2020 ND2 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF - I'm a tall driver and I fit!

This summer we picked up a 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata GT RF, and one of my biggest concerns was whether or not I'd be comfortable in it. I couldn't find many videos of other tall drivers, so this is an extended drive-and-talk where I run through how this can is working out for me.

[@hooby7045]

lets be honest here, everybody that clicked on this video is taller than 6ft

[@hooby7045]

@@gm836 That's close enough

[@100rats2]

im 5' 10" lol only reason I clicked is to see if a friend would fit

[@hooby7045]

@@100rats2 Well if you were wearing shoes you would be over 6ft sooooo....

[@hooby7045]

@@gm836 Usually any Nike shoes, or actually most shoes give you 2 inches, my shoes give me a 3 inch boost

[@holyhawks6794]

Yea Im 6'2 lmao

[@lummel800]

Thanks for the review, I really appreciate it. I am 6.13 and was afraid that I might not fit, as all the other reviewers denote "everything above 6 feet is too tall". However, with your words I went to 2 test drives and I just fit perfectly. Maybe my legs are longer than usual, but I didn't experience any issue. With that said, I bought it :D Thanks again

[@XavierBlackburn777]

@lummel800 6.13 is 7.1

[@garrettstupperware3754]

@@XavierBlackburn777 I think he means 6 inches and 13/100th of an inch.

[@suareduj]

@@garrettstupperware3754 i think he means 6 feet and 0,13 inch :)

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Love the perspective from a guy taller than me. You did a great job on the review. I’m just over 6’, but I never even sat on one because they looked so small. The first time I sat in an ND was just after sitting in a new Mazda 3 hatch this year. I remember thinking how much roomier the Miata felt. Now, I’m sure a lot of that is my enthusiast brain making excuses. In any case, I’m getting one very soon.

[@TheBlackDeath3]

I really appreciate you talking not just about height, but also torso/legs length and weight. Seems like even people who go into these videos focusing on height often neglect to mention those specific details, and they're quite important.

[@bassfan71]

Thanks for this review. As a tall guy interested in a ND2 Miata this is super informative lol. Stoked to get one.

[@dannyphamous]

Great review! Enjoy your new buddy!

[@radarguru566]

Great honest review! Thank you for the insight!

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TinMan111112]

Very helpful with at least a hope for me fitting in and enjoying. I fit in an NA but just barely. A few pounds more added since...

[@MyDailyPerspective]

Great unbiased feedback, thanks!

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dwinsemius]

This is just the information I needed. Was trying to figure out if I could fit into it with a helmet for track option.

[@elestromusicgamesfun1101]

I'm 6,2 and was really afraid I wouldn't fit. Thanks!

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I still recommend checking one yourself first, just to be safe.

[@elestromusicgamesfun1101]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage - Oh I will. But now I have hope at least :)

[@garrettstupperware3754]

I'm 6 ft and 0.5 inch and 195 lbs. I tried a 2023 mx5 RF yesterday. I love it, and plan on ordering the 2024 model but I felt like I was at the absolute maximum height limit in that car. Hair was touching the roof. If I force myself upright, my head presses against the roof. Plenty of leg room like he said. It's tight, the windshield is small. BUT the moment you start driving, oh my god, it's bliss. I can forgive a lot of the inconveniences.

[@denisbergeron7053]

Bought one similar in June....I am 6”2”” & I fit quite well.....great car

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Isn't it?!

[@currylove2519]

You meant ND 2?

[@denisbergeron7053]

@@currylove2519 yep

[@currylove2519]

Thanks!

