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How to choose the body style, trim, and transmission, plus current price expectations, performance, practicality, recalls, and inspection priorities
| 2020 Miata fact | Details |
| Body styles | Manual-folding soft top or power retractable-fastback RF |
| Engine | 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder |
| Output | 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmissions | Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Original base MSRP | $26,580 before destination |
| Original top mainstream MSRP | $34,750 before destination for the RF Grand Touring automatic |
| EPA economy | Approximately 29 to 30 mpg combined |
| Tested acceleration | 5.7 seconds to 60 mph for the soft top and 5.8 seconds for the RF |
| Cargo | Approximately 4.6 to 5 cubic feet |
| Current nationwide average | About $25,000 for a 2020 model, with wide variation by trim and condition |
Key Takeaways
- The 2020 model is a strong used-year choice because every version has the 181-hp engine and standard driver-assistance technology.
- The manual Grand Touring is the best all-around trim because it gained the Club’s limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers, tower brace, and sport suspension for 2020.
- The soft top is lighter, simpler, and more open, while the RF is quieter, more secure, and more expensive.
- The manual transmission suits the car’s character best, although the automatic is still responsive enough for relaxed touring.
- A pre-purchase inspection should focus on the roof drains, RF mechanism, clutch or transmission behavior, tires, modifications, accident repairs, and recall completion.
2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the most appealing modern used sports cars because it combines a light body, rear-wheel drive, a responsive naturally aspirated engine, and a simple two-seat layout. It is not practical in the conventional sense, but it can deliver more driving enjoyment at ordinary speeds than many cars with twice the power.
The best version depends on how the car will be used. A Sport soft top is the purest and least expensive option, a Club is the sharper weekend choice, a Grand Touring manual combines performance hardware with comfort, and the RF is better for security, highway noise, and year-round use.
| Best used configuration
For most buyers, look for a manual Grand Touring soft top with a clean history. It delivers the Club’s chassis hardware, leather seats, automatic climate control, navigation, better lighting, and easier daily use without the RF’s extra weight and price. |
Why the 2020 Model Year Is a Sweet Spot
Mazda raised engine output to 181 horsepower for 2019, so the 2020 car benefits from the stronger high-revving engine without carrying the price of a newer example. It also gained standard forward-collision support, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning.
Mazda’s official 2020 MX-5 Miata announcement confirms the 181-hp engine, 151 lb-ft of torque, original pricing, the 13-second RF roof operation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on Club and Grand Touring, and the performance hardware added to manual Grand Touring models.
The model year also introduced Polymetal Gray, available red Nappa leather, an available gray cloth soft top, and a limited 100th Anniversary Edition. That special model used Snowflake White paint, red interior details, and either an exclusive red soft top or an RF body.
Original Prices and Current Used-Market Expectations
| Version | Original MSRP | Working 2026 asking range | Best fit |
| Sport soft top | $26,580 to $27,930 | $18,000 to $24,000 | Lowest-cost and lightest experience |
| Club soft top | $30,290 to $30,890 | $21,000 to $28,000 | Enthusiast-focused suspension and equipment |
| Club RF | $33,045 to $33,645 | $24,000 to $31,000 | Sharper setup with added roof security |
| Grand Touring soft top | $31,670 to $32,195 | $22,000 to $29,000 | Best all-around used choice |
| Grand Touring RF | $34,425 to $34,750 | $25,000 to $32,000 | Best year-round touring version |
| 100th Anniversary | $32,670 to $35,750 | $27,000 to $35,000+ | Rarity and special colors |
These are broad asking-price ranges, not appraisals. Nationwide listing data in 2026 places the average 2020 Miata around $25,000, with lower-mileage RF and special-edition cars priced above that figure. Mileage matters, but condition, modifications, accident history, transmission, and maintenance matter more.
Soft Top or RF?
| Decision point | Soft top | RF |
| Roof operation | Manual, fast, and simple | Power roof opens or closes in about 13 seconds |
| Open-air feeling | Most exposed and traditional | Targa-style opening with fixed rear buttresses |
| Weight | Lighter | Slightly heavier |
| Noise and security | More road and weather noise | Quieter and more secure when closed |
| Maintenance | Inspect fabric, drains, and seals | Inspect motors, switches, alignment, and seals |
| Price | Usually lower | Usually carries a used-market premium |
Choose the soft top when lightness, simplicity, and maximum open-air exposure matter. Choose the RF when the car will be parked outside, driven on highways, or used throughout more of the year. The RF feels more coupe-like with the roof closed but produces more wind turbulence around some drivers when open.
Which Trim Should You Buy?
| Trim | Why to buy it | What to watch |
| Sport | Lowest price, 16-inch wheels, lighter equipment | No RF, limited comfort equipment, no CarPlay from the factory |
| Club | Limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers, brace, Bose audio | Firmer ride and many cars have been modified |
| Grand Touring manual | Club hardware plus leather, climate control, navigation, lighting | Higher price and more equipment to inspect |
| Grand Touring automatic | Relaxed touring and premium equipment | Does not provide the same manual-only chassis specification |
| 100th Anniversary | Distinctive colors and limited production | Pay for condition and documentation, not badge alone |
Manual or Automatic?
