone taller that 5"9' can only look straight ahead. Fun little car though. I much prefer the soft top, I view the cost/complexity and lack of 360 degree view in the retractable fastback as pointless. I enjoy using my car as a daily and it still feels special for the weekend drives. I have the 1.5L manual, it gets insane economy and I can really push it whilst staying relatively near the speed limit.

And it is reliable, Kirk

Floppy water bottle fix, put it in a koozi, plus it keeps water cooler. When not in use put the cup holder in the cubbie holes behind the seats.

How did you find the rear visibility? It looks quite limited, especially if one were driving in city traffic or on a busy highway.

Do you think Mazda will make the 2.5 turbo an option, now that they’re using it in so many other models?

SO for someone who doesn't usually drive manual transmition cars how would you compare driving an automatic version of this car? Thanks

These are nice cars but, I'm personally too tall and big for them. I'd take a GT86 over one of these just because its more practical space wise. I'm sure it drives well... but I'll never know. Unless I cut my legs off of course lol.

exaactly. When the Europe version the hand brake stays on right side

your color correction looks very off/flat are you using a special profile to get a flat range to color correct later? needs a bit more contrast I have the same color exterior/interior and they don't look right in this video. I did really like the review though and think your commentary was great so good job on that aspect! :thumbs up:

Super fun in the sun.

What’s the name of those “air guides “ on the rear bumper above the side blinker ?

Kirk, you spoke very highly of the drive. I'd love to know how much fun the new Ford Fiesta ST is compared to the MX-5. I don't want to regret selling my Mazda, for the Ford. Your adage of "better slow car fast, than fast car slow" tells me that I should stay Miata'd.

does this trim have the Limited Slip Diff ? Also, is the screen still touch screen? or has that been removed?

I learned to drive a manual on a 3rd gen Miata, was so easy.

It's a great car but kind of cramp inside and it feels really low when you get in. But driving wise I absolutely dream about owning one even till this day. I picked the Mazda 3 since its more practical and spacious. This still beats the 86 and Mustang for me.

Wanted to buy a NA Miata for my first car but my mom and dad disagreed so I got a new Mazda3 but I guess it drives the same.

Thanks for the review. What did you think of the ride comfort? I tested a 1.5 litre RF as no 2.0 available. I was impressed with the ride quality and comfort so ordered the 2.0 GT with the Bilsteins and 17'' wheels and I'm disappointed.The ride is way stiffer, harsh and uncomfortable. Was this your experience with the car or could there be a problem with mine?

Wanna see you review a RX-7 one day.

Too tall to fit. My ex-gf had one and I felt like a sardine! Shame, but a very nice car. Here in the UK a manual is the norm so no issues working the gears through the box. It is quite a pocket rocket though.

Mitsuoka customize MX-5 to look like C2 Corvette, hope next time he will uses MX-5 to recreate the Toyota S800 or Toyota S-FR. But as is, Mazda always did great job for Miata.

Go to a dirt road and have fun with it, like rally drive

Did 3 cross country drives. No matter how good the seats are you gonna feel it.

Nice!

If it feels like a 1st gen, that's saying something. The 1st gen felt do mechanical. Those cars are gonna be classics some day. That hug pic was the money shot

In 2020 , consumer reports gave Mazda top quality build out of all manufacturers , even above Toyota and Lexus.

I am driving this car since 2016 with a soft top, very nice feeling on long and winding roads, but on the autobahn in Germany a little too slow. I am missing a turbo version, which would be nice to generate 250 hp and a speed of 250 km/h. I can drive the soft top but fail to fit into the RF, the car in total would be much better when offering more space for driver and storage and adding a turbo engine with real power of a sports car. Kirk, any info on an upcoming turbo miata?

Buffeting with top off.?

this car needs Skyactive X engine, Tuned to same red line, like they did with normal skyactive X In Mazda 3 is making 5-6L per 100KM here, even when tuned for performance. It would make less than that as it is 300KG+ lighter. And to mention, LOW RPM Torque form high compression, and small supercharger. I hope they soon release new Mazda MX5 with those features. To be same if not lighter weight :P

love the miata

There’s just that stigma!

It's sad that Mazda doesn't have a practical performance car in their line up, The Mazda 3 Turbo could have fill that void but that they fail to deliver the goods.

10:26 Skyactiv kicked in

Who needs cup holders? Nobody should drink inside this gorgeous car. Cup holders and automatics are for wimps. Throw them in the trunk and enjoy shifting the perfect MT! Also the extra weight of the metal roof balances the car nearly 50-50 and makes it more stable in the rear than the soft top. That car will look so much better in black with the new red leather interiors.

Your statement, You will reach your limit before the car reaches it's limit in the curves is spot on. You really hit the nail on the head, best single sentence description for this car in all the reviews so far. I have the 2019 RF GT-S and I have started in the turn thinking oh, no, i'm going too fast. but the car just carves on through without the slightest hint it's going to let go. Totally amazing! Great review but one question....Practically all Miata reviews are exactly 6'1" ....is there some kind of requirement for that? Haha

The crossbar was annoying to me when i went to see one even tho am only 5foot8.