2016 / 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review and Road Test | DETAILED In 4K UHD

Mazda deserves credit for not just giving us the best Miata ever, they have built one of the best cars on sale in America. Period.
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[@reerbaadia1896]

This is a truly comprehensive review. mazda should reference this video 4 their customers

[@jamesdennis5651]

+TheHumbled All his videos are some of the best reviews on the internet in video form

[@suslinmew4358]

The most useful review on Miata.

[@vipermoon_]

Very professional and I like the cabin noise test information.

[@h2_kumar]

Very well done review! Thorough, engaging and detailed. I especially appreciate the care taken to explain little everyday details like the little hump on the floor of the passenger side. Thanks for putting a smile on my face, when you were in the trunk, too :) Nice work!

[@jeremyharris4009]

The most beautiful car I’ve ever seen

[@eastsidedirtykid]

I am not going to lie, I have had a FRS 2014 for about a year, and I am left with wanting more. Sure it is fun, fast, great looking, but that only goes so far. It seems like this car is a little more fine tuned and just what I am looking for. I am just happy the styling was updated to look like it does, especially in the white color!! The review was incredible, great job!

[@liquidshadow95]

Great review as always, Alex. The exterior of the MX-5 looks really good. If I didn't have 3 young kids, the Miata would top the wish list. Thanks for putting this video together.

[@Tully3674]

I don't agree comparing the Miata to an Alfa or Z4. Nobody shopping a Miata will look at an Alfa or Z4 due to cost. And anyone shopping a Z4 or Alfa probably feel the Mazda is beneath them (to own/drive). Miata has developed a niche (a vert that can handle and is quick for a daily driver) that none of the major car makers can put against. Kudos to Mazda. They've never made a better line/design of cars that I can recall. They're on a roll!

[@TheTruthAboutCarsPage]

+Tully3674 That's the trouble with the Miata, if you're going to compare it to anything, the Alfa, Z4 and Boxster are the closest things to it that exist in America. I don't see the comparison is a problem at all.

[@ckyliu]

+Tully3674 Well I'm comparing 2 year old SLKs and Z4s with a brand new ND MX5s, so it's not a completely invalid comparison. The Alfa 4C is a bit of a stretch though, I'll grant you.

[@mikesmith5375]

+Tully3674 But MAZDA will be introuble in 2018! The new 2018 Honda CRZ 2 door coupe with a 280 HP 0-60 n 4 flat is coming! DAM IT. Published four months ago on Google!

[@harjassingh9357]

+Tully3674 That isn't entirely true, im deciding between a 2016 miata or a new corvette

[@mikesmith5375]

The Alfa and Mazda are built on the same platform nearly identically on the inside.

[@Richter.Belmont]

Also there are storage bins behind each seat making it slightly more practical.

[@topdogsean1]

Yes there are. Probably .25 cubic foot.

[@chrissorreda4982]

They didnt get to this weight by saying “Hey this is so light, might as well add it back. Oh and this also. Maybe this?”

[@gene978]

PS, EXCELLENT AS ALWAYS PROFESSIONAL REVIEW! When Alex on Autos has a review I am like a kid in a candy store NO NOISE PLEASE!

[@weilunng9926]

Great review. Definitely one of the most comprehensive review out there!

[@Othercargo]

There's also storage behind each seat and a power in under the the dash where the glove box would be.

[@dk6024]

Remember when the 4C and 124 were relevant?

[@Ben-yt2rv]

Love your work Alex as always!

[@paulpellico3797]

you also mentioned the noise but another top option. Would the double cloth top be a better/more quiet car?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+paul pellico It is quieter but overall the MX-5 is still a loud car on the road

[@Greggory1987]

Excellent review! Though the Miata has gotten even more awesome and even more expensive now in 2021. I own a 2020 Tesla Model X and a 2021 Miata RF. I like my Tesla but I LOVE the Miata and it is my daily driver.

[@ChadARoberts]

Nice review! I'm strongly considering a Club as my next car.

