2025 Mazda Miata RF Club
If you’re an enthusiast searching for affordable drop-top motoring perfection, it’s almost impossible to ignore the Mazda Miata. This nameplate has been around for years, and its fourth-generation model debuted nearly a decade ago. When Mazda launched the ND generation, they returned the Miata to its grassroots: a lighter body, sleeker design, improved engine, and modern tech.
Over the years, Mazda has kept upgrading the ND chassis. The biggest update came in 2019 with a new engine, and last year Mazda added its latest infotainment system. In this article, we will cover the 2025 Mazda Miata RF Club, finished in Soul Red Crystal, to answer one question:
Is the Miata still the best affordable drop-top sports car on the market?
Engine & Performance: Naturally Aspirated Perfection
The heart of any Miata is its engine, and Mazda’s best work remains under the hood.
Engine Highlights
2.0-liter naturally aspirated, direct-injection Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder
181 hp, 151 lb-ft of torque
(up from 155 hp when the ND launched in 2016)High 7,500 rpm redline
Longitudinally mounted RWD layout
Manual transmission includes a new mechanical asymmetrical limited-slip differential
Mazda hasn’t changed the engine for 2025, but it remains one of the best naturally aspirated and affordable engines on sale today.
Transmission Options
6-speed manual (recommended)
6-speed automatic (+$800)
If you’re an enthusiast, avoid the automatic, this car deserves a manual.
Performance Numbers
0–60 mph: ~6.3 seconds (best recorded ~5.9 sec)
Top speed: ~137 mph
Weight: Just over 2,400 lbs
(original 1990 Miata was ~2,100 lbs)Fuel economy: 26/34 mpg (city/highway)
Range: ~340 miles (11.9-gal tank, premium recommended)
Rumors suggest Mazda might add a hybrid Miata next year or next generation, but nothing is confirmed.
Exterior Design: The ND3 Still Looks Beautiful
The 2025 Miata is internally known as the ND3, marking its third refresh. Mazda has subtly evolved the design, and it’s aging exceptionally well.
Key Styling Updates
Soul Red Crystal paint: $450
Updated LED headlight design (LED DRLs, turn signals, low/high beams)
Lost the old signature running lights — replaced by a fake vent
Smiley-style front grille with functional openings
Club trim adds a gloss-black front splitter
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 90 in
Length: 154 in (1 inch shorter than original Miata)
Width: nearly 2 inches wider than original
Club Trim (RF) Specific Features
17-inch BBS lightweight wheels
Brembo brakes (4-piston red calipers up front)
Bilstein sport-tuned shocks
Skinny 205/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires
Black mirrors with integrated turn signals
(not power-folding; no 360° camera)
Retractable Fastback (RF) Roof
Opens or closes in ~13 seconds
Flying buttress design moves out of the way mechanically
Adds only about 100 lbs over the soft-top
Feels more secure thanks to the fixed rear structure
Rear Design & Cargo Space
The rear remains mostly unchanged visually.
Highlights
New LED taillights (updated signature)
Revised reverse light placement
Low-profile integrated rear spoiler (Club exclusive)
Aggressive rear diffuser design
Dual-tip single exhaust remains iconic
4.8 cu ft trunk
Fits one 22-inch roller bag + backpack
Anything more goes in the passenger seat
The RF retains full trunk space since the roof mechanism doesn’t intrude.
Interior: Familiar, Updated, But Tight
Mazda updated the Miata’s interior last year, mainly with a new infotainment system. But the cabin still feels mostly unchanged since 2016.
Key Interior Features
Recaro bucket seats (suede Alcantara + leather, manual 6-way)
Only black interior offered on RF Club
Body-color upper door panels
Minimal storage (tiny door pocket, no glove box)
Small cubby behind seats for documents
Ingress & Comfort
Getting in is challenging. Even average-height drivers have to duck and slide in. The cabin is snug, and the seats, while great-looking, may feel tight for wider frames.
Infotainment & Controls
New 8.8-inch screen
Not a touchscreen unless using Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto supported
Mazda Command Controller still required for native UI
No built-in navigation on this trim
(GT gets it, but your phone is still better)Manual climate controls
Two USB-C ports, SD card navigation slot
Excellent manual shifter
Traditional handbrake (a dying feature)
Backup camera remains basic with no trajectory lines.
Driving Experience: Pure Driving Nirvana
Driving the Miata is the highlight of the entire experience. The 2025 RF Club continues the Miata legacy with:
- A high-revving 2.0L NA engine you can fully enjoy
- Near-perfect manual gearbox
- Light, engaging steering
- Rear-wheel drive balance with a mechanical LSD
- Fast but approachable handling
- No launch control, so skilled drivers are rewarded
Performance Test Results
- 0–60 mph: 6.34 seconds (good launch)
- 6.43 seconds on a slight uphill
- Best historical run: 5.9 seconds
It requires shifting into third for 60 mph runs, but acceleration feels faster than the numbers suggest. Revving to 7,500 rpm is addictive.
This car isn’t about big power. It is about usable, joyful performance where you can push the limits without breaking the law.
The only missing feature?
Rev-matching for downshifts.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Mazda Miata RF Club remains:
- One of the best driver’s cars in the world
- A pure, analog, lightweight roadster
- Affordable compared to modern sports cars
- Beautiful to look at and better to drive
Minor complaints aside – tight seats, aging steering wheel, limited storage – the Miata is still driving bliss and likely the best affordable drop-top sports car you can buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Mazda Miata RF Club good for daily driving?
Yes, it can be used daily, but keep in mind the snug interior, limited storage, and low seating height. It is more focused on spirited driving than practicality.
How fast is the 2025 Mazda Miata RF Club?
The Miata RF Club accelerates from 0–60 mph in around 6.3 seconds with a good launch. Its performance feels quicker than the numbers due to its lightweight and high-revving engine.
What makes the Miata RF Club special?
Its lightweight design, rear-wheel-drive balance, precise manual gearbox, and naturally aspirated engine deliver one of the purest driving experiences in the world.
Does the 2025 Miata RF Club have rev-matching?
No, it does not include automatic rev-matching. Skilled drivers will need to heel-and-toe manually for smooth downshifts.
Is the 2025 Mazda Miata RF Club comfortable for tall drivers?
The tight cabin and low roofline may be challenging for taller or broader drivers, especially during entry and exit.
