2025 Mazda MX5 Miata 35th Anniversary: Still The Purest Sports Car You Can Buy
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The Mazda MX5 Miata has always been about one simple idea. Lightweight body, manual gearbox, rear wheel drive, and zero unnecessary drama. That formula made it the best selling roadster in the world, and honestly, Mazda still hasn’t ruined it.
Now for 2025, Mazda celebrates 35 years of the Miata with a limited anniversary model. Only 350 units came to the US, and after spending time with the car, it honestly feels like the best version of the current ND generation yet.
Mazda MX5 Miata 35th Anniversary Gets Exclusive Styling
The biggest highlight of the 35th Anniversary edition is easily the spec itself.
Mazda painted this version in Artisan Red, a color previously seen on the larger CX90 SUV. On the small low slung Miata body, though, the shade works surprisingly well. In sunlight, the metallic finish pops hard and gives the car a much more premium look than most people expect from a Miata.
The tan soft top changes the whole vibe of the car too. It gives the Miata an old school British roadster feel without trying too hard.
Mazda also added:
• Exclusive 17 inch wheels with satin platinum finish
• 35th Anniversary badging
• Tan Nappa leather interior
• Matching floor mats and stitching
• Body colored rear spoiler
The overall design still looks fresh even though the ND Miata first arrived nearly a decade ago. Mazda’s Kodo design language aged extremely well here.
2.0 Liter Naturally Aspirated Engine Still Delivers The Fun
Thankfully, Mazda did not ruin the Miata with fake performance tricks.
Under the hood sits the familiar 2.0 liter Skyactiv G naturally aspirated four cylinder engine producing:
| Specification | 2025 Mazda MX5 Miata 35th Anniversary |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Naturally Aspirated 4 Cylinder |
| Power | 181 Horsepower |
| Torque | 151 lb ft |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Redline | 7,500 RPM |
| Weight | Around 2,300 lbs |
| 0 to 60 mph | Around 6.2 Seconds |
| Top Speed | Around 137 mph |
Mazda only offers the 35th Anniversary version with the six speed manual transmission, and honestly, that was the correct decision.
The shifter still feels mechanical and precise. Short throws, perfect resistance, and that satisfying click into gear. Modern cars keep getting more digital and isolated, but the Miata still feels properly analog.
The car also received Mazda’s updated asymmetrical limited slip differential introduced for the newer ND3 chassis. It helps the rear end stay playful without making the car feel sketchy.
Lightweight Simplicity Is Why The Miata Still Works
The biggest reason the Miata remains special is simple. It weighs basically nothing by modern standards.
At around 2,300 pounds, the MX5 feels alive in ways heavier sports cars simply don’t anymore. Even with “only” 181 horsepower, the car feels quick because there’s very little mass to move around.
You don’t drive this car for numbers.
You drive it because:
• The steering feels direct
• The rear end rotates easily
• The engine loves revs
• The roof goes down in seconds
• Every drive feels like an event
That’s the magic formula Mazda keeps protecting.
Even today, few affordable sports cars offer this level of engagement. The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ come close, but both are heavier and lack the full convertible experience.
Interior Feels More Premium Than Older Miatas
Inside, the Miata still feels compact. Taller drivers will definitely notice the tight cabin immediately.
But Mazda improved the quality over the years.
The 35th Anniversary model gets soft tan Nappa leather seats with embossed headrests, artisan red trim accents, Bose audio with headrest speakers, and Mazda’s updated 8.8 inch infotainment display.
Some highlights include:
• Heated seats
• Wireless Apple CarPlay on higher trims
• USB C ports
• Rain sensing wipers
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Telescopic steering wheel
The cabin still has some obvious compromises though.
There’s barely any storage space, road noise remains noticeable with the top up, and the seats can feel narrow during longer drives. But honestly, nobody buys a Miata expecting S Class comfort.
Trunk Space Is Tiny But Usable
Practicality remains hilarious in the Miata.
The trunk offers just 4.6 cubic feet of storage space. That means weekend bags only. Forget Costco runs unless you enjoy suffering.
