2024 Mazda MX-5 Review: Why Simplicity Still Wins in a Modern Sports Car

The 2024 Mazda MX-5 proves, once again, that less really is more. In a market flooded with screens, sensors, and software layers, Mazda doubled down on what made the Miata legendary. Simple engineering. Honest mechanics. Pure driver focus. That philosophy is exactly why enthusiasts still care—and why the MX-5 remains relevant decades later.

This car is not chasing lap records or luxury checklists. Instead, it refines the fundamentals. As a result, the 2024 update feels like a carefully sharpened tool rather than a reinvention. Think precision, balance, and mechanical clarity.

Engineering That Respects the Driver

A Look Under the Hood

At the center of the experience sits the familiar 2.0L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine. On paper, it looks modest. In practice, it feels deliberate.

From a mechanical standpoint, the engine is refreshingly honest. An aluminum valve cover greets you immediately. The cylinder head is a single-piece design. Dual variable valve timing is present, but not overcomplicated. Mazda avoided unnecessary complexity, and that choice shows restraint.

How the VVT System Actually Works

Mazda split the system intelligently.

• Intake side: Controlled by a compact electronic motor. Three bolts hold it in place. Service access is excellent.

• Exhaust side: Uses a traditional oil-controlled valve. Old-school. Proven. Reliable.

The electronic motor adjusts timing by changing its speed relative to the camshaft. Faster advances timing. Slower retards it. Match the speed, and timing stays neutral. Simple logic. Fewer failure points.

This approach mirrors Mazda’s broader mindset: modern where it helps, traditional where it lasts.

Cooling and Fueling: Old-School Done Right

While many modern engines rely heavily on plastic fittings and electric pumps, the MX-5 sticks to mechanical basics.

A belt-driven water pump handles cooling duties. The system avoids unnecessary plastic. One detail stands out immediately—a blue-painted metal coolant pipe on the passenger side. Proper hoses. Proper clamps. No fragile quick-connects.

That choice matters long term. Plastic ages poorly. Metal doesn’t lie.

The Only Real Maintenance Watchpoint

The engine uses direct injection only. That brings efficiency, but also one known issue: carbon buildup on intake valves.

The fix is not complicated.

• Avoid constant short trips.

• Let the engine reach full operating temperature.

• Use high-quality fuel consistently.

Treat it like a performance engine, not a grocery getter, and it rewards you.

Transmission Choices That Still Matter

Manual or Automatic—Both Make Sense

Mazda continues to offer both a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. The automatic is competent. Smooth. Predictable.

The manual, however, is the star.

Clutch effort is light. Engagement is progressive. New drivers won’t be intimidated, yet experienced drivers still feel connected. This balance is rare today.

The New Asymmetrical Limited Slip Differential

One of the most important 2024 updates hides underneath.

Mazda introduced an asymmetrical limited slip differential as an option. This is not marketing fluff.

• The differential itself is surprisingly large.

• Heavy-duty axles support it.

• A structural brace links the transmission directly to the differential.

That brace matters. It reduces chassis flex. It sharpens response. Power delivery feels more direct, especially mid-corner.

Think of it like specialized running shoes. Same runner. Same legs. Better grip when it counts.

Lightweight Chassis, Thoughtful Compromises

Mazda didn’t forget the suspension.

Bilstein dampers come standard on higher trims. Aluminum is used extensively in the knuckles and control arms to keep unsprung weight low. The car feels alive because it is light where it matters.

That said, not every component is perfect.

• Sway bar links use plastic internals.

• The parking brake is cable-actuated.

Neither is catastrophic. Still, long-term owners may eventually notice wear or sticking. These are manageable issues, not deal-breakers.

Exterior Updates That Don’t Shout

Subtle Visual Refinement

The 2024 MX-5 didn’t chase dramatic styling changes. That’s a good thing.

Updates include:

• Revised LED headlights with new DRL signatures

• Updated LED tail lights

• Fresh wheel designs

Everything feels evolutionary. Nothing feels forced.

This restraint mirrors the car’s driving philosophy. No gimmicks. Just refinement.

Interior: Purpose Over Padding

Step inside, and the focus is clear.

The cabin remains compact. Taller drivers may feel tight at first. After adjustment, comfort surprises you.

Key highlights include:

• Bose speakers integrated into the seats

• Body-colored door panel accents

• A new touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The real hero, though, is the manual soft top.

You can open or close it with one hand while seated. No motors. No delays. No drama. It’s a reminder that convenience doesn’t require complexity.

Driver Connection and Smart ND Upgrades

Mazda intentionally leaves room for personalization. That has always been part of the MX-5’s appeal. The ND is no different. However, the best upgrades for the ND aren’t about changing the car’s soul. They’re about sharpening what’s already there.

Short Shifter and Transmission Feel Upgrade

One of the most effective upgrades for the ND MX-5 is improving shifter feel. The factory setup is good. Still, it can be better.

A short shifter or upgraded shift components reduce throw length and tighten engagement. As a result, every gear change feels more mechanical and deliberate. This matters because the ND’s manual transmission is already a highlight. Enhancing it amplifies driver confidence without adding stress to the drivetrain.

Real-world example. On a winding back road, quicker and more precise shifts mean fewer missed gears and smoother power delivery. That keeps the car balanced mid-corner. More control. Less distraction.

This type of upgrade stays true to the MX-5 philosophy. No added power. No added weight. Just better feedback.

Why the MX-5 Still Makes Sense

The 2024 MX-5 is not fast by modern standards. It’s not practical. It’s not cheap anymore either.

Base prices now sit around the $30,000 mark. That reality pushes younger buyers away, which is unfortunate given the car’s roots.

Still, value is not just numbers.

This car offers something rare: mechanical honesty. It invites you to drive, not manage settings. It rewards skill, not algorithms.

For context on how simplicity shapes driving enjoyment, an interesting perspective can be found in broader discussions on lightweight sports cars and driver engagement at sites like Road & Track.

Final Verdict: A Focused Tool in a Noisy Market

The 2024 Mazda MX-5 is a reminder of how cars used to feel—and how they still can. It doesn’t chase trends. It sharpens fundamentals.

Mazda built a car that respects mechanics, drivers, and longevity. That choice will never be mainstream again. It doesn’t need to be.

For those who understand it, the MX-5 remains a rare gem.

FAQ: 2024 Mazda MX-5 Explained

What updates were made to the 2024 MX-5 differential?

Mazda added a new asymmetrical limited slip differential option, paired with heavy-duty axles and a structural transmission-to-diff brace.

How does the SkyActiv-G electronic timing motor operate?

The intake-side motor advances or retards valve timing by spinning faster or slower than the camshaft, maintaining base timing when speeds match.

Which suspension components are aluminum?

The knuckles and control arms use aluminum extensively to reduce weight and improve handling response.

Are there reliability concerns with the direct injection system?

Carbon buildup can occur if the car is only used for short trips. Regular full warm-ups and quality fuel reduce the risk significantly.