Does the Legend Still Live Up to the Hype?
When I picked up the keys to the 2026 Mazda MX-5 RF with GS-P Sport Package, I wasn’t simply reviewing another sports car—I wanted to discover whether this lightweight roadster still deserved the praise enthusiasts have given it for more than three decades.
With more than 1.2 million sold worldwide, the Mazda MX-5 has earned its place in automotive history as the world’s best-selling two-seat sports car. That’s an extraordinary reputation for any vehicle to carry, and one that naturally raises expectations every time a new generation arrives.
After spending a week driving it through British Columbia’s mountain highways, the winding roads of the Okanagan Valley and back to the Lower Mainland, I came away with a far greater appreciation for what makes the Mazda MX-5 RF so special. Along the way, I also uncovered a few surprises that completely changed my perspective.
This wasn’t a review built around lap times or spec sheets. It was about answering a much simpler question:
Does the world’s best-selling roadster still deliver one of the most rewarding driving experiences you can buy today?
Exterior Design: Small Sports Car, Big Personality
Let’s talk about the obvious. The MX-5 RF is definitely low to the ground. At 5’11”, I absolutely tower over the Mazda MX-5 RF. Standing beside it, the roofline barely reaches my chest, making it one of the smallest new cars on the road today. Just take a look at the screen grab from a video clip and you see what I mean.
Its compact dimensions are part of its charm, contributing to its lightweight, agile character, but they also mean getting in and out is more of a controlled squat than a simple step. After a few less-than-graceful landings into the driver’s seat, I eventually figured out the technique. The key? Let’s just say you’ll appreciate strong quads—and if leg day has been missing from your gym routine, the MX-5 is happy to remind you every time you climb out.
Initially walking up to the Mazda MX-5 RF, my honest first impression came in the form of a wisecrack to myself. It looked like someone had left the Toyota GR Supra out in the sun a little too long and it had shrunk. The proportions are remarkably similar, with the MX-5 looking very much like the Supra’s little sibling. Spend more than a few minutes around it, though, and you quickly realize the similarities end with the styling. The MX-5 has its own personality—one built around lightweight simplicity, balance and driver engagement rather than outright raw power.
Adding to its sporting character are the lightweight 17-inch BBS wheels, whose open-spoke design offers a clear view of the bright red Brembo front brake and red rear calipers tucked behind them. It’s a subtle detail, but one that immediately hints at the MX-5’s performance intentions.
Rounding out the MX-5 RF’s sporty styling is its retractable hardtop. At the push of a button, the coupe-like profile transforms into an open-air roadster, allowing you to experience the sights, sounds and even the scents of your surroundings in a way that reminded me why I enjoy riding motorcycles.
A Cockpit Built for Drivers
Slip into the driver’s seat and one thing becomes immediately apparent: the MX-5 RF isn’t trying to overwhelm you with technology. Instead, the cockpit embraces simplicity, placing the focus exactly where it belongs—on the driver.
The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with physical controls for the climate system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel that feels natural in your hands, and a manual gear shifter that sits perfectly within reach. Nothing feels excessive or distracting. Every control has a purpose, reinforcing Mazda’s philosophy that less can often be more.
The Recaro seats immediately catch your attention with their aggressive bolstering and premium finish. They do an exceptional job of holding you in place through corners, although at 5’11”, I found them narrower than I would have preferred. After spending a week with the car, comfort became one of the few compromises I noticed, making this a feature prospective buyers should experience for themselves before making a purchase.
Technology is thoughtfully integrated rather than dominating the cabin. Mazda’s infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Bose premium audio system delivers impressive sound quality, particularly with the roof folded away. Unlike many modern vehicles that bury common functions within touchscreens, the MX-5 retains physical buttons and Mazda’s familiar rotary controller, allowing you to make adjustments without taking your attention away from the road.
The cockpit isn’t designed to entertain you. It’s designed to connect you to the drive. Everything you need, nothing you don’t. The clean, uncluttered layout places every essential control within easy reach, from the leather-wrapped steering wheel and six-speed manual shifter to the physical climate controls. Rather than chasing oversized screens and layers of digital menus, Mazda has created an environment where the focus remains exactly where it should be—on the road ahead.
One design choice that made me chuckle was the placement of the cup holders. The driver’s cup holder mounts behind the driver’s seat on the centre console, making it feel almost like an afterthought—or perhaps better suited for the passenger. The second cup holder sits at the front of the centre console on the passenger side, yet it’s actually easier for the driver to reach than the one positioned behind them. It’s an unconventional layout, but in a way, it reinforces the MX-5’s philosophy. The focus isn’t on sipping your coffee; it’s on the road ahead.
Maybe Mazda did it on purpose. After all, how are you supposed to steer, shift gears and drink your coffee at the same time? The Mazda MX-5 RF has its priorities straight, and your morning latte isn’t at the top of the list. Besides, if you’ve been skipping leg day at the gym, where to put your coffee will be the least of your concerns—you’ll still be trying to figure out how to get into the car.
Performance: It’s Not About Horsepower
On paper, the Mazda MX-5 RF’s naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers won’t dominate conversations at your local cars and coffee gathering, nor were they intended to. Mazda’s philosophy has always been about balance, responsiveness and driver engagement rather than outright acceleration.
After picking up the vehicle in Lower Mainland, driving toward the mountains left me wondering if I was missing something. The engine felt willing, but it didn’t immediately deliver the excitement I had expected after hearing enthusiasts praise the MX-5 for so many years.
Driving Experience: Premium Fuel Changed Everything
Partway through my week with the car, I filled the tank with 94-octane premium fuel, the grade Mazda recommends for maximum performance. From that point on, the car felt noticeably more eager to rev and more responsive under acceleration. Whether it was the fuel, the engine management adapting, or simply becoming more familiar with the car, my experience behind the wheel changed considerably. Whatever the reason, it was from that point forward that I began to understand what MX-5 owners have been talking about for decades.
Paired with the slick six-speed manual transmission, every shift became part of the experience. The engine rewards drivers who aren’t afraid to keep the revs up, and before long I found myself listening to the car while smiling through corners rather than watching the dials.
Final Thoughts
After a week behind the wheel, I finally understand why more than 1.2 million people have chosen the Mazda MX-5. It’s not about horsepower, cargo space or the latest technology. It’s about how the car makes you feel every time you slip behind the wheel. Few vehicles remind you that driving can still be an experience rather than simply a means of getting from one place to another.
If you choose the RF, my advice is simple: drive with the roof down whenever you can. Ladies with long, luscious locks—pack a hair tie or wear a hat. Trust me on this one. I discovered that “convertible hair” is a very real thing.
As for weekend getaways…plan carefully. The trunk is surprisingly practical for its size, but if your packing list includes multiple outfit changes, matching shoes, handbags, belts and jewellery, you may want to rethink your destination—or embrace somewhere with a very relaxed dress code. The MX-5 was designed to carry memories, not your entire wardrobe.
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 RF isn’t a sports car for everyone, and that’s exactly why it’s so special. It asks you to engage in the experience, pay attention and become part of the drive. If you’re willing to do that, it’s easy to understand how this little roadster became the world’s best-selling two-seat sports car—and why, after a week together, I finally understood the legend.
Who Should Buy the Mazda MX-5 RF?
The MX-5 RF isn’t for everyone—and that’s exactly why it’s remained successful for more than three decades. If you’re looking for the fastest sports car, there are quicker options. If you’re looking for the biggest trunk, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want a lightweight roadster that rewards every perfectly timed shift and every winding road, the MX-5 remains one of the purest driving experiences available today.
MSRP as test: $47,400 CDN before fees an taxes.
