2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club RF Is A BLAST!! Is It The BEST Sportscar?

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club RF the BEST sports car ever built?
Over 1 million Miatas sold, best selling 2 seater sports car. How many times do I say the word “blast”, it's because this car is a ton of fun!
We show you everything you need to know, score it in 10 categories with Car Coach Reports ratings before you go for a test drive. If you have additional questions, put them in the comments below and I'll be happy to answer.
0:00 2021 #Mazda MX-5 #Miata Club RF Is A BLAST!! #Sportscar?
1:17 Under the hood
1:34 Performance
2:39 Handling
4:48 Safety
5:22 Visibility
6:03 Seating Comfort
7:09 Technology
8:27 Features
11:00 Design
13:26 Quality
14:10 Value & Cargo
14:54 Car Coach Reports Total
15:24 Comments and questions
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[@patricksantana3337]

I bought the 2022 RF GT in March. WIth about 2K miles on it of combined city/highway driving, my average gas mileage has been 35.2 MPG, which I think is excellent. At 71 years old, I am trying to recapture the fun I had in my 1972 MGB. The MX5 exceeds the fun factor of the MGB, and it doesn't break down every other day.

[@CarCoachReports]

Great choice - enjoy the ride!!

[@jeffatturbofish]

Just took a 1900 mile road trip in my 2021 Club Soft Top in the same color. Perfect car for all occasions - daily driver, long road trips. Even my wife thinks that this one is much more comfortable than my older NC

[@bitkahuna]

Agree completely as to how fun it is... the lightness, balance, revs, nimbleness, steering, it's an instant smile machine and great value.

[@CarCoachReports]

So easy to drive, wish there was more powet

[@neubauerjoseph]

@@CarCoachReports best part is it’s affordable but I prefer the fiat 124 spider.

[@ag4allgood]

@@neubauerjoseph The 2 cars are completely different on how they drive. While the Mazda MX-5 has a naturally aspirated engine with instant throttle response & super light clutch. The Fiat 124 Spyder Abarth I drove had the turbo lag / heavy clutch & a funky notchy shifter. I get some people will like the exclusive Fiat 124 Spyder just remember its Italian & by nature harder to work on plus if ever in an accident parts will be not found because Fiat stopped making these cars !

[@DreamDosage]

I've had the GT manual version for almost 3 weeks now, and love it! I'm 6'1 and fit easily. It's so balanced and fun, I wake up every morning eager to drive it. Your review is well done, and spot on... love the enthusiasm!

[@CarCoachReports]

Thanks for watching. I really liked the RF. They are just too much fun to drive. Enjoy your GT.

[@ronaldesteve7360]

First time I viewed one of your reviews. I am very familiar with this car. Your review is quite comprehensive and very well done. I’ll look forward to viewing your other reviews.

[@bohdangeba3187]

In October 2019 I bought a brand new '19 rf gt. I needed a commuter but owned only sports cars for years. Turns out this car fits the bill better than I could have imagined. I now have 75,000 miles on it (not a typo) I live in upstate ny and drive all year. This car super. Sometimes on the highway I can get over 40mpg. Love it. That's why I still search reviews. It is a great daily driver, the most fun to drive in any season, maintenance is a breeze and its a great weekend getaway car/grocery getter for me and my gf.

[@gregblack4581]

Wow I’ve got a 19 rf with 3k miles. I daily drove my nc for 4 years but only put 50k on it .

[@Ricky_H]

Another awesome review. Love it and the car!

[@shiftintohigh5564]

2016 ND1 Club owner. It s a blast! Its a scalpel on an Auto X course. Good-Win exhaust and bigger sway bar makes it handle. Replaced a 911 Carrera S and before that a Viper. Parts, tires, accessories, insurance are soo affordable for an extra car.

[@MB561]

Awesome review. Very in depth.

[@annstanaway9501]

Bought the 2020 grand touring RF version of this car and it is a delight to drive! Put a spoiler and an axel-back Greddy on it to add a little zip and growl. I keep my cars for decades. This Miata replaces my 1993 Honda Del Sol. Love the targa two-seat design of both these cars. The Miata adds roadster pizzazz to my ride! Very smooth, comfortable, and superbly drivable!

[@carlosbrigett2574]

I bought my first MX-5 ND in August of 2015. It was the off-white and after a couple of years washing it all the time, I traded it for a 2017 with that machine grey color. In 2019 that new upgraded engine appeared... I had to have it! I drove the 2019 for a few years, then that new color along with that KPC system appeared. I now own a 2023 MX-5 GT, the one with the Champaign color and the Terracotta Nappa Leather seats. It is beautiful and looks clean a lot longer than all those other colors. I owned 2 MGB's back in the '60's, raced one and drove the other daily. I drive this MX-5 daily, too old to race these days. Oh, by the way, nice review!