[@rembo183]

Excellent review. I own a 2008 NC PRHT automatic. I purchased it for $10k with 78k miles. I wanted a manual but the local Mazda dealer had this in mint condition and I couldn’t resist. This car has been my daily even though I own other vehicles including a 2019 Mustang GT. Honestly this car is amazing. Totally a blast to drive with the top down and ok with the top up. Yes it’s small but I’m 5’9” and comfortable driving it. A glove box and bottle holders on the doors plus the center cubbie and a roomie trunk make it even more practical then the ND. The NC is a great roadster and a budget car especially used. I’m looking at a ND in the future but I have a real hard time thinking of trading this NC. I like the soft top best in the ND.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I think the NC being the forgotten middle child of the Miata generations means they're starting to become great deals for what's still an awesome car, even if it's bigger and heavier than previous gens.

[@rembo183]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage - The only reason I haven’t purchased the ND Is my NC! I never thought I’d like an automatic but I’ve fallen in love with my AUTOMATIC PRHT GT! It’s amazing. It had 78k miles when I got it and now has 90k after 2 years of daily driving! It’s reliable and FUN! Best of all instead of paying $36k for a new ND,GT RF This car was only $10k! It drives like a new Miata and I feel stress free. No worries about maintenance or vandalism or dings! As much fun as a Porsche Boxster for a tiny fraction of the cost!

[@paulitik7]

I’m 6’1” with a 31” inseam and am debating the ND2 RF and a GR86, so this is good to know.

[@joelgibbs23]

Nice review.

[@steve-ey3rx]

"It sounds like a little four cylinder engine". I wonder what he thinks is actually under the hood...

[@GreenmanWood]

If you listen to his inflection, he knows it's a little four-cylinder engine. He's saying he doesn't like the sound of four-cylinder engines in general, and (to him) this one has that same unpleasant sound. It's like saying, "I love apple pie, and this tastes like apple pie."

[@MikesCarObsession]

Great video. Is the top down experience with the rf similar to the soft top?

[@frumpd63]

I'm 6'2 all torso and just found I also fit okay if I recline the seat a bit. What I did NOT expect is that the seat has zero seat height adjust so my 5'2" weight could not find a safe seating position.

[@nakoloc1040]

My biggest problem with my MX-5 RF is not my 6'0" height, but my 13EEEE feet. The pedals are SO close together - I love the car, but I might be forced into buying a automatic, when I replace my current ride.

[@GreenmanWood]

Same size feet, same issues. But I'll never give up my 5-speed Mazda 5...

[@gjagger9331]

This is helpful 👍 Thanks a lot

[@lordhedgehog1493]

Fantastic vid thanks!

[@Jarris2]

This was very helpful as a 6'2 driver. Have you considered a visor delete?

[@mateok15]

Driving 2021 rav4 xle and still you can have some fun. Even if is the suv. But i would love to have one. RF ofcourse.

[@amalzauiati1867]

Thanks. Amal ❤🌹

[@aclements643]

I’m 6’1” and 35” inseam. I’m debating the ND2 RF, standard soft top or Mustang. I really appreciate this video. Kudos Sir!

[@smudgeous4068]

Did you ever check whether you could fit in the Miatas? I'm almost exactly the same measurements as you and initially thought I just fit but that was using the dead pedal. As soon as I shifted my foot back far enough to engage the brake or clutch pedals, my upper thigh was crushed against the bottom of the steering wheel. This is with the wheel at topmost, seat as far back and down as possible.. Sadly Miata just isn't the answer for me in the ND1/ND2 (at least not with stock seats/rails). I'll give the ND3 a shot as well but not holding my breath.

[@UselessWeeb]

thank you so much, I went and test drove one, but it was the soft top and I didnt fit, but knowing the hard top touring works ill have to go check it

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Good luck trying it out again!

[@klausdiefenbach8329]

I’m 5’11 ,190 pounds , 73 years old. Honestly, not quite as flexible as I used to be. I I ended up buying a ND2 RF because I discovered that it is easier to get in and out of than the convertible. And I believe I discovered why. If you look at the cut of the window glass you’ll see that the convertible as an arch that makes the opening slightly smaller. The RF opening is more rectangular. That may not seem like it makes much of a difference, but I found that little bit was significant. Also, I have to say that I’ve never enjoyed a car more than this one. I’ve had it for seven weeks and I’ve put over 3000 miles on it going nowhere except our great country roads.

