2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata’s affordability and sporty road manners have helped it to remain one of the most popular sports cars in the world. A convertible roof makes this small two-seater even more appealing. While the MX-5 Miata is fun to drive on the street, it’s also a more than capable track machine. In fact, amateur racers consider the MX-5 Miata to be a top choice.

Some big-time updates have been made for 2019. Not only does the new MX-5 Miata boast an updated engine with more power, but it also now comes standard with a backup camera for the first time. Furthermore, drivers of all sizes will appreciate the new telescoping steering wheel.

When shopping for a 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata, you’ll have three main trims to choose from. Let’s take a look at the key differences between each trim level.

Compare the 2019 Mazda Miata Sport vs Club Trims. What is the difference?

Priced at $25,500, the Sport trim is the most affordable version of the new 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it’s just as entertaining as the upper trims. Under the hood sits an updated 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. It’s been revised to generate 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Along with the extra power comes a higher rpm redline. While many sports car purists prefer the standard six-speed manual gearbox, you can opt for a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

While the MX-5 Miata is sporty, it’s also engineered to deliver a smooth ride. A four-wheel independent suspension enables the roadster to quickly absorb rough patches of asphalt. High-performance tires aid handling. Electric power assist steering comes standard as well.

In terms of exterior styling, the Sport trim really brings a lot to the table. A manually retractable soft top enables you to have plenty of fun during the summertime. You’ll also enjoy high-end features like LED headlights and taillights. Meanwhile, a solar-control windshield helps keep the interior cool. Twin exhaust tips further highlight this roadster’s sporty appearance. To give the Sport trim a road-hugging stance, Mazda equips it with a set of 16-inch Metallic Black wheels. A total of four exterior colors are available for the MX-5 Miata Sport: Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Ceramic Metallic, and Arctic White.

On the inside, the MX-5 Miata Sport has the feel of a classic sports car. It’s more focused on driving excitement opposed to surrounding you with the latest amenities. Manual bucket seats and cloth upholstery come standard. A leather-wrapped steering wheel helps you to maintain a tight grip when taking curves. Mazda also includes a leather-wrapped gear shifter and parking brake. The biggest change for 2019 is the arrival of a standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel, which makes it easier for you to obtain a commanding driving position.

Although the MX-5 Miata Sport may not have the most high-tech interior, it does come loaded with must-have features like keyless entry and Bluetooth connectivity. You will especially appreciate the MazdaConnect infotainment system. You can navigate the 7.0-inch color display via touch or a console-mounted controller. Aha, Pandora, and Stitcher internet radio integration are all included. SMS text message audio delivery and reply enable you to easily keep in touch with your friends. Other key features include voice controls, cruise control, USB audio input, and a six-speaker stereo system with HD radio.

Mazda has finally added a standard backup camera. Four-wheel disc brakes seek to give you the required stopping power. In the event of a crash, E911 automatic emergency notification can call for help. A lot of people will be interested in the Sport trim’s optional iActivsense safety package. While Smart City Brake Support provides automatic braking at low speeds, lane departure warning makes highway commuting a bit safer. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is also included in the Sport trim's iActivsense safety package.

If you desire a sportier driving experience, step up to the MX-5 Miata Club. It has an MSRP of $29,500, which is a $4,000 jump from the base Sport model. Nevertheless, driving enthusiasts will enjoy the Club trim’s additional performance goodies. Manual models come with a limited-slip differential and a shock tower brace for improved handling. You’ll also benefit from the Bilstein sports-tuned suspension dampers. An engine sound enhancer adds to the fun. Remember, getting the optional automatic transmission causes you to lose these performance goodies.

Drivers who plan to hit the track should consider the MX-5 Miata Club’s optional Brembo/BBS package, which includes a stronger set of Brembo performance brakes and a lightweight set of BBS wheels. An aero body kit helps reduce wind drag. Heated leather seats also come in the Brembo/BBS package.

