Ford Mustang vs Mazda MX-5 Miata

The 2024 Ford Mustang underwent a subtle yet impactful style refresh, with nearly every body panel reworked. The front end featured a larger grille and narrower headlights, giving it a more aggressive appearance. The nose was more upright, creating the impression of charging headfirst into the wind. The classic long hood and shorter tail profile remained, but the rear fender flare took on a more angular and pronounced look. The back end showcased a deep-cut bevel, resulting in a sharply angled fascia and taillights, which became the most distinctive exterior trait. Inside, the Mustang received a significant makeover, replacing the traditional dual-cowl dashboard with a modern design highlighted by a striking glass panel enclosing the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The center console and doors retained similarities to the previous model, but the materials quality improved, with fewer hard plastic surfaces and more lightly padded sections, giving the cabin a more upscale feel.

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata, available in Sport, Club, and Grand Touring trims with a soft top, and Club and Grand Touring trims for the RF hard-top version, continued to captivate with its perfect proportions and squinty LED headlamps. The Club-spec tester featured a rear lip spoiler, gloss black front air dam, and 17-inch BBS wheels. The power retractable hard top of the RF model folded back in about 13 seconds, giving the car a vintage fastback look. Inside, the Miata was snug, with body-colored door panels emphasizing the tight fit. The interior was basic, with functional materials and excellent fit and finish. The HVAC vents had a mix of round and rectangular designs, which could have been more cohesive. The HVAC system was controlled via three large knobs, making it easy to adjust without using the infotainment system.

The 2024 Ford Mustang offered a range of engines, starting with the EcoBoost 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The GT's Coyote 5.0-liter V8 delivered 480 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with an optional Active Exhaust system increasing output to 486 hp and 418 lb-ft. The top-tier Dark Horse variant produced 500 hp. The EcoBoost engine provided respectable acceleration, reaching 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds, while the GT was quicker by at least half a second. The manual transmission with rev matching enhanced driver engagement, and the optional High Performance package improved handling with a Torsen limited-slip differential and upgraded Brembo brakes. The ride quality balanced comfort and handling, with the available MagneRide adaptive suspension offering subtle differences between Sport and Normal settings. The new Electronic Drift Brake feature added a fun element for controlled conditions.

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, with a six-speed automatic available on the Grand Touring trim. The Club trim, especially with the optional Brembo BBS Recaro package, offered a sporty experience with upgraded front brakes and snug Recaro seats. The electric power steering provided excellent feedback, and the Bilstein dampers minimized body roll in turns. The limited-slip differential and Kinetic Posture Control enhanced handling, while the DSC-Track button allowed for reduced stability control. The Miata's gearing provided quick starts, and the shifter offered quick throws. Despite its modest power, the Miata delivered an engaging driving experience, with lower rpms in sixth gear reducing noise compared to previous generations.

The 2024 Ford Mustang's front seats accommodated larger occupants with ample cushioning for long-distance comfort. The rear seats were cramped, better suited for cargo overflow than passengers. The convertible top was easy to operate, providing a classic open-air experience, though it reduced cargo capacity to 10.3 cubic feet compared to the Fastback's 13.3 cubic feet. Smaller personal item storage was limited, with average-sized cupholders, door pockets, and a small center armrest bin. A rubberized tray with an available wireless charging pad kept phones secure.

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata's cupholders were inconveniently placed high on the vertical panel between the seats, but they were moveable, with one fitting on the passenger side of the gear tunnel. Storage space was limited, with no glove box and a small compartment above the cup holder. The trunk offered 4.59 cubic feet of space, accommodating a carry-on suitcase and a small backpack. Creature comforts were minimal, with heated seats in upper trims and a single-zone HVAC system. Seat adjustability was limited, but taller drivers had more options than in past generations. The base Miata had a six-speaker audio system, while upper trims featured a nine-speaker Bose stereo with headrest speakers.

The 2024 Ford Mustang came equipped with a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. Base models had separate screens, while Premium models featured a single enclosure. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered sharp graphics and a logical menu structure, though responses could be slow. Primary climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, but they worked well. A physical volume knob and a button for performance features were included. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional navigation system and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system were available.

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata's infotainment system was housed on an 8.8-inch screen controlled by a rotary dial, which was clunky and not user-friendly. Only the top trim offered navigation, which had poor voice recognition and a cumbersome interface. All trims included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless functionality on Club and Grand Touring trims. When these apps were running, the screen functioned as a touchscreen, making it easier to use.

The 2024 Ford Mustang's crash test results were not yet available, but the previous generation received five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" rating in the driver-side small overlap test. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control and a safe passenger exit warning were optional.

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata lacked advanced driver's aids, focusing on a back-to-basics sports car experience. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and cruise control. The Grand Touring trim added automatic high beams and traffic sign recognition, while top trims with the automatic transmission included adaptive cruise control and a distance and speed alert. The Miata had dual front airbags, side impact airbags, and door beams.