So, what’s the best enthusiast car you can buy right now? If cash were no concern, you’d probably hear names like the Porsche 911 or some other exotic speedster. The reality, though, is that most of us have budgets to consider. For anyone shopping for a fun, driver-focused car under $50,000, there are plenty of excellent options. Yet time and time again, the Mazda MX-5 Miata proves itself as the go-to choice — and the version you really want is the $33,330 Club trim.
This sweet spot in the lineup delivers everything you crave in a small, lightweight roadster and leaves out the extras you don’t need, letting one of today’s best sports cars shine at its core. Picking the right trim can feel tricky, so let’s break down why the Club trim is the one to beat and why it might be the perfect fit for you.
Understanding the Miata Lineup
Compared to many modern sports cars, the Miata keeps things refreshingly simple, and Mazda makes that clear with a straightforward lineup. For 2025, you’ve got three main trims to pick from: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring. On top of that, there’s a special 35th Anniversary Edition for those who want a touch of extra style and flair.
Sport
Starting at $29,830, the Sport trim is your gateway into Miata ownership, offering the same exhilarating driving experience without any unnecessary distractions. It comes equipped with features like 16-inch alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind spot monitoring, and a six-speaker sound system.
Color options are a bit limited — you can choose between Jet Black Mica or Soul Crystal Metallic, and the interior is only available in Jet Black. If you want a sportier look, you can add the Sport Appearance Package, which brings a spoiler, front lip, and a few other styling upgrades to give the car a more aggressive edge.
Club
At $33,330, the Club trim hits the sweet spot of the Miata lineup. Not only does it add a host of performance upgrades — which we’ll dive into shortly — but it also brings some extra features that make daily driving more enjoyable. You get 17-inch Metallic Black alloy wheels, a nine-speaker Bose sound system, and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The color palette expands here, including options like Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Aero Gray, and Snowflake White Pearl Mica, paired with Black cloth seats featuring suede inserts. For those craving an even sportier setup, there’s a BBS/Recaro seat package available — though it comes with a pretty steep price tag.
Grand Touring
At $35,130, the Grand Touring trim is the top of the regular Miata lineup, focusing a bit more on comfort without losing the fun factor. It includes everything from the lower trims, plus extras like adaptive front lighting, heated leather-trimmed seats, and a limited-slip differential.
The color choices are mostly carried over, with the addition of Machine Gray Metallic, and the interior comes in Black leather. This trim definitely feels more upscale than the others, but there’s one standout feature that truly sets it apart — and we’ll get to that shortly.
35th Anniversary Edition
As the name suggests, the 35th Anniversary Edition is an appearance-focused package built on the Grand Touring trim, featuring unique colors and special badging. It stands out with an Artisan Red Metallic exterior, a beige soft top, and a Tan Nappa leather interior — while all other Miatas stick with black. Altogether, it gives the car a classy, distinctive look.
Under the hood, every Miata in the lineup shares the same 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, all sent to the rear wheels.
Transmission options vary by trim. The Sport, Club, and 35th Anniversary Edition trims come exclusively with a 6-speed manual, keeping the classic roadster experience alive. The Grand Touring, however, offers an automatic with paddle shifters. This makes an automatic Miata a pricier option, but it’s a thoughtful choice for those who prefer not to row their own gears while still enjoying the Miata’s fun-to-drive personality.
The Enthusiast Upgrades That Matter
But let’s put the spotlight where it belongs — on the Club trim. From the very beginning, the Club has been Mazda’s performance-focused Miata, packed with upgrades that turn an already fun roadster into a serious backroad and track-ready machine.
- A limited-slip differential (manual only) sharpens traction out of corners.
- Bilstein sport-tuned suspension gives the car better body control and sharper responses.
- A front shock tower brace stiffens the chassis.
- An available Brembo/BBS/Recaro package adds track-focused brakes, lightweight wheels, and the iconic racing seats.
The Club trim also shines thanks to its performance upgrades. For 2024, it introduced an asymmetric limited-slip differential, a new steering rack, and DSC-Track Mode, which keeps the car stable without taking the fun out of pushing it hard.
Many enthusiasts will drool over the optional Brembo brakes, BBS wheels, and Recaro seats — but at $4,900, that package is a steep add-on for most buyers. Even without these extras, the Club trim nails the classic Miata formula, delivering a lightweight, perfectly balanced roadster experience that really comes alive when you slip behind the wheel.