[@stevekeyes4508]

As usual, great review Lauren.

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you!

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Glad winter is finally over and we get a reviewer in shorts. Great review.

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you 😊

[@razorraysolarsavings72]

I don’t have one of these, I have a Mazda Cx-30 and that thing can get sideways on the corners, oversteer which is fun. Mazda’s drive so nice! If you’re a homeowner and pay too much on your electric bill then contact me and I’ll generate a savings report for ya. Great review!

[@garthtrain4719]

I own a 2017 GT convertible and love it .. unfortunately I live in Calgary Alberta and due to the long winters I park it for 5 months of the year . There is nothing better then heading into the mountains for a weekend trip into the BC interior

[@alangross2277]

Nice review, very thorough. I own the 2021 Machine Gray RF with BBS Package, which is what you are driving in this review. I thought I was driving fairly conservatively, but at only 7,300 miles on the clock my wear bars are showing! I hate the backup camera as I think it is more of a detriment than an aid, because at night the light from the screen blots out everything. With that said, my windows are tinted pretty dark which could be the real problem, but I do not know as both the 2018 and the 2021 models I have owned had the same tint. As for the Traction Control, I wish default was off! The Recaros are very firm and are definitely performance minded and keep you right where you need to be. At first I thought they were too firm, but I think they offer better back support as well as a much nicer look than the Mazda seats do, and I am liking them more and more.

[@DanaOira]

Is the car you reviewed in machine gray? Thanks for the awesome review. I really love how comprehensive you are and how detailed you are with the shots of the car interior. I would have loved to see the scuff guard options in the door. Also, thank you for the info on the car seat. I'm a new mom and wanted this as a daily driver for work but was also curious if I could put a carseat on the off chance I needed to take my toddler to the doctors, but it seems my husband will have to help out with that since our family car is an STI. 😂 Keep it up with your awesome videos!

[@ag4allgood]

Nice job reviewing the RF Lauren. Agree with your points about adding the Brembo / BBS wheel package. In 2017 in March I bought a 2016 Club soft top with the Brembo / BBS package & its very hard to not drive it constantly. So hard that when the snow starts falling the winter tires go on & its also a lot of fun in the cold. It really has impressed me with how well the car has been thru really bad weather conditions. On grocery runs my passenger seat works well for extra space. So as a daily drive its been great. The ONLY drawback I found is the lack of a jack / spare tire. The fix a flat can with the air compressor I realize are to keep weight down.

[@gregblack4581]

There was a hack for the spare tire on the nc . You could get a spare off a rx8 and it would fit in the trunk. Seems a aftermarket small spare tire/rim would sell good .

[@ag4allgood]

@@gregblack4581 The NB had a spare that fit in the trunk. That tire would fit in the ND but it takes up the whole trunk if you can shoe horn it in. Most people on the ND forum will roll with a tire repair kit / NB jack , tire iron & the OEM fix a flat. If you are out in the middle of nowhere you better be prepared to take care of the problem your self.

[@irenedoti1243]

I just bought one! What a blast to drive!

[@ohplezz]

I put a deposit down last week to order a 2022 RF club with the recaro/brembo package. I like the driving experience, great mpg and relability.

[@CarCoachReports]

That is an awesome car - enjoy! You will love it!

[@silenciummortum2193]

You give such detailed and honest reviews and are so pretty I have no choice but to watch! Thank you for another great video!

[@CapFlipGaming]

Your camera shots on the interior were a 10!

[@markshattis6957]

For many, many years I have said that Mazda is one of the most underrated car companies out there. It's truly a brand you have to drive to appreciate. I own a Mazda 6 which I love but one of my best friend owned a Miata many years ago and we would take it out on weekends and drive down to a Southern CA beach. Driving the Miata is like driving a full sized slot car. It handles like no other car in it's price point and catagory. Like it's on rails. And, by the way, in answer to your question, I counted you saying "blast" 8 times. 😊

[@CarCoachReports]

Good counting, I was reviewing the final cut and started laughing at how many times I used the same word. 😂 You win the “blast” award!!!

[@gregblack4581]

We have a cx9 a rf and I daily a 18 accord Manuel . The 2 Mazdas just seem to be built better and nothing wrong overall with the Accord .