[@watershed44]

Jalopnik mentioned that they LOVED the smaller 1.5L engine model and commented that the more willing to rev smaller engine fit the character of the Miata better, and it lowers the curb weight up front which makes the car feel a bit more nimble than the 2L version, what's your opinion Alex?

[@migzahoy]

how come my maiata doesnt have those steering wheel buttons to the right? mine is a RF version

[@robertvogan6849]

Alex, perhaps you could show actually entering the drivers seat… for older or heavier drivers to see the ease or not. Thanks

[@mp2404]

I would like to know about the waterproofing ability of soft top considering heavy rain conditions in Houston, TX Also, is it suitable in heavy snow / moderate snow conditions ? Thanks

[@reerbaadia1896]

There is a hard top convertible option. If uve got cash. why compromise

[@mp2404]

+TheHumbled : There is no hard top for 2016 model to save weight ... plz check the video and website first

[@Hboogie182]

+Aravindh Baskaran I own the 2016 model. The cabin noise is fine. Trust me.

[@Hboogie182]

***** I own the Club. The cabin noise is fine for me, both the top up and top down as long as the window is up. I also listen to music when I drive around and I can hear the music perfectly even with the top down thanks to the Bose sound system.

[@Hboogie182]

***** speed limit is always 65mph on the freeway.

[@hanialzhrani5897]

I really love your reviews Alex. Can you please review either the Corolla 2016 or the Elantra 2017 ?

[@MrHairyTeabag]

You missed the wee storage bins behind each of the seats - need to tilt them forwards to access them.

[@Trenchluv]

thanks for the through review Alex . detailed and Informative as usual

[@Mojo_Mike]

Great review. I've heard others complain that the console mounted controls for the central display are poorly positioned and easy to accidentally activate. What say you?

[@johntechwriter]

Those controls are on the console for easy reach-the touch screen is not functional when the car is underway. The selector knob and the short cut buttons around it are easy to use, provided you take the time to learn how they work. So many people say a car is hard to figure out and it turns out they’ve never opened the user manual!

[@edmackdaddy]

Notwithstanding the fact that it's almost the same car, do you plan to do a separate video on the 124 when it comes out next summer?

[@israelgonzalez5166]

Great review! One of the few that mentioned additional details others have missed. Are you planing to review the 2017 MX-5 RF?

[@MarcosViloria]

Excelente review as always, may I ask how would you compare this Miata with last year model in terms of ride and interior space and comfort?

[@guacam_ole]

Just curious, cause I've never seen that: Why is there a stop sign at 12:30 (which you obviously obeyed) without any junction? What is it meant for?

[@franctoma]

Alex, can you do a segment on why many cars in Europe get over 70 mile per gallon? even after imperial gallon to US gallon conversion.

[@Sandiegocruiser]

How does this compare to the brz and new camaro ? Not a direct competitor but wanted to know your opinion. When does the fiat come out that you mention ?

[@paulpellico3797]

Does the trunk come with a rack you can add for outside luggage carry?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+paul pellico Not from the factory

[@paulpellico3797]

+paul pellico I know I saw this as an option somewhere. At least on the last car. Not sure if an aftermarket...but I did see one.

[@paulpellico3797]

+paul pellico here it is.... www.amazon.com/Mazda-Miata-Trunk-Luggage-Black/dp/B016WD5PRG?SubscriptionId=AKIAIKBZ7IH7LXTW3ARA&&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B016WD5PRG&tag=wwwbookcompar-20&ascsubtag=566f6f6e48308f24181a4776

[@davidphilips8866]

Is the lined top significantly quieter. Noise is tiring in my 1980 Miata but the top never leaks. Snows help lots in the winter but ground clearance means you have to be careful here in upstate NY. I drive all winter in my '80 and top down on 20 degree plus days can add winter smiles. Good heater. Also, like to know if the new model is stiffer in the structure. My '80 flexes a lot on rough roads.