How That Performance Translates To The Road
Everything blends together perfectly in this car. The Bilstein suspension tightens up the body without making the ride too harsh, and noticeably helps body roll in the corners. You may not feel the extra bracing or limited-slip differential at first, but when you’re pushing the car hard you start to realize just how planted it is, especially the steering.
The upgraded steering rack is immediately noticeable — it takes less effort to keep the car tracking straight, while still delivering that sharp, precise feedback Miata drivers love.
No, the Miata isn’t going to blow away supercars in a straight line, but thanks to its feather-light curb weight of 2,341 lbs and the limited-slip differential, it’ll hit 60 mph in just under six seconds. It’s still a momentum car, but not as much as earlier models. The beauty? Shifting through the slick 6-speed manual is so much fun that you barely notice the stopwatch — you’re too busy enjoying the ride.
We’ve loved the MX-5 in every generation, but the ND and ND3 represent the series at its finest. It’s lively off the line, the manual gearbox makes three-pedal driving an absolute joy, and the chassis is perfectly balanced, inviting every driving style to have fun. It’s a classic sports car with modern engineering and design executed almost flawlessly. – Ian Wright, Test Drive Expert
When we tested the Club trim last year, we were impressed by how Mazda has tamed the twitchiness that used to plague earlier models. Our tester came equipped with the optional Brembo/BBS/Recaro package, and paired with the limited-slip differential and Bilstein suspension, it inspired a new level of confidence through every curve.
Sure, understeer and oversteer are still possible if you push too hard — or if you’re deliberately chasing a little slide — but the car feels remarkably composed at the limit. At this price point, there really isn’t another sports car that drives quite like it. Don’t just take our word for it — even some of the best minds in the automotive world can’t stop singing its praises.
How the Miata Club Stacks Up Against Rivals
The current ND MX-5 Miata has been around since 2016, but with its sleek, minimalist design and exceptional handling, it still holds its own impressively well in 2025.
| Mazda Miata Club | Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ | Subaru WRX | Ford Mustang EcoBoost | VW Golf GTI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $33,330 | $30,400 / $33,210 | $37,750 | $31,920 | $32,445 |
| Power | 181 hp | 228 hp | 271 hp | 315 hp | 241 hp |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD | RWD | FWD |
| Notable Strengths | Lightweight, convertible, LSD, pure handling | More power, coupe body, excellent balance | AWD, turbo power, sedan | Big power, iconic looks, drop-top option | Hatchback practicality, turbo power, refined |
The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ pack more horsepower and even include rear seats, but they can’t quite replicate the Miata’s open-top excitement or its feather-light balance. The Subaru WRX brings even more power and all-wheel drive, yet it remains a divisive choice — and to really experience its full potential, you’ll need to spring for the pricey tS trim.
The Mustang delivers the most power in this group and even comes as a convertible, but it’s much bigger and heavier than the Miata, making it less engaging to drive overall. On the other end, the Volkswagen GTI provides a refined, comfortable daily-driving experience, but its front-wheel-drive layout rules it out for many enthusiasts seeking true rear-wheel-drive fun.
Sure, most other enthusiast cars in this price range will outgun the Miata in raw horsepower — but that’s no surprise. If you can look past the numbers, you’re rewarded with one of the most thrilling driving experiences you can find at any price, and it only gets better when you choose the Club trim.
Nothing else on this list — aside from perhaps the BRZ or GR86 — delivers the same mix of balance and precision as the Miata. It’s a rare gem in today’s automotive world, and if Mazda has its way, that won’t be changing anytime soon.
FAQ’s
1. What is the Mazda MX-5 Miata Club trim?
The Club trim is the mid-level version of the MX-5 Miata, offering a mix of sporty performance features, upgraded suspension, and extra tech over the base Sport trim.
2. How does the Club trim differ from the Sport and Grand Touring trims?
Compared to the Sport, the Club adds limited-slip differential, Bilstein shocks, larger wheels, and performance-oriented features, while the Grand Touring focuses more on luxury and comfort.
3. What engine does the MX-5 Miata Club have?
It comes with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 engine, producing lively power and a fun driving experience.
4. Is the Club trim available with a manual or automatic transmission?
Yes, the Club trim is available with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic, though enthusiasts usually prefer the manual for a more engaging drive.
5. How much horsepower does the Miata Club produce?
The 2.0L engine produces approximately 181 horsepower, enough to keep the Miata nimble and quick.
6. What performance upgrades are included in the Club trim?
The Club trim features sport-tuned suspension, limited-slip differential, larger sway bars, and upgraded brakes, enhancing cornering and overall driving dynamics.