[@bobdavis3357]

That os am awesome little sports car. MGB, eat your heart out. Awesome review, Lauren

[@CarCoachReports]

Thanks Bob. It’s much better than a MGB. 🤣

[@bobdavis3357]

@@CarCoachReports ROTFLOL! 😂😂😂. That's fact

[@Jo-bt3xr]

For design I’d give it a 10!😍

[@bmpbmp9446]

I wish the RF top had a sunroof/window in it. I think that would be so nice for cold day drives!

[@CarCoachReports]

I agree

[@ag4allgood]

I drive with my soft top down on sub zero days in winter. With the windows up & the heater cranked up its absolutely brilliant. Even without the heated seats or steering wheel in those weather conditions I'm dressed for winter except no hat ( still have a full head of hair ).

[@therpmfreek7383]

I really liked this review. I am on my 4th Miata. BTW torque peaks at 4000 rpms, peak power (hp) is at 7000

[@2023roadstervet]

I have a 2016 soul red soft top 6 speed manual... With an after market quad exhaust. I love it.

[@lucianolucidi8624]

How is the soul red? I heard its very dedicate. I am considering to buy an mx5 rf 2.0 but I am still in doubt with the color. Machine grey or soul red. Helpppp

[@frombrum]

i love my '17 RF the visibility to the rear left and right "over the shoulder" is not good due to the large pillars and small window so be aware when changing lanes and use mirrors as well as looking over the shoulder the boot (trunk) is not bad, wife and I went away for a week with a flight case and soft holdalls there is some more storage behind the seat back on one side for hiding things you don't ever need i'm six foot, getting in and out can be a pain at my age, don't park close to anything, but once in the seats are comfy and even after a 3 hour drive up the motorways I don't have any back issues I can achieve 45 MPG cruising on motorways and then waste it all on the back roads!

[@lanacline2419]

A joy EVEEY DAY!

[@paulbfields8284]

The Miata is THE highest selling model sports ever.. and I doubt if any other manufacturer will ever come even close..

[@alvn6811]

I got the 2020 100th Edition RF white on Napa red interior and loving it. Went in for a service and the sale guy wanted to put me in a new 2021 club package. I said No thanks. On that note what’s a good exhaust to add? I would Like to upgrade and get the Brembo brakes is it worth it?

[@chipmunktubetop]

I must have one!

[@VeganBytes]

2019 GT RF machine grey, I have the 160hp ND1. Main likes/dislikes for me: the car just looks amazing, very sharp clean lines, oem wheels are nice, bose audio system is excellent, and lastly the retractable roof is the reason I bought this car and remains the reason why I'll never get bored of it. As for the problems, the handling is very bad, too much body roll, the car sits far too high, oem Bridgestone tyres are very slippy, restrictive 6500rpm range (ND1 only). All in all, a very good car, gets far too much praise for its "handling" capabilities though.

[@2blackbikes]

I’m really liking it and I’m not talking about the car ...😀👍🏻 guy below here is clearly, NUTS ...

[@CarCoachReports]

That post was removed

[@braetonwilson4296]

Please show Lauren some respect. She is married with a husband. Keep your lewd comments to yourself.

[@2blackbikes]

@@braetonwilson4296 lewd comments …? Commenting on how nice a woman looks in my book is a compliment, flattering, not lewd. Get you head straight. Secondly, Ms. Lauren can take care of herself - so, if your reply is to create some kind of Drama for posturing purposes- march on…

[@stephenhendricks103]

Yeah, Lauren. But is it fun to drive? 😜 Iconic vehicles come along rarely. No more than one or two in a generation or two. The Miata has earned that distinction. It's the modern interpretation of a classic British sports car with better build and an electrical system not designed by the Prince of Darkness. Precisely the right amount of power with no turbo to disturb linear power delivery. Even with modern safety features it's a light vehicle. RWD? Of course. I've been a fan for many years. Nevertheless, I've never owned one. Here's my problem. I have a spouse, a daughter, and a big dog. I love them all. And on many of my recreational drives I'd like to take at least two or ideally all three of them along. My current solution is a much loved GTI but I still yearn for a true sports car. With that in mind I'm seriously interested in the new Toyota GR86 or the Subaru BRZ. The new engine appears to have resolved the infamous torque "dip" if the last generation. The back seat isn't ideal, of course, but it exists. The dog wouldn't complain and may daughter is flexible enough to fold herself into the seat.

[@CarCoachReports]

You need a third car just for fun. Look at a Mustang, Challenger, Charger or Camaro

[@esedess]

How is the road noise with the hardtop for both city and highway driving?