[@unnamedny]

Alex did you just say back up camera would add extra weight? Really? isn't there regulation that mandates back up came in year or so? It will have to be installed if they want to sell it in US.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Roman O The requirement is not for two more years. Yes, cameras add extra weight, it's not just the camera but the wiring harness, mount points, interface to the infotainment system etc. The main thing here is the "nickle and dime" problem where you start adding things and when do you stop? Do you stop at the backup cam? How about parking sensors? Why not blind spot monitoring? How about cross traffic detection? 360-degree camera? Auto pre-collision braking? You get the picture. A line had to be drawn somewhere to keep weight in check and that's where the line is.

[@grantjones2863]

+Alex on Autos instead of an infotainment system the camera could always be in the mirror

[@JericTamayo]

+Alex on Autos I think with all the wiring and camera itself, it's no more than 5lbs max, so it'll be no problem adding it on :)

[@theresonly1truth138]

hi, i am afraid to get the automatic and lose the thrills of driving. i need to know the shifting speed in the automatic. is it laggy? is it reliable to play with shifting all the time? plz give us your experience/info.

[@ThorMaxx]

Alex, you look like a giant when side viewed with this car.

[@3ducs]

I consider my '16 Sport to be the perfect car for the New Hampshire backroads that I drive 99% of the time. The softer suspension deals with our less than perfect roads, Winter frost heaves take their toll. I doubt that the Alfa or BMW drivers are having twice as much enjoyment driving their cars. With Blizzaks mounted the car does Winter here very well, top down in 15 degree weather is fine, don't even need gloves.

[@MegaRichWay]

great video! very comprehensive. love it.

[@chomp54321]

Hi Alex what is your height and did you find your left thigh hitting the steering wheel when shifting?

[@anguy11]

Alex, which do you prefer me to get? A Miata or a Cooper S?

[@reerbaadia1896]

miata with the convertible hard top. mini is too feminine even for a woman

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+anguy11 That really depends on how much you need the back seat.

[@zaitcev0]

+anguy11 If you're okay with Mini, hot hatches like FiST, GTI deserve a consideration too. Heck, you can even think about modding a Fit or tC. Alex excluded those cars on purpose from the video. His ideas of what people cross-shop may be somewhat narrow at times.

[@bradcomis1066]

+anguy11 The rear seat is critical here for sure. If you need a rear seat once and a while then the Mini makes sense, but the 3dr Mini Cooper has a tiny back seat, so keep that in mind. It really is hard to fit 4 passengers in the car. If you are a short person though you will have an easier time with the Mini. The 5dr Mini would be a good option too, its got just enough extra space to fit people in the back and a bit more trunk space. I have a 3dr Mini and kind of wish I would have went with the 5dr because the 3dr is just so damn small. Basically if the car is your only car then you should get a Mini or similar hatch, but if this is a second car definitely get the Miata!!

[@fkporsche1]

Great details review video. Could you review the automatic gear box MX-5?

[@gedan1]

La boite de vitesse automatique est une très très bonne transmission a double embrayage , comme les Lamborghini et Audi et BMW en mode sport , vraiment génial . The automatic gearbox is a very, very good dual-clutch transmission, like the Lamborghinis and Audi and BMW in sport mode, really great.

[@cadsux]

Why wasn't the Nissan 370z roadster in the comparison? It's still in production, rear-wheel drive, but it does have a V6 instead of a 4 cyl. Cabin noise is pretty bad in the 370z, especially the roadster at 80db. The trunk is dinky as well. 2 reviews a week, with the last one about the Shelby Mustangs. Great stuff!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+cadsux Mainly because it is 50% heavier than the MX-5 so it really isn't the same thing. It's more of a Mustang/Camaro comperitot.

[@hovkhach638]

Amazing review. Thanks.

[@gene978]

Alex, no wonders so many have made this their second weekend fun car. I can see it now. And Really No penalties I can imagine good residual value too. Damn why do I live in a condo with outdoor parking in Worcester county :(

[@JericTamayo]

+gene978 Time to invest on a home with garage! That's what I'm thinking when I get a Miata, it'll come with my wife and a home.

