The NA Miata undoubtedly proven itself as a driver’s car. However, with more than 30 years since its debut, the interior can start to feel a little outdated. Luckily, upgrading the interior of your NA Miata can significantly improve both comfort and style, turning it into a more enjoyable and personalized space. Whether you’re aiming for better comfort or a modernized look, this guide will walk you through the best interior upgrades available for your Miata.
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One of the most common complaints about the Miata NA’s interior is the poorly designed center console. The stock layout places cupholders awkwardly behind the shifter, which can make it a challenge to grab a drink without bumping your hand during gear shifts. Additionally, the limited storage space can feel inadequate, especially for daily driving.
To address these issues, many Miata enthusiasts opt for the IL Motorsports Redesigned Center Console. This upgraded console moves the cupholders to the right of the shifter, allowing for easier access without interfering with your driving. It also increases the available storage space, making it much easier to stash your phone, wallet, and other small items. For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, the console also comes with a padded leather armrest, which not only looks great but also provides additional comfort, especially on longer drives.
For a budget-friendly solution, you can opt for a simple DIY armrest padding upgrade. By purchasing foam padding or a leather cover, you can add comfort to the existing center console without a complete overhaul. This easy-to-install mod doesn’t provide the additional storage of the IL Motorsports console, but it’s a quick and affordable way to make your daily drives more comfortable.
One of the simplest yet most impactful upgrades for your Miata’s interior is swapping out the shift boot and knob. Over time, the original shift boot materials, whether fabric or suede, can wear out, and the factory shift knob may no longer offer the best grip or ergonomics.
Upgrading to a leather shift boot can immediately refresh the look of your interior. Leather not only looks more refined but is also easier to clean and maintain. A black leather boot with matching or contrasting stitching can give the center console a unified, polished appearance. For the shift knob, switching to a weighted knob—whether aluminum or leather-wrapped—enhances the driving experience by providing more precise and smoother gear shifts. Aftermarket knobs come in various designs, from ball-shaped options to short-throw styles, allowing you to pick one that matches your personal style and improves your grip during spirited drives.
For those on a budget, you can also refurbish your existing shift knob. Wrapping it in leather or applying a custom finish, like wrinkle-black paint or a carbon fiber overlay, can give it a modern look and feel without needing to replace it entirely.
The Miata NA’s seats are central to its driving experience, but as the car ages, the original seat fabric may start to wear, and the comfort may not match today’s standards. There are several ways to upgrade your Miata’s seats to improve both comfort and style.
For a luxurious upgrade, consider installing custom leather seat covers. Leather offers a more upscale look and is much easier to maintain than the factory fabric. Black leather with subtle stitching can give your Miata a modern and sophisticated feel that complements the rest of the interior. For a more performance-oriented upgrade, a foamectomy is a popular mod that involves removing a portion of the foam padding from the seats. This not only lowers the seating position, providing better ergonomics for taller drivers, but it also improves lateral support, making it perfect for those who enjoy spirited driving.
If your seats are structurally sound but the material is worn or faded, reupholstering them can be a great way to retain the original seat design while giving them a fresh look. You can choose high-quality fabrics or leather for reupholstery and even add custom stitching or logos to give your Miata’s interior a personalized touch.
The Miata NA’s factory lighting is notoriously dim and basic, limited to a few dome lights and footwell illumination. Upgrading the lighting is a simple yet effective way to modernize the ambiance of your Miata’s interior, making it more functional and stylish.
Replacing the stock bulbs with LED dome lights is a straightforward upgrade that improves visibility while giving the interior a more premium feel. LEDs are brighter, last longer, and use less energy than the stock incandescent bulbs. For a more dramatic transformation, consider adding LED footwell lighting or accent lights around the dashboard or center console. A soft, ambient glow can create a more inviting atmosphere, especially during night drives. Many enthusiasts opt for subtle blue or white lighting to complement the Miata’s classic design without overpowering it.
For a DIY option, LED light strips are an affordable and easy-to-install solution. Many kits come with adhesive backing and plug directly into the car’s power source, giving you the flexibility to install them where you want and even change the colors to suit your mood.
The stock Miata NA steering wheel, while functional, can feel outdated compared to more modern designs. Upgrading your steering wheel can not only improve comfort and control but also refresh the overall look of your interior.
A popular OEM upgrade is the NB Miata steering wheel swap. The NB generation’s three-spoke design offers a more modern look while retaining the airbag, making it a safer option. This swap is straightforward and requires minimal modification, making it a practical upgrade for most NA Miata owners.
For those who want a more custom or performance-oriented option, there are plenty of aftermarket steering wheels available. These come in various designs and materials, from leather to suede, and often offer a sportier feel. However, it’s important to note that most aftermarket wheels do not retain the airbag, so you’ll need to consider whether the aesthetic and performance improvements are worth sacrificing safety features.
The stock sound system in the Miata NA, while charmingly simple, may not hold up to modern standards, especially if you enjoy listening to music or podcasts while driving.
Upgrading to high-quality coaxial speakers is one of the easiest ways to improve sound clarity and bass response. Many Miata owners also choose to add rear speakers to the rear shelf or windblocker to create a fuller, richer sound experience. In addition to speaker upgrades, replacing the head unit with a Bluetooth-compatible model can significantly modernize your audio system. A modern head unit with Bluetooth allows you to stream music, take hands-free calls, and even use GPS from your phone.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly solution, you can install a Bluetooth adapter into your existing head unit, giving you wireless streaming capabilities without needing to replace the entire system.
Floor mats may seem like a minor upgrade, but they serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose. High-quality mats protect your Miata’s interior from dirt and wear while also adding a touch of style.
Popular choices like CocoMats or checkered floor mats provide durability and protection while giving your Miata a retro vibe that complements its 90s roots. These mats are easy to clean and can withstand the wear and tear of daily driving, making them a practical and stylish addition to your car’s interior.
If you’re on a budget, a simple DIY option is to purchase rubber mats and custom-cut them to fit your Miata. You can even paint them with fabric paint or vinyl dye to match your car’s interior color scheme.
Upgrading your NA Miata’s interior is a great way to blend comfort, style, and functionality. Whether you’re adding modern conveniences like LED lighting and Bluetooth connectivity or opting for luxury touches like leather seats and a redesigned center console, there are endless ways to make your Miata more enjoyable to drive. Each of these upgrades enhances the driving experience while allowing you to personalize your car, ensuring that your Miata is as unique as you are.
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