[@amalzauiati1867]

Ohhhhhhhh.....!!!!! Soo Beautiful 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@LAwrx03]

I own an MR2 Spyder and at 6'3 I find that it's got an incredible amount of room for how small the car is. It does however have a much longer wheelbase and no engine up front to reduce leg room. If you're saying that the new Miata is similar I will have to look into it but I don't completely believe it.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

The ND is the most similar to my MR2 Spyder out of any Miata gen, but that doesn't mean it's identical. My MR2 had excellent legroom but headroom was always an issue. The ND is similar on legroom with marginally better headroom.

[@LAwrx03]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage Is there any particular reason you no longer wanted the MR2?

[@curtfox91]

Borla has the Nest exhaust i have an Axleback on my 86. Im debating on Selling and Getting a ND2 Mx5 my only issue is the 86 is almost paid off and i dont need 2 cars but also dont want another long car note.

[@hypnotechno]

loved this review. I am on the verge of buying a 2022 RF. Believe it or not, my other choice would be model 3 Tesla. I am 6 foot 1 and I agree with you that height was not a problem but I did need seat as far back as it could go. Question 1: did you consider getting seat lowering package? I almost certainly may try this just to avoid "traffic light duck". Question 2: Do you still own the car? how do you feel about it now 2 years on? Question 3: Watching KZbin Channel Lemon he says the best mod he ever did was steering wheel. Being tall Im vey inclined to get an aftermarket steering wheel as it's thicker and a flat bottom would allow easier access. Any thought? Thanks in advance

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I've considered it, since it would be about $1000 for both seats we haven't done it yet but it's on the project list! I normally drive with the top down, but with the lower brackets I feel like I'd drive it on more trips with the top up. We do still own it, and we love it! It's more fun than the M3 to drive on the street and just for relaxation. A friend and I rented a 2016 Boxster GTS and drove it for a long weekend, and honestly the ND2 is more fun for regular driving. Not a better car overall necessarily, but more smiles. Which steering wheel? I haven't had any big complaints about the stock one, so I haven't considered any alternatives.

[@hypnotechno]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage where did you get that 1000 dollar figure ? Quite a lot of people like the Paco which would be about 400 I think but you would lose slide function. There is also a sliding one but not as low as the paco again not too expensive but did you see one at 500 per seat you liked? Re steering wheel some say stock is too thin. I’ve heard the wheel is the best mod you can do. damd do good ones Good to hear the mx5 out smiles the M3 and boxter

[@nickschuller9861]

Hi everyone. Im hoping to buy RF club or GT. I’m 6’1 and weigh 175. Inseam about 34 inches. Think legs will be ok? Also I’m torn between recaro seats v standard leather. Is one better than other for tall drivers? Great video and hope to hear any recommendations! ✌🏼

[@James-WM]

General rule seems to be if your inseam is under 34 inches or you're less than 74 inches tall, you'll probably fit in just about everything with an adjustable seat.

[@jackle842000]

Mazda needs to design these to fit people that's taller than 5'5". That's probably the ideal height for one. A shame I can't fit in the car that I would love to have because it would probably be super fun to own in curve land! I can't even see past the rear mirror. At 6'4" I can't imagine driving one because I can't see and my head hits the roof. Crazy how much more room an old Datsun has. There's a way so wish they'd find it lol. No, it's not livable lol.

[@kojack635]

I'm 6'4" as well. Short people get all of the cool cars

[@jackle842000]

@@kojack635 for sure, at 6' 4" you are likely to about break your neck in a big pothole you missed because you couldn't see past the rear view mirror with your neck jammed in the roof. Don't ask how I know. A true safety hazard

[@TDF2004]

Do you use this as your daily driver? Also would it be good as an only car?