[@alangross2277]

Machine Gray is awesome on this little car! I have the same car and love it! I'm not sure about the Recaros with Alcantara fabric, though. I had the same car, but it was a 2018 with Mazda Leather seats, which were very nice.

[@lucianolucidi8624]

I am considering to buy an Rf 2.0. I am in doubt with machine grey or soul red. They are both great

[@alangross2277]

@@lucianolucidi8624 The Machine Gray looks super sporty especially with the BBS wheels. I reflects the light and looks very different depending on light source, colors around it and/or the color of the sky. Soul Red is definitely beautiful, but seriously hard to get a photo of it that shows the true color. Good luck with your RF search!

[@lucianolucidi8624]

@@alangross2277 thanks a lot for your message. Maybe i found an rf 2.0 184hp today from 2020 with 12800km and machine grey with recaro seats for 28000€

[@alangross2277]

​@@lucianolucidi8624 Sweet! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you...

[@alangross2277]

@@lucianolucidi8624 Did you get this car?

[@mart0225]

I love the detailed close up shots of the interior. No adaptive cruise control is a miss. Should be on all cars today.

[@CarCoachReports]

Agreed. Thanks

[@ag4allgood]

Not if you drive the car like an enthusiast. They made this ND / ND2 design on the gram weight theory of less is better. On my 2016 Club soft top there are no driver nannies getting in the way of my fun ! Mine is in the lightest color made Artic White ! Comes in at 2350 pounds - where less is more - FUN !

[@mart0225]

@@ag4allgood Adaptive cruise control isn’t a ‘nanny’ because it’s not on by default. The driver must turn it on. Would you prefer no cruise control at all?

[@ag4allgood]

@@mart0225 I have engaged my cruise control exactly one time just to so if it works. Taken many road trips but I prefer driving the car even on the highway. I consider active or any control taken from the driver as a nanny !

[@chipmulligan8963]

👍 on the Pineapple shorts! 🍍

[@CarCoachReports]

Gee thanks

[@cegb551]

The key word is fun.

[@CarCoachReports]

True = FUN FUN FUN

[@joshsuperduty1270]

Hey Lauren do the 2022 Ford Super Duty next

[@CarCoachReports]

I ordered one, hope to test drive one very soon. The chip shortage is killing the auto industry.

[@Mikefoxx55]

It's only a touch screen as long as you're not moving... Once you start moving, you can only use the scroll wheel....

[@CarCoachReports]

Thanks for adding that

[@Sixfigas]

You can use the touch screen up to 5 miles per hour I believe.

[@lucianolucidi8624]

I am checking for a used mx5 RF 2.0 181hp here in Italy but I went to a mazda dealer and they proposed a newone in machine grey with recaro seats for 38,600€. Now considering that maybe i can find with a bit of patiece a usedone for about 30000€ and the only update in a newone would be the kinematic posture control ( which i dont know exactly what it is ) i am in doubt if new is to consider. Help

[@robertdawson5303]

I decided to go for the 2021 RF GTS to get the couple of additional features available like auto wipers, auto led headlights, wireless CarPlay, etc. Then, I put a set of Willwood 6 piston calipers and 12.88 inch rotors up front since really the only thing the GTS lacks over the Club is the brakes. 8K miles and a year later, and nothing but smiles every day. I have added 4 piston rear calipers, lowered the car with progressive springs to give a better stance and less roll, added a full cat back exhaust, and put some grippier tires on wider wheels. MX5 is just such a great platform to customize to your taste. I feel like the changes I made are perfect for me. Others might go more aggressive on sway bars and coil overs, but I like it this way. Still playful and without creating a car where the limits are less forgiving. All of this and still 30+ MPG. Only thing I HATE is the infotainment system. It is garbage and made worse by the fact that you can’t use the touch screen when moving. Having to use the dial is way less safe by an order of magnitude. Come on Mazda…just hoping someone finally hacks it so I can answer the phone without having to fumble with that dial.

[@ItsPaulby]

At 6:24 you said it had a heated steering wheel. Mazda has never offered a heated steering wheel in the Miata.

[@Jo-bt3xr]

Finally found a woman review cars! I love this car😍😍

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you! 😊

[@rembo183]

Did you notice any wind buffeting with the top down? Bothersome at all?

[@CarCoachReports]

I noticed very minimal buffeting.

[@rembo183]

@@CarCoachReports thanks and Happy New Year!

[@bondjames652]

Nice review. 9.5/10 😘 FYI No one gets a 10...

[@psychdoggg]

9:12 LOL

[@Benjammin43]

Heated steering wheel?

