We’ve become so reliant on technology that many of us have forgotten how much fun driving can be. With the focus on semiautonomous cars that don’t require as much human interaction, it seems like feeling the wind in our hair as we race down the highway may soon be a thing of the past. But the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF might have something to say about that.

This tiny hard-top convertible may not be the fastest, most expensive, or tech-savviest performance car, but it’s got MotorTrend singing its praises. It’s proof that driving doesn’t have to be a chore.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is a car lover’s dream

Cars may not be all about speed, but for many drivers, it is. The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is more than able to deliver for anyone looking for their adrenaline fix on the way to work. Thanks to its 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

Another perk for the 2021 MX-5 Miata RF is the manual transmission. For anyone who loves driving a stick, the pain of finding one is all too real. More and more automakers are cutting manuals in favor of automatics, so that means fewer choices. This makes the MX-5 Miata RF all the more desirable.

This little car gets crazy-good gas mileage as well. It gets an estimated 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 combined. It may not be green, but the MX-5 Miata RF offers excellent fuel economy compared to other sports cars. 

The Mazda MX-5 Miami RF makes driving fun again

Remember the days when you used to argue about who was going to drive and no one wanted to? If you own a 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, the chances are high that everyone will be arguing about who gets to.

MotorTrend reviewers were in awe of the latest MX-5 Miata RF and couldn’t stop gushing about it. “If I ran a driving school, I would stock it full of Miatas. It’s such an excellent teacher, responding to every little thing you do,” Chris Walton, MT’s road test editor, noted. “There’s now just enough muscle to power-slide it. Fun, fun, fun.”

The MotorTrend review went on to state, “On the endless serpentine canyon passes squiggling through the greater Los Angeles area, we attained something like zen. Nothing — and we mean nothing — available in the 2021 model year drives like the ND Miata, RF or otherwise.”

It’s a real steal

Mazda isn’t known for its hefty price tags, and the 2021 MX-5 Miata RF is no exception. The only shock you’ll get from the sticker price is just how low it is. 

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF starts at only $26,830. This price is usually higher at the dealership, but most critics think it’ll go for about $27,775. This includes the destination fee. The Club model starts at $34,000, and the Grand Touring costs about $35,480.

Compared to the competition, this is an extremely affordable price. The 2021 BMW Z4 starts at $49,700 and gets only 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The 2021 Toyota Supra costs $43,090 and gets the same gas mileage as the Z4. 

The 2020 Subaru BRZ starts at $28,845, bringing it closer in line with the MX-5 Miata RF. But with only 20 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, the Subie gets worse gas mileage than rivals.