[@Forshbr04]

Given the wind noise, do you wish you’d have gone with the soft top? I’m considering an ND2 to replace my NA, and I’m really torn between the security of the RF and the better top-down experience of the ST.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I wish I'd driven a sofftop and RF more to compare. The RF is still quieter and nicer than my Spyder so it's not a big negative, but I do wonder what I missed out on. Then again, the RF is one of the best-looking cars for sale today IMO, in that sense I'm very happy with it :-)

[@megagurka]

I tried both before settling on the soft top. The noise from the wind turbulence in the RF with the top down was too annoying for me. But if you plan to drive it a lot with the top up, the RF is quieter and might be the better choice.

[@nadamo100]

if you bend forward, doesn't your head touch the top frame of the windscreen? do you think this can be a risk for injury?

[@lennonade23]

I have the exact same body type as you, and I’m really interested in getting an NA (on a budget) How exactly did you fit other than sitting too high? Could you get comfortable at all?

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

No, my knee was jammed between the wheel and the door, and my shoulders were pinched. It felt MUCH tighter than the ND.

[@Zach_Beebe]

I want a ND2 RF GT. I'm 6'3" and a muscular 240lbs. I think I can fit with some new brackets. I'm not going to find out yet because I'm not ready to buy in this dumb market. Come next spring I want to order one!

[@ssb1966]

I have seen low profile brackets that can add 1.2 inches of height. Have you heard of this or sat in a car that has the brackets installed?

[@gregorpeterek9337]

Hi Folks, I´m 6,4 ft and have fallen in love since the new MX-5 was launched. Honestly, I never tried it, cause I don't want to ruin my dream to buy one (used) in some years :) Are there any other drivers with 6,4 ft? Cheers and enjoy your weekend. Gregor

[@DayoftheJakeL]

I’m 6’8” and I do not fit at all in the RF. The regular roadster is a squeeze. The NC And NB I don’t fit in at all. I have a 1.6 NA with a removable hardtop and I just barely fit when I got it, but after a pair of lotus Elise seats, I got plenty of headroom and legroom!

[@timcheou5649]

I agree I sold my e92 M3 thinking buying this the issue with M3 is once you push to limit in normal road it's like 140km per HR in a 60km zone. It's a good race car but it has to go up to deadly speed to be fun so I sold my M3 and kept my Boxster 986 2.5 which I am thinking to change this Miata due to the car has done 250,000km

[@Sanderopop]

why do i have to be 6'7 and love miatas :(

[@rembo183]

Have you driven a Porsche Boxster? If so, how would you compare it with to the ND Miata for the driving. It seems to me that a used Boxster in good condition would be a solid choice too. So the 2012 and later models, assuming your budget allows for the costs. I think that the Miata is as much fun or maybe more, because of the lighter weight more nimble feel. The cost of a new ND GT Miata is about $35k and for about $10-15k more you can get a very clean 981S Boxster. My brother just purchased a beautiful lightly used 2014 Boxster 981S for $47k. With 9,000 miles. What do you think?

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I've never driven a Boxster, but I'd love to! I do think that's a pretty direct comparison, especially now that Miata's aren't as incredibly slow as they used to be. I'd expect the Porsche to feel a little more solid and likely be noticeably faster, but for regular enjoyment not at the absolute limit, I bet the cars are extremely close. The ND handles better than any other car I've driven for purely street driving.

[@rembo183]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage - A clean low mileage Boxster is a solid choice but a used Miata is so much easier to buy and live with for much less $$$$ and just as much fun!

[@Jorge_moya]

I sold my 2005 phantom grey mr2 in Jan. I was wanting to get a c8 but with current prices and high demand it may be awhile. Thinking of getting a miata rf 30th AE. How do these compare when also having owned the mr2 spyder?