There are some styling differences between the Club trim and the Sport trim. A black front air dam and black rear spoiler give the MX-5 Miata Club a more aggressive look. A larger set of 17-inch wheels enhance the roadster’s sporty stance. LED daytime running lights also come equipped on the Club trim. Machine Gray Metallic is added to the list of available paint colors. Unlike the Sport trim, the Club trim offers a power-retractable RF hardtop model. Although the hardtop brings a sleeker look and better withstands bad weather, it does add a bit of weight. Prices for the RF model start at roughly $32,300.

When sitting behind the wheel of the Sport trim, you’ll notice its red interior stitching. You can also take advantage the heated seat cushions. Meanwhile, a nine-speaker Bose audio system with headrest speakers helps better entertain music fans. While the iActivsense safety package remains an optional, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert comes standard on the Club trim.

Compare the 2019 MX-5 Club vs Grand Touring Trims. What is the difference?

The MX-5 Grand Touring model is the most luxurious trim in the lineup. While the Grand Touring trim does not come standard with the Club trim’s performance upgrades, they are available in an optional GT-S Package.

To set apart the Grand Touring trim, Mazda equips it with a set of 17-inch Dark Silver wheels. The MX-5 Miata Grand Touring also receives heated mirrors with body-colored covers. Although the adaptive headlights don’t add more style, they do enhance visibility on dark roads. Snowflake White Pearl Mica and Eternal Blue Mica are added to the list of available exterior colors. For around $33,330, you can get the hardtop RF version of the Grand Touring trim.

This is the only trim that comes standard with leather upholstery. Automatic climate control further enhances passenger comfort. Drivers who spend a lot of time traveling will benefit from the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring’s navigation system. You will also enjoy the Traffic Sign Recognition system, which helps prevent speeding tickets and missed highway exits. Other niceties include the previously mentioned Bose sound system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing wipers. Mazda’s iActivsense safety package comes standard.

Final Thoughts

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport is a budget-friendly choice. However, it stacks up well to the upper trims. You’ll truly appreciate the base Sport trim’s timeless exterior styling, which is enhanced by modern features like LED headlights. By adding a rearview camera, Mazda has definitely made the Sport trim even more tempting. If you want to enjoy an extra peace of mind on your daily commute, spend the money on the optional iActivesense safety package.

Drivers seeking the best possible handling should consider the manual-equipped MX-5 Miata Club. The limited-slip differential and sports-tuned suspension dampers definitely enhance the roadster’s athletic driving dynamics. If you desire an automatic transmission and don’t care about the performance upgrades, you can save money by sticking with the base Sport model. However, heated front seats and a more captivating Bose sound system do come standard on the Club trim. You can also get the MX-5 Miata with a retractable hard top.

Equipped with niceties like adaptive headlights and Traffic Sign Recognition technology, the leather-lined Grand Touring trim is only around $1,000 more expensive than the Club trim. Adding the optional GT-S performance package causes its total cost to rise. It simply boils down to how much money you’re willing to spend. Drivers who have a big budget shouldn't hesitate to go for the Grand Touring trim.

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Key Features

Like many people in the market for a new 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata, you’ll be deciding between the soft top and retractable hardtop models. If you live in a warm climate or don’t plan to drive your MX-5 Miata during the winter, the soft top will be perfectly fine. On the other hand, a more durable design and better insulation make the hardtop more suitable for year-round driving.

When driving with the top down, the base six-speaker stereo system sacrifices some sound quality. Although a wind blocker comes standard, you’ll still need to turn up the volume. The available Bose audio system is far more entertaining. Headrest speakers enable you to clearly hear the music at all speeds.

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is safer than ever before. For the first time, Mazda equips the roadster with a backup camera. Although the iActivsense safety package is an extra cost on the lower trims, it’s certainly a worthy purchase. Drivers who do a lot of commuting in heavy traffic will especially benefit from the Smart City Brake Support system. Meanwhile, blind-spot monitoring will help you to dodge danger on the freeway.