[@jrs9264]

Great review. Car is ideal in states like California, Arizona,Florida, Hawaii, etc. In the vampire state of New York , the lack of AWD is a weather related problem. The lack of a DCT also means you don't get full engine acceleration or mpg, as most people cannot shift as well as the DCT can. Finally , the rash of carjackings in that state with it's de-fund the police and no- bail laws mean owning such a vehicle is a very high risk .

[@CarCoachReports]

Yikes! Be careful out there! We live in a crazy world.

[@jrs9264]

Yes,you are right. There have already been a half dozen carjackings in the Rochester area, along with atm robberies. All committed by juveniles, well aware of this state's weak no bail laws and favorable treatment based on age. 🙄😤

[@MeredithLawwson]

@@jrs9264 carjacking? maybe if you get a manual transmission, since many don’t know how to drive one. Also, you get a better insurance rate if it’s manual transmission, for that reason.

[@ag4allgood]

@@MeredithLawwson Yea , the car jackers don't know how to drive a manual transmission ! Plus only 2 seats. The jackers in Chicago are kids that jack in packs.

[@ishmaeldavila6736]

I have a 2018

[@BoostedNDMiata]

I love my 2018 Turbo Club. The turbo cures the only fault with the car which is lack of power!

[@ag4allgood]

Watch your transmission oil as a transmission oil cooler is a must. At 2300 pounds the 155 hp of the ND1 is great for me.

[@randyvining8101]

on my forth one.

[@pierre-richardromain6708]

do you think the Toyota GR86 is a better value?

[@CarCoachReports]

Personally I like the MX5 Miata. I just reviewed the Subaru BRZ it’ll be posting soon

[@pierre-richardromain6708]

@@CarCoachReports I currently drive a 2021 Toyota 4Runner. I'm also looking for an affordable sports car as my "weekend toy". LOL!

[@frumpd63]

Wish it had a heated steering wheel!

[@CarCoachReports]

Next vehicle

[@chonghunyu]

heated steering wheel? I don't think it comes with it nor its an option..

[@sw653j]

This review gets a score of 11, based on the shorts alone...

[@CarCoachReports]

LOL Thanks 😊

[@jayczyzyk9707]

nicereveiw as long as your not driving next to or between trucks oru will lose control

[@ag4allgood]

Never ever had that problem & I drive the Chicago area highways with plenty of big rigs. The MX-5 feels planted when the SUVs / CUVs are being blown around.

[@ferrezegiktochniet6491]

she looks like my mom

[@JP-gb3mq]

heated steering wheel? wut

[@mmasguna]

Mazda ha convertido éste coche en un tractor para el campo. No se trata tanto de diseño como de ingeniería y parece ser que Mazda se ha centrado en el diseño. Si había un coche digno de heredar el motor rotativo de los Rx ese era el mx5. En su defecto y siempre según mi opinión, debería estar montando un V6. Pero Mazda ha hecho ninguna de estas cosas. Tras el acierto inicial, Mazda ha cometido muchos errores con este coche y los sigue cometiendo. Soy propietario de un mx5 nb y me encanta. Sin embargo no compraría un mx5 actual.j

[@CarCoachReports]

translated to English: Mazda has turned this car into a tractor for the field. It is not so much about design as it is about engineering and it seems that Mazda has focused on design. If there was a car worthy of inheriting the rotary engine of the Rx, it was the mx5. Failing that and always in my opinion, you should be riding a V6. But Mazda has done none of these things. After the initial success, Mazda has made many mistakes with this car and continues to make them. I own a mx5 nb and I love it. However I do not computer a current mx5.

[@mmasguna]

@@CarCoachReportsplease, can you translate again?

[@bobdavis3357]

I would still prefer a Shelby GT500.

[@CarCoachReports]

For sure. I agree. I own one 😁

[@bobdavis3357]

@@CarCoachReports I know! They're excellent and Quick

[@CarCoachReports]

Miata’s make good race cars once heavily modded out.

[@bobdavis3357]

@@CarCoachReports an air to air intercooler and a paxton light bar blower make these cars animals on the track. They're easily modified because they're an excellent track car out of the box. We modified an 05 turbo for a client. He has won at VIR and lime rock, Atlanta and even in Japan

[@ag4allgood]

ONLY because you haven't tried an MX-5 ! They are THE most raced cars in the world ! Slow car driven quickly is more fun & will get you in less trouble on the public streets.

[@lucianolucidi8624]

0 to 60 in 5,7 sec? Have you add to the engine 30/40hp? C'mon. I own one of this jewel and everybody knows the 0 to 60 is covered in 6,5 sec . Be more precise