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

This is better in every way compared to the MR2 Spyder, IMO. The Spyder is lighter but in regular driving you can't tell a difference. ND2 has way better powerband, features, handling feedback. The MR2 did have better leg and headroom than any previous gen Miata (at least for me), but with the ND that's not true anymore. I think a MR2 with a 2ZZ or Kswap could be more fun, but besides the big money difference I'd take a ND every day.

[@fruitloopette69]

I don't know where you live, but would you recommand it for winter driving? Thanx for your comments.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Not without tires better suited for winter, the stock ones are 340tw I believe and they definitely prefer the warmer weather.

[@hooligantimes9132]

ZOOM, ZOOM!

[@thetrumanshow4791]

I'm thinking of test driving this car . . . at 6ft + half an inch, and 187lbs, would I comfortably in this car? I'm thinking I would.

[@David_Journey]

You can buy a steering wheel space - for ND1 to bring the steering wheel closer. I am 6 feet 1 and I did not fit in RF, but did fit in Soft top. With helmet no chance. I got a seat lowering kit from aurora design, and that allows a lower seating position.

[@prashvv]

How is the bose sound system on these? With the top down? Also how is the noise inside with and without the top?

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

The Bose system is fine. I don't think most Bose systems sound that great in cars, but this is definitely the best system I've heard in a convertible. Very little bass, just some midbass, but clarity is decent and it isn't harsh. With the top up, it sounds like most other car systems, the hardtop sounds basically as quiet as a small non-convertible. The RF top adds more wind buffeting and wind noise when it's open than the softtop. I don't think it's bad compared to older convertibles like my Spyder, but it's not as quiet as more modern sofftops. That's only really an issue at highways speeds, at 45 and below I don't notice any real noise or buffeting.

[@prashvv]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage thanks! I bought myself the MX 5 with the soft top on Saturday. I love the drive. However, I have yet to take the top down and listen to some music.

[@flyers10az]

Pick up a Jass, Aurora or Paco seat lowering kit and gain about 1.125" to 2.3" extra height.

[@tone3560]

Im 6'2 I'll have to go drive one....but based off the video seems like your constantly hunching over to see out the windshield or put yourself in a poor posture to fit. Plus they do sell 1.2" lowering seat bracket

[@alejandropk0]

6.1 try one ☝️ my knees touch the steering wheel , no way to fit , seat can’t recline otherwise move fwd.

[@edmunda4128]

Im 6’0”, but I have a long torso so I sit like 6’2”. Which is weird. Everyone thinks I sit too close to the steering wheel, but everyone really sits all the way in the 2nd row. What the hell.

[@redbxstr]

I’m the same way. 6 ft 182 with a longer torso. I have to move my seat forward to comfortably reach the pedals. Even so with longer torso, I have at least 2 1/2 inches + of free head room with my 2020 ND2 MIATA RF. PLENTY OF ROOM. The soft top may have less head room though, so consider the ND2 RF Grand Touring instead.

[@edmunda4128]

@@redbxstr you sold me. Wife got a CX-5. I wanna be apart of the Mazda family. I’m getting an MX-5.

[@redbxstr]

@@edmunda4128 The soft top may have less head room though, so consider the ND2 RF instead. Plenty of power. I just bought my 2020 ND2 RF Grand Touring on Vroom, delivered on Father’s Day with only 1,329 miles. It’s absolutely perfect. Soul Red Crystal Metallic with Tan Leather and black interior. You will love it.

[@edmunda4128]

@@redbxstr sweet Jesus… Congrats, buddy! On Father’s Day too? Sheesh. I gotta wait a year then. That’s my present to myself next year for sure. I’ve been spying some Soul Red CX’s around town, but never an MX. As much as I love that color, part of me wants to stick to the wife’s Deep Crystal Blue MICA. I detailed it recently and didn’t realize I’d spent five hours on her. This is why I love the Miata community. It’s so friendly. Zoom Zoom, man.