The six-speed manual is the defining Miata transmission. The clutch is light, the throws are short, and the engine rewards the driver for using the upper part of the rev range. Manual Club and Grand Touring models also receive the limited-slip differential and sport chassis equipment.
The six-speed automatic is better than the stereotype suggests. It shifts quickly enough, offers paddle control, and suits a driver who faces heavy traffic or cannot use a clutch. It does not deliver the same mechanical involvement and may have weaker resale appeal among enthusiasts.
Performance, Ride, and Fuel Economy
The supplied Car and Driver 2020 Miata review rated the car 9.5 out of 10 and recorded 5.7 seconds to 60 mph for a soft top and 5.8 seconds for an RF. Its highway tests returned 36 mpg for a manual Grand Touring soft top and 37 mpg for a manual RF Club.
The car feels faster than the numbers suggest because the driver sits low, the steering is immediate, and the body moves enough to communicate weight transfer. The Club rides firmest, while the Grand Touring gives the broadest comfort range. Rough pavement can make any Miata feel bouncy because of the short wheelbase.
Cabin Fit and Practicality
The Miata fits two people and very little else. The trunk is about 4.6 to 5 cubic feet, storage cubbies are scarce, and the cup holders can interfere with passenger space. A weekend trip works when both people pack soft bags rather than hard suitcases.
Tall drivers must test-fit the exact car. Seat height, leg length, torso length, footwear, roof choice, and seat design all affect comfort. Recaro seats provide strong support but may feel tight, while the standard seats can suit broader body types better.
| Bring your real luggage and helmet
A Miata can work for road trips or track days only when the driver fits and the required gear fits. Test a helmet under the roof and place your normal travel bags in the trunk before buying. |
Used-Miata Inspection Checklist
| Area | What to inspect | Why it matters |
| Soft-top drains | Damp carpets, standing water, musty odor, blocked drain exits | Water intrusion can damage the interior and electronics |
| RF roof | Smooth complete cycles, panel alignment, seal noise, warning messages | Roof repairs can be expensive |
| Manual gearbox | Clutch engagement, grinding, notchiness, popping out of gear | Hard driving or poor technique can accelerate wear |
| Automatic | Smooth engagement, clean shifts, no warning lights | Fluid condition and behavior reveal neglect |
| Wheels and tires | Bent wheels, mismatched tires, uneven wear, old date codes | Miatas are sensitive to tire quality and alignment |
| Body and underside | Paint mismatch, frame or pinch-weld damage, scrapes, corrosion | Low cars are easy to damage on curbs and lifts |
| Modifications | Coilovers, wheels, exhaust, tuning, roll bars, track parts | Poorly chosen parts can reduce reliability and value |
| Electronics | Screen, camera, audio, USB ports, safety warnings | Intermittent infotainment faults can be frustrating |
Run the VIN through Mazda and NHTSA. Certain 2016 through 2023 Miatas were recalled for airbag-control software that could allow excessive deployment force in a minor crash. The remedy is a free software update, but completion must be verified for the individual car.
Who Should Buy It?
- A driver who values steering feel, low weight, and open-air driving over horsepower
- A commuter who can live with two seats and minimal cargo
- A weekend driver who wants affordable consumables and strong fuel economy
- A manual-transmission enthusiast who prefers a car that is fun at legal speeds
- A buyer willing to inspect roof drains, tires, modifications, and recall history carefully
Skip it when you need rear seats, large luggage capacity, a quiet highway cabin, easy entry, or strong straight-line performance. A Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ offers more cargo flexibility, while a used Boxster provides more power and refinement at a higher ownership cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Miata reliable?
A well-maintained example is generally a strong used-car candidate, but condition, water intrusion, modifications, tires, and recall completion should be checked.
Which trim is best?
The manual Grand Touring is the best all-around version because it combines Club chassis hardware with premium comfort features.
Is the RF better than the soft top?
It is better for security, noise, and year-round use. The soft top is lighter, simpler, cheaper, and more open.
Should I buy the automatic?
Buy it when traffic, accessibility, or shared-driver needs matter more than maximum involvement. The manual remains the enthusiast favorite.
How much should a 2020 Miata cost?
Current asking prices commonly run from the high teens to the low $30,000s, with an average near $25,000.
Does it have Apple CarPlay?
Club and Grand Touring models received Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2020. Sport models did not include them from the factory.
Final Verdict
The 2020 Miata remains one of the best used sports-car purchases for drivers who care more about response and involvement than power or practicality. Its stronger 181-hp engine, standard safety technology, and improved Grand Touring specification make this model year especially attractive.
Choose a manual Grand Touring for the broadest appeal, a Club for sharper driving, a Sport for simplicity, or an RF for greater security. The right car is the cleanest, least-abused example with complete records, proper tires, dry carpets, a healthy roof, and verified recall completion.
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