- Mazda has updated the MX-5 Miata for the Japanese market, with the same changes expected to come to the United States for the 2024 model year.
- The Miata now wears LED lights all around, and the cabin trades the 7.0-inch screen for an 8.8-inch unit.
- A new limited-slip differential, revised electric power steering, and a new track-oriented stability control setting is said to improve handling.
The current Mazda MX-5 Miata—referred to as “ND” by Mazda aficionados—is one of the older vehicles on sale in the United States, first hitting the market back in 2016. But a series of small updates have helped the adorable little roadster stay relevant, and now a host of upgrades have been announced for the Japanese market that will extend the Miata’s life by another several years. We expect these changes to make their way to the U.S. for the 2024 model year.
The Miata, famously, is one of the most grin-inducing driver’s cars of all time and Mazda updated the hardware to make the MX-5 even more engaging. The two-seater is fitted with a new asymmetric limited-slip differential, which Mazda says makes the handling more stable by reducing liftoff oversteer and creating more linear turning behavior. Mazda also claims it’s more nimble around town, although the diminutive roadster already felt sprightly among America’s sea of bulky trucks.
The differential is only equipped on stick-shift Miatas, and all Miata also come with revised electric power steering said to minimize friction and provide more natural feedback. Manual-transmission Miatas also feature a new less-intrusive track setting for the stability control which only steps in if the driver cannot gain control as the vehicle enters a spin.
The styling is mostly unchanged, but every exterior lamp is now an LED unit and the daytime running lights have migrated from the front bumper into the headlights. The taillight graphics are also sharpened, and a new wheel design is available in 16- or 17-inch sizes. A new color joins the palette called Aero Gray Metallic. Inside, the 7.0-inch touchscreen has been replaced by an 8.8-inch display, and the images also appear to show USB-C ports.
While the Miata is all about driver connection, Mazda has also added some driver-assist features designed to make the Miata a less demanding vehicle for the daily commute. The MX-5 gains a radar sensor on the left side of the grille that allows for adaptive cruise control, while a Smart Brake Support feature looks out for vehicles while reversing and applies the brakes to avoid collisions.
Mazda hasn’t officially confirmed these changes for the U.S. market, but we expect to see these updates soon since the automaker has yet to release information on the Miata for the 2024 model year. The upgrades should bring a minor price increase that could see the MX-5’s starting price rise above the $30,000 mark.
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Associate News Editor
Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.