Still, for short trips with two people, it works fine.
This has always been a “pack light and enjoy the drive” kind of car.
Fuel Economy Is Surprisingly Good
One thing people forget about the Miata is how efficient it is.
Mazda rates the car at:
• 26 mpg city
• 34 mpg highway
Real world highway driving can even approach 40 mpg if you stay reasonable with throttle inputs. That’s impressive for a lightweight rear wheel drive sports car with a high revving naturally aspirated engine.
The small 11 gallon fuel tank also keeps fill ups cheap.
2025 Mazda MX5 Miata 35th Anniversary Price
Mazda priced the special edition at around $36,620 before destination charges. Final pricing landed close to $37,600.
That made it only about $800 more expensive than a comparable Grand Touring trim, which honestly feels like a bargain considering the exclusive paint, wheels, interior, and limited production numbers.
Sadly, most examples are already sold out.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Mazda MX5 Miata 35th Anniversary doesn’t reinvent the Miata formula.
It simply perfects it.
Mazda kept the lightweight chassis, the naturally aspirated engine, the manual gearbox, and the simplicity that made the Miata famous in the first place. Then they added one of the best color combinations the ND generation has ever received.
Sure, it’s noisy.
Sure, it’s cramped.
And yes, your knees may hate you after a long drive.
But the second you drop the roof, hit second gear, and rev the engine toward 7,500 RPM, none of that really matters anymore.
That’s why the Miata still works after 35 years. It reminds people that driving can still feel fun without needing 700 horsepower, giant screens, or fake exhaust sounds.
Sources And References
- Mazda USA Official MX-5 Miata Page — Official specs, trims, features, pricing, and gallery for the US market.
- Car and Driver 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review — Detailed driving impressions, performance analysis, and expert review.
- MotorTrend 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata Overview — Road tests, handling impressions, and ownership insights.
- MotorTrend 35th Anniversary Edition First Look — Focused coverage on the special 35th Anniversary model.
- Road & Track 2025 MX-5 Miata Club Review — Enthusiast-focused review with driving dynamics discussion.
- Kelley Blue Book Consumer Reviews — Real owner feedback, reliability opinions, and ratings.
- Mazda Canada MX-5 Soft Top Page — Canadian-market specs, trims, and features.
- Business Insider MX-5 Review Feature — Broader enthusiast perspective on why the Miata remains popular globally.
- MotorWeek MX-5 RF Track Test (YouTube) — Video review with driving footage and performance impressions.
- Miata.net Forum Discussions — Large Miata owner community with technical discussions, mods, and ownership experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary
What makes the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary special?
It is a limited edition Miata with Artisan Red paint, a tan soft top, tan Nappa leather, satin platinum 17 inch wheels, and unique 35th Anniversary badging. Mazda brought only 350 units to the US.
What engine does the 2025 MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary use?
It uses a 2.0 liter Skyactiv G naturally aspirated four cylinder engine. The output is 181 horsepower and 151 lb ft of torque.
Is the 35th Anniversary Miata manual only?
Yes. Mazda offers this version only with a six speed manual transmission, which fits the Miata’s purist formula very well.
How quick is the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary?
Mazda says 0 to 60 mph should be around 6.2 seconds, with a top speed of around 137 mph. It is not built to chase big numbers, but it feels lively because it is so light.
How practical is the Miata for daily use?
It is usable, but not roomy. The trunk offers just 4.6 cubic feet of storage, so it works best for light luggage and short trips. Taller drivers will also notice the tight cabin.
What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Miata 35th Anniversary?
The Miata is rated at 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. With relaxed highway driving, it can get close to 40 mpg, which is impressive for a rear wheel drive sports car.
How much does the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary cost?
Mazda priced it at around $36,620 before destination charges, with final pricing landing close to $37,600. That put it only about $800 above a comparable Grand Touring trim.
Why do enthusiasts still love the Miata?
Because it keeps things simple. Light weight, rear wheel drive, a manual gearbox, sharp steering, and roof down fun. It still feels like a proper driver’s car in a world that keeps getting heavier and more complicated.