7. Does the Club trim come with a limited-slip differential?
Yes, the mechanical limited-slip differential is standard, improving traction and control during spirited driving.
8. What suspension features make the Club trim sportier?
It has Bilstein shock absorbers and a slightly stiffer suspension than the Sport trim, making it more responsive and agile.
9. How is the handling compared to the base Sport trim?
Handling is sharper, more precise, and confidence-inspiring in corners, thanks to the upgraded suspension and limited-slip differential.
10. What interior features come standard in the Club trim?
Club trim includes sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and upgraded infotainment controls over the base model.
11. Does the Club trim have upgraded infotainment or audio systems?
Yes, it comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB ports, and a Bose audio system option in some model years.
12. What safety features are included in the Club trim?
Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, airbags, traction control, and stability control.
13. How fuel-efficient is the Miata Club trim?
The Club trim achieves approximately 26–27 mpg city and 34–35 mpg highway, depending on transmission and driving style.
14. Is the Club trim convertible?
Yes, all Miata Club trims come with a soft-top convertible, and in some years, a hardtop RF (Retractable Fastback) is available.
15. How is the driving experience in the Miata Club trim?
It’s engaging, lightweight, and responsive, with tight steering and excellent feedback, making every drive fun.
16. Are there optional packages for the Club trim?
Yes, options include premium audio, navigation, heated seats, and the RF hardtop in newer models.
17. What wheels and tires are included in the Club trim?
The Club trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, providing better grip and handling than the base Sport trim.
18. How does the Club trim compare to the Grand Touring trim in comfort?
Grand Touring focuses more on luxury, heated leather seats, and tech features, while the Club trim emphasizes performance and handling.
19. Is the Club trim suitable for daily driving?
Absolutely. It’s comfortable enough for daily use, with decent cargo space for a small car and great fuel economy.
20. How reliable is the Miata Club trim?
The MX-5 Miata is one of the most reliable sports cars on the market, with minimal common issues and a strong reputation for longevity.
21. What is the warranty coverage for the Miata Club?
Mazda offers a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, standard across trims.
22. Are there any known issues specific to the Club trim?
The Club trim shares the same reliability as other MX-5 trims; occasional issues may include minor infotainment glitches or soft-top wear.
23. How does the resale value of the Club trim compare to other trims?
The Club trim retains value well due to its performance features, often better than the base Sport trim but slightly less than fully loaded Grand Touring models.
24. Is the Club trim good for track days or spirited driving?
Yes, the limited-slip differential and sport-tuned suspension make it excellent for track days or twisty road driving.
25. How does the steering feel in the Club trim?
The steering is precise, light, and highly communicative, giving drivers confidence in tight corners and high-speed maneuvers.
26. What customization options are available for the Club trim?
Owners can add aftermarket exhausts, suspension upgrades, aero kits, and wheel upgrades to enhance performance or aesthetics.
27. How does the Club trim handle in different weather conditions?
It handles well in dry conditions, but traction may be limited in snow or ice without proper tires. AWD is not available.
28. Is the Miata Club trim fun for beginner drivers?
Yes, it’s light, responsive, and intuitive, making it a great car for beginners who enjoy driving.
29. How does the Club trim compare to competitors like the Toyota GR86 or Subaru BRZ?
The Club trim is lighter and more agile, with a convertible option, giving it an edge in driving fun, while the GR86/BRZ offer slightly more interior space.
30. Are there any maintenance tips for keeping a Club trim Miata in top shape?
Regular oil changes, soft-top care, brake inspections, and tire maintenance keep the Miata Club running perfectly for years.
31. How does the convertible top perform in the Club trim?
The soft top is easy to operate, seals well, and has excellent durability if maintained. RF models provide a hardtop option with coupe-like rigidity.
32. Is the Miata Club trim considered the best value for enthusiasts?
Yes, it strikes a perfect balance between performance, handling, and price, making it the best value for driving enthusiasts.
33. Are there manual-only features in the Club trim that make it unique?
The Club trim benefits from manual transmission enthusiasts, including features like limited-slip differential and rev-matching, enhancing engagement.
34. How does the Club trim perform in corners compared to the Sport trim?
The Club trim holds better, feels more planted, and allows higher cornering speeds, thanks to upgraded suspension and performance tires.
35. Can the Club trim be upgraded for better track performance?
Yes, owners often add coilovers, sway bars, upgraded brakes, and lightweight wheels to make the Club trim even more track-capable.