2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata Arrives With Host Of New Features

More features but the same pure, unfiltered driving experience.

Late last year, we reported that the Mazda MX-5 Miata would see a price increase for the 2020 model year, the second year in a row the model saw a price hike. For 2020, this means that the MX-5 Miata Sport soft-top starts at $26,580, an increase of $850 over last year's model. However, the latest price increase isn't totally unjustified as the 2020 model gets a range of updates to its safety specification, standard smartphone connectivity features, and color options, as confirmed by the automaker this week.

According to the official announcement from Mazda, it isn't easy to increase the Miata's features count while maintaining the range's famed lightweight architecture. Performance-wise, the 181-horsepower Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter engine remains, paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

This year, the MX-5 Sport gets additional i-Activsense safety features. The list includes standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, smart city brake support, and lane departure warning. Mazda has also updated the Miata's badging, fonts, and even the key fob design. The Mazda Connect infotainment system remains, comprising a seven-inch touchscreen.

On the higher-spec Club variants (starting at $30,290 for the manual soft-top), Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration are now standard. Both the Club and Grand Touring trims also continue to be offered in soft-top and retractable fastback (RF) guises, with the latter's roof opening or closing in just 13 seconds.

Further updates to Mazda's iconic sports car relate to the Grand Touring models which, when equipped with the manual transmission, also get the limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers, the front shock tower brace, and a sport-tuned suspension. This trim also has an available all-gray cloth soft top and an appealing red Nappa leather interior. The Grand Touring now gets black and stainless steel door sills, SiriusXM with a three-month trial subscription, and a SiriusXM three-year traffic and travel link subscription.

Expect to pay $34,750 (up from $34,410) for the fully-loaded MX-5 Miata Grand Touring RF with the automatic transmission. The manual version of this trim sees the biggest price jump of $1,090, no doubt due to its suspension upgrades. The worthwhile updates should add even more appeal to one of the purest sports car experiences anywhere when the updated Miata arrives at dealerships in February 2020.