[@smanisince861]

good in depth reviews

[@Kamui..]

Still far away from a Lotus Elise in driving pleasure and feel. Too much body roll. To bad the club version isn'it available in EU. Thanks for this nice review in 4k

[@SkyLinMegas]

... now how would this compare to an na (original)...? i would like alex's opinion

[@iNFECTED_pIE]

This is slightly lighter than the na, interior quality is way better.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Matthew Paris It's actually a hair heavier, but 180 pounds is not much when we're talking about a car like this. The 2016 handles better, is faster, stops shorter, is more efficient, more comfortable, safer and offers more features than luxury cars in 1990. The one area that it lags is in steering feel, that's better than the 1990

[@SkyLinMegas]

Alex on Autos thank you ...

[@paulpellico3797]

and one last question if you would allow...IF you could somehow manage an extra 5 grand...would a basic V6 mustang convertible be a better deal? The back seat allows for somebody or baggage if needed. Not to mention the trunk itself being a lot bigger.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+paul pellico Better deal? Maybe. Better car? No.

[@techexplorer9382]

I appreciate the review Alex ! My question to you would you get the Club with Brembo package or the Up level Touring ? I wish you could get the same package touring with Brembo Package and limited slip . Thanks Joe

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+TechExplorer I agree with you there. I think that I would get the Touring trim then add the wider tires and brembo brakes afterwards. The LSD is nice but I'd probably skip it if I were shopping.

[@johntechwriter]

A well done review. Now it’s 2019 and horsepower is up by 26, which is noticeable. If like me you are on a budget, choose the base (Sport) model. It costs thousands less than the Club and is just as fast. Plus it’s more comfortable and it rides better. If you don’t have kids the Sport is a practical daily driver. One final word of advice: Don't load up your MX-5 with aftermarket junk!

[@phukyoo1479]

Can u do a bmw 5 series review

[@rigor.m9422]

7:45 that is LEFT bro...

[@adriandsc8471]

This guy sounds like a robot...

[@stevenr6279]

So a cloth roof give you more cabin noise, Wow. Who knew?

[@johntechwriter]

It’s worth mentioning because at highway speeds the noise can be fatiguing. For long trips my solution is noise canceling Bluetooth earbuds.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Thanks, Alex. Silly question: when the front:rear weight distribution ratio is mentioned does that take into account the (avg?) weight of occupants? This car makes me miss my 1980 Fiat Spider!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Mario Dalla Riva In general the driver's weight is not considered

[@MarioDallaRiva]

+Alex on Autos didn't think so! Thanks, AoA.

[@craigfreger7958]

50/50 weight distribution is with an average adult driver. Without a driver, it is 52% front / 48% rear, as stated in the video.

[@twystedhumour]

Alex, How did the Miata do going up inclines? I'd esp. like to know if you took it to that incline on Lombard St. (?) before going down that winding way. Was the clutch pretty responsive enough that you didn't roll back much? DF

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Drummond Fengdahl I didn't find it a problem but it depends on how quick on the pedals you are.

[@Sophie11121]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide My '17 has a hill-holder feature. It's a very nice luxury --

[@yangcao2818]

Alex can you explain how exactly light is the steering for mx5 nd? I heard it's on par with Mazda 3, true?

[@johntechwriter]

The electric steering's assist varies with speed. From a standstill it’s feather-light. But as you go faster it becomes heavier and in the corners, faster-acting due to its variable-ratio design. When cornering hard the steering telegraphs the front tires' traction level beautifully. It is a superb steering system-you can tell they sweated the details.

[@Willoncs]

Would you trade a mustang GT prem for a Miata GT?

[@whki300]

Alex, will Mazda have Mazdaspeed lineup for 2016? If they do, which models?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+woo kim We don't really know. Mazda has not committed to anything.

[@MrMazda-ih8cw]

Detailed video but some strange assumptions - .Back-up cameras add extra weight and 2. Mazda was considering to discontinue the model line? Hmmm ...

