2021 Mazda Miata MX-5 RF finished in Polymetal gray metallic. Mazda

Mazda has announced pricing for its legendary roadster, the MX-5 Miata. Essentially a carryover model for 2021, prices start at $27,775 and will reach $35,995, including the $945 destination charge. Those numbers represent increases of just $250 and $300, respectively, from the 2020 model year pricing.

A single engine powers the Miata line for 2021. It’s a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The car comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission but can be optioned with a six-speed automatic gearbox and paddle shifters. All Miata models are rear-wheel drive.

The 2021 Miata comes standard with a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, pushbutton start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Bluetooth, HD Radio and Mazda’s i-Activsense safety package. The advanced driver assistance equipment includes Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Lane Departure Warning and a Smart City Brake Support system. The Miata comes standard with a foldable soft top, but an RF version, Mazda-speak for the “Retractable Fastback” hardtop, is available.

How much does the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata cost?

The 2021 Miata is available in three trims, two of which can be configured with the RF hardtop. The MX-5 Miata Sport with manual transmission starts at $27,775. Upgrading to an automatic transmission adds $1,350 to the price tag.

The Miata Club, which offers even sharper handling, starts at $31,235 and the refined Miata Grand Touring starts at $32,715. Both include a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers, a front shock tower brace and a sport-tuned suspension. The Club and Grand Touring trims can be ordered with the RF hardtop for an additional $2,755. All prices include a $945 destination charge.

Mazda offers several performance and convenience options, as well as a handful of premium paint colors. Buyers can upgrade to Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Machine Gray Metallic or Soul Red Crystal for $395, $495 and $595, respectively. Wireless Apple CarPlay and a new Deep Crystal Blue exterior finish join the menu for 2021.

Available performance upgrades include a Brembo brake and Recaro seat package that pairs Brembo front brakes with 17-inch Dark Gunmetal forged BBS wheels, heated Recaro Sports Seats, red rear brake calipers and a black aero kit that includes side sill extensions and rear bumper skirt. For the MX-5 Club RF, this package includes a hand-painted black roof for $4,470 and a $300 white Nappa leather for Grand Touring models. A unique $200 gray cloth soft top is also available for Grand Touring trim.

The MX-5 Miata has both the blessing and the curse of competing with a wide variety of vehicles from across the automotive landscape. Its two-door, two-seater configuration puts it head-to-head with heavy hitters from Europe, including the BMW Z4 and Jaguar F-Type, while its price sets it up against the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86. The Miata’s price tag undercuts many of those vehicles, but its purpose and style match up well against the others.

When does the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata go on sale?

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata will begin hitting dealers’ lots as early as December 2020.