When one looks at the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata, chances are good that they are familiar with the softtop model. The softop has been an iconic mainstay and has rapidly become one of Mazda’s most recognizable models.

However, there’s another option, the RF, which gives the MX-5 a power folding targa hardtop. But with age it appears that father time is starting to catch up with the MX-5 Miata but is it still a good budget pick for MIata enthusiasts?

What’s new?

For the second model year in a row, the MX-5 once again enters the arena unchanged. The exterior styling is doing its best to achieve vehicular immortality but we’ll admit some aspects of the look are starting to age somewhat especially the front end. The side profile is very tidy despite the Targa top and the rear end looks very distiinctive and sporty.

Club models serve as the top trim in the RF and these models give the two-seater a sportier presentation. Our car even included the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package which upgrades the brakes, seating, and also adds RF exclusive goodies like a tweaked suspension, a track mode, a limited slip differential, and aero upgrades. The styling pops with Mazda’s bold Soul Red paint but you also pay some compromises when it comes to functionality with the trunk continuing to offer very little in terms of storage.

Tall people not apply

Slip inside any flavor of MX-5 and you’ll discover that the cabin is a functional yet tight place to spend time in. Shorter occupants and those not over 6ft will find some room to be comfortable. However, if you’re like my “little” brother, who is bestowed with height, the MX-5 can feel like your squished into a can of sardines with my befuddled passenger immediately having plenty to say when he crammed himself inside for a trip to Bay City to pick up his new truck from a GMC dealer.

His lack of room also revealed the limitations of the removable cupholders which forced him to place his drink in an awkward position. Look past that and the cabin is also the most glaring example of just how far time has moved ahead of the car. The tidy cabin gets an older version of Mazda’s infotainment system which lacks touch capability and forces buyers to use Mazda’s clumsy control knob to input directions and other information. In an era where many other vehicles have slicker systems, this throwback is neither nostalgic or pleasing. The RF’s top does a good job keeping wet weather out but the cabin can get very noisy at freeway speeds.

At least the Recaro seats are very supportive and many of the sparse controls are within easy reach of the driver with the steering wheel’s satellite controls being a key control hub. We also hope Mazda will eventually update the Mazda’s tire pressure monitoring system with the lack of a detailed view forcing us to manually check all four tires to hunt down the cause of a low tire pressure light during its stay.

MX-5 is still fun to drive

While it may seem like the MX-5 is seemingly asking alot from potential owners when it comes to some of its limitations, the car does deliver a strong reward for those who are willing to take the challenge, driving fun.

All MX-5 models are powerd by a high-revving 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that still makes 181 horsepower. A six-speedmanual is standard across the bulk of the lineup with only the Grand Touring offering a six-speed automatic. The automatic will certainly have its fair share of fans (we respect that) but an MX-5 and a manual is like a venerabl peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The Club’s suspension is the firmest in the lineup, and rough pockmarks on the Zilwaukee Bridge were eager to remind us of that at every turn. The steering and chassis do provide sharp handling and the MX-5 can feel like a go-kart at times. The manual transmission is direct and straight to the point with the shifter delivering accurate responses. The manual is also a very forgiving transmission and allows the MX-5 to tolerate the occasional mis-shift caused by bumper to bumper traffic.

Value Quotient

The RF’s hardtop also reflects the premium you pay when compared to the softtop with a base Grand Touring starting at just over $38,000. Club models like our tester start at just over $41,000 with our tester having a final MSRP of just over $42,000 with that figure being solely created by taxes and fees versus any major optional extras.

This pricing puts the MX-5 firmly in its segment albeit as a unique entry. The Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 beat it in usability but the MX-5 has a unique charm to it. I’s ot about being the most practical or the most functional in the room (that’s what the Volkswagen GTI is for.)

Instead, it’s about being thrown back into a time when the driving experience was analog and it was all about droptop fun and if you’re a buyer that craves these things, the 2026 MX-5 Miata (softop or RF) continues to be a fun piece of automotive art but we hope Mazda will use the following years for more drastic updates to its tech and styling.