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Mr. Mazda Unless the camera, cabling and electronics are lighter than air, they add weight. it is a matter of "nickel and diming" when it comes to weight. So if you add the pound of wiring and controllers and the camera itself, then why not add radar cruise control, and if you do that why not add cross traffic radar, then why not add blind spot monitoring, and steering headlamps, and power seats and a telescopic steering wheel and, and, and. So the car companies have to stop somewhere and with teh MX-5 that somewhere was the backup camera.

[@MrMazda-ih8cw]

Of course everything adds weight, but its a question of proportion. Is it enough weight to make a discernible difference? I doubt it ...

[@gregblack8550]

The camera is a law here now. It weighs less than a pound including the whole screen. Does look kind of crappy but once you do the ‘updates’ is one of the best infotainment.

[@timkennedy1192]

It does not sell as well because it is not a practical car, but it is one H*!! of a sports car!

[@johntechwriter]

I’m on my fourth MX-5 and can attest that if you don’t have kids, it can be a practical daily driver. The deep trunk can hold a week's groceries. The fuel economy is close to a Prius. And the car is so engaging to drive, even the morning slog to work puts a smile on your face. And finally it is bargain priced. What other car can you say all those things about?

[@TheAdventureAuto]

If you're an ND owner and looking for a nicer sounding exhaust, check out my Goodwin Racing Roadster Sport muffler vids!

[@jose76pe]

never ever put the top up while driving! :)

[@giannidc1207]

I dont understand the comparison with the 4c..2 different models, target, performance, quality and price! dear goood

[@kipamore]

That thing has charm to burn. I would say it's main competitor isn't the FRS/BRZ, but the Fiesta ST.

[@jaykae3952]

where is the child seat review

[@twystedhumour]

+Jay Kae hahahahahahaha!

[@TheSQL-Lover]

🤣

[@Chris-Brown-]

I've put the roof up at 45mph

[@karebu2]

Looks like a 86/jaguar hybrid

[@rodrigocesar8162]

the mazda miata nd is a copy of the rossin-bertin vorax sport of Brazil 2010

[@DronieUp]

It's crazy that car couldn't get a 100gram (or less) backup camera...

[@chomp54321]

Even when it becomes available/mandated, I think a backup camera is really unnecessary for such a small car. Unless one has problem turning around to look backward, the back end is RIGHT THERE.

[@TheBiigBadWolf]

For 30k tho? I rather buy something a little more faster, 155hp is toooo slow even with all the weight reduction.

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

Angel gallardo ya got a ton of potential lol

[@christophedecavalla2941]

Angel gallardo you’ve missed the point of an MX5

[@gregblack8550]

We all have begged for a tad over 200 hp for years.

[@jonathanjackson9208]

My only complaint is you keep comparing this great little sports car to something that cost twice as much. I wouldn't consider the Alfa because of the price, and the Fiat is going to be just a plain flop, anything that company builds is horrible.

[@HumbertoYi0878]

and he keeps calling them head rests, when they aren't. There head restraints, used for safety requirements, not for resting your head on. overall though, great review.

[@gregblack8550]

But a good compliment to be compared to these expensive cars. Look under a MX5 and see how well the car is built. It’s a bargain and many don’t see that as higher trim can be 35 k here.

[@tzephinglim9016]

first early

[@youAbajajTube]

When you give a Miata club an A- for what you call handling, it's clear you are not an enthusiastic driver. Best stick to reviewing SUVs and family sedans.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

As I explain in the video, it depends on what you are after. When it comes to grip, as in going around a corner, a 10 year old Lancer EVO holds more lateral Gs than an MX-5 Club and will get around a course4 of any size faster. In fact a wide variety of cars will road hold better than the MX-5 including a Civic Si. If this were just about road holding the MX-5 would be even lower than an A-, but because the MX-5 is fun to drive and the steering is excellent it bumps *up* to an A-.

[@youAbajajTube]

Thanks for the reply. I can appreciate where you are coming from, even though I COMPLETELY disagree. This helps me understand your reviews better.