2022 Mazda Miata overview: pricing, trim levels and new kinematic attitude control

The 2022 Mazda Miata remains the quintessential two-seater open roadster. Mazda has sold more than a million Miatas as of 2016 and holds the title of the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in automotive history.

In case you haven’t noticed, the MX-5 has no direct competition. The Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ is only available with a fixed hardtop roof, while the BMW Z4, Toyota Supra and Porsche 718 are priced at a different level.

Prepare the stage

The formula is simple: throw a small engine in the front of a compact and lightweight convertible body, give it double wishbone front and rear multi-link suspension, mono-tube dampers and a smooth six-speed shifter.

Mazda’s execution is the finest expression of “Jinba Ittai” or that unity of horse and rider, describing the unity between man and beast in Janese mounted archery. The MX-5 Miata’s near-perfect 50/50 front-to-back weight distribution and compact size means more smiles per mile, and you’ll be laughing like an idiot exiting a corner.

And through all of that, you also get a reliable everyday driver with all the amenities and tech features expected of a modern car.

2022 Mazda Miata: What’s new?

For 2022, the MX-5 Miata has a few new tricks up its sleeve, most notably an exciting piece of tech Mazda is calling Kinematic Posture Control (KPC). It’s a nifty feature that applies a light brake pressure to the inside rear wheel during high-g cornering. According to Mazda, KPC suppresses body roll and makes the steering feel sharper and more linear in corners.

The 2022 Mazda Miata is still available with a soft top or a retractable hard top (RF) roof, and you can also get an automatic transmission if you like two pedals instead of three. There’s also a Brembo BBS Recaro package in the MX-5 Miata Club’s mid-level trim, which adds – you guessed it – Brembo brakes, 17-inch BBS wheels and Recaro sport seats, to name a few .

All 2022 Mazda Miata variants feature a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder Skyactiv-G engine that delivers 181 hp and 151 lb-ft. of torque. Lower-trim models come exclusively with a standard six-speed manual, while the top touring has an optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Either way, the MX-5 Miata is rear-wheel drive.

Mazda Miata 2022: trim levels and prices

The 2022 Mazda Miata will be sold in three trim levels: Sport, Club and Touring. Below is a breakdown of each trim, including all standard features and pricing. Note that MSRP numbers include a $1,015 destination fee. Our free and easy search tools* helps you find the best price for a new Mazda MX-5 Miata near you.

MX-5 Miata Sport

The base Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport starts at $28,315 and is only available with a black soft-top roof. The standard price includes black 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, daytime running lights, a rear glass screen with disc heating and gloss black mirrors cs.

Meanwhile, the interior gets a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with full CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, a leather steering wheel with integrated buttons for audio, Bluetooth and cruise control, manual climate controls, a six-speaker audio system and two USB ports and one-touch power windows.

In addition, Mazda’s i-ActiveSense is standard on the base MX-5 Miata model. It comes with blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic warning and smart city brake assist.

MX-5 Miata Club

The MX-5 Miata Club has a base price of $31,815. The equipment list includes performance-enhancing mods like a limited-slip differential, front shock strut and Bilstein dampers for more dexterous handling. Also standard are 17-inch alloy wheels in black metallic, a glossy black front apron, a subtle rear spoiler, black fabric seats with light gray stitching and vinyl leather interior trim.

MX-5 Miata Club with Brembo BBS Recaro package

The Miata Club with the Brembo BBS Recaro Package is only available with a six-speed manual transmission, but you can have a soft top ($33,815) or retractable hard top ($36,565). The latter can fold or raise the roof in 13 seconds.

In addition to the Brembo brakes with red calipers, dark gray 17-inch BBS forged wheels and heated Recaro seats, the package includes an aerodynamic body kit with a rear apron and gloss black side skirt extensions. The RF variant also gets a black hand-painted roof.

MX-5 Miata Grand Touring

The MX-5 Miata Grand Touring is available with a six-speed manual transmission with a soft top ($33,315) or retractable hard top ($36,015). But if you like an automatic, you can have it with a soft-top ($33,815) or RF ($36,565) body style.

The Grand Touring variant builds on the Club, adding 17-inch Dark Silver alloy wheels, body-color door mirrors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and cowhide leather upholstery. It also has more safety features like auxiliary headlights with high beam control and a traffic sign recognition system. For $300 more, you can upgrade to terracotta Npa leather seats, silver interior accents, climate control and a navigation system.

Interior of the 2022 Mazda Miata RF. Photo: Mazda North American Operations.

2022 Mazda Miata Warranty

Every new Mazda leaves the factory with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. You might need extra coverage if you drive a lot (and you will drive the MX-5 Miata). This helpful guide will answer all your questions about obtaining a Mazda Extended Warranty.

Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog columnist and expert on sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics and accounting at a young age and is still very much in love with his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also enjoys fried chicken, music and herbal medicine.

Photos and source: Mazda North American Operations.

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