[@aliali-ce3yf]

i'm torn between this and the new GR 86

[@bretthansen8166]

Myself as well. I’m 6ft2 and need to see if I fit in a RF mx5. (Not a fan of the styling of the convertible). If I don’t fit, a GR86 will be my next vehicle 👍🏻

[@aliali-ce3yf]

@@bretthansen8166 i'm roughly that height as well, i can barely fit.......which is why i don't think it would be a great daily driver for me.

[@TDF2004]

@@bretthansen8166 I'm a bit late but do you fit in the car? I'm 6 feet wondering if I would fit in the car.

[@user-yb2tp4qf1r]

I am only 6.1 but that's why I bought a Boxter and not a Miata.

[@Jeeplover1O1]

Does the soft top or hard top have more head room?

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I believe the soft top has slightly more because it's thinner.

[@UselessWeeb]

the soft top actually has less, I'm the same height as him, but the soft top pushed against my head so I assumed the new mx5 was to small for me

[@UselessWeeb]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage not sure how but I feel the soft top has less, we are the same height but when I went to test drive a soft top I had to tilt my head to actually sit in it with the top up

[@lorraineoliver6451]

i am 6foot 2 inches and i dont fit in my better halves soft top mx5

[@causeyoudontneedtolookatme]

Hello! Excuse me, please, how tall are you?

[@michellepage2558]

Same question!!

[@XavierBlackburn777]

⁠he’s 6’3

[@Tsukuyomi8]

1,86cm here would I fit comfortably?

[@johnrookjr]

You're almost 2cm? Really? LOL! I fit very well with 187cm. But I did deepen my seat and now I'm integrated on top.

[@Tsukuyomi8]

@@johnrookjr what do you mean by “almost” ?

[@Winter12418]

Me whos a 6ft7 400LB strongman competitor wanting a MX--5 knowing damn well it would be smaller for me than a literal clown car

[@ricksomething]

Do you wear a helmet because you're special?

[@iyedbennour8324]

How tall are you ?

[@XavierBlackburn777]

He’s 6’3

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

Please make more videos I

[@timcheou5649]

I feel my 986 Boxster interior is bigger

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

It may be in some areas, mid-engine cars have much more room up front. My Spyder had great legroom for what it was.

[@MinxiFu]

Not me. 5-7

[@NoOne-ze2lg]

A tall Bob from I like to make stuff

[@A-N-X-I-E-T-Y]

Obligatory first

[@davidfreet581]

You are not even close to be considered tall as vehicles go. I am 6 ft 9 in with a 40 in inseam and that is tall. You are normal height as tall starts at 6ft 4in. Glad you are enjoying your Miata , my wife loves her 2019 RF touring. She is 5 ft 1 in.

[@Rot05]

Save your neck and buy a "Light In Sight".

[@AB-dv6ot]

This guy talks a lot

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I've found it's a good way to communicate information.

[@mobius7927]

its almost like that's the point of the video

[@hypnotechno]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage lol

[@risingsunprojectgr]

Well all bullshit i am 192 cm and today i went to check the car and I DONT FIT SO MAYBE CHECK YOUR SIZE AGAIN car only for chinese and small asians

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

How don't you fit?

[@redbxstr]

6 ft 182 lbs in a 2020 ND-2 RF. PLENTY OF ROOM for me. At least 2 1/2 + inches of spare head room, and I need to move my seat forward to reach the pedals. This car is actually room leg and head wise for me with the RF hardtop. I’m not sure about the soft top, although I had an NC soft top and it was roomy too. By the way, I’m not Asian or Chinese, but rather an all American guy. I’m not sure why you can’t fit comfortably. Too bad, because you’re missing out on a great sports car.

[@sjdunks1115]

Depends on your body proportions. I’m 6’1 in shoes and I barely fit. Had to take off my shoes and my legs just had enough clearance from hitting the steering wheel while working the three pedals. I have longer legs and a shorter torso. Headroom was decent and had 2 inches of space from the soft top roof