Level Up Your ND Miata Interior!

Eiginber Belarmino
September 23, 2024

The Mazda ND Miata is already a remarkable sports car. And being a relatively new car model, it does not take much for it to feel super comfy. But if you’re looking to personalize your ride and enhance your driving experience, interior upgrades are a great way to combine comfort and style. Whether you’re prepping for long drives or simply want to give your car’s cabin a stylish, custom look, there are plenty of modifications that are both easy to install and high-impact. Let’s explore the best interior upgrades for your ND Miata that can make a noticeable difference.

Steering Wheel

The stock Miata ND steering wheel is functional, but for those who want a more premium feel, the Guardian Design Steering Wheel offers a notable upgrade. This steering wheel is thicker, providing a better grip for spirited driving, which improves overall handling. Beyond the functionality, it features perforated leather sides with green accent stitching, adding a sophisticated touch to your car’s interior. The combination of enhanced grip and stylish detailing makes it a standout modification.

Comfort-wise, the thicker rim reduces hand fatigue on long drives, and the added padding minimizes wrist strain during more aggressive driving. As for style, the green stitching perfectly complements the sleek look of the Miata, blending performance with aesthetics. Installation requires basic tools and mechanical knowledge—after disconnecting the car battery, removing the stock wheel, and attaching the new one, you’ll have a transformed steering experience. It’s a quick upgrade that can be done in under an hour.

Additional Armrest Padding

One area where the ND Miata’s interior could benefit from an upgrade is the armrest. The factory armrest lacks padding, which can make longer drives uncomfortable, especially if you tend to rest your elbow frequently. An armrest padding upgrade offers a quick fix, significantly improving comfort. A padded armrest reduces pressure on your elbow, making those road trips or commutes far more enjoyable.

This is an easy mod that enhances both comfort and style. Many aftermarket armrests come with stitching or color options that seamlessly match your interior, allowing you to maintain or even enhance the car’s aesthetic appeal. The installation process is as simple as cleaning the surface and attaching the padded cover with adhesive or Velcro. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll have an armrest that looks and feels much better.

Weighted Shift Knob

Shifting gears is one of the most engaging aspects of driving a Miata, and upgrading to a weighted shift knob like the Raceseng Spherology or Topology can drastically improve that experience. A heavier shift knob offers smoother shifts by providing better momentum when changing gears. The ergonomic design also feels better in hand, reducing fatigue during longer drives, making each shift feel more precise and satisfying.

From a style perspective, these shift knobs are available in various colors and finishes, including an eye-catching red version that adds a pop of color to your interior. Installation couldn’t be easier—just unscrew the factory shift knob, screw on the new one, and adjust it to your preferred height. This small, one-minute upgrade delivers immediate results in both driving feel and visual appeal.

Interior Accent Kits

Sometimes, it’s the little details that bring a car’s interior together. Interior accent kits like red door handle inserts, cup holder liners, and center console protection can add vibrant, sporty touches while also offering practical benefits. These accents are subtle but help protect high-wear areas from scratches, keeping your interior looking fresh and organized.

Not only do these accents help protect your car’s interior, but they also tie together various design elements, especially if you’ve already upgraded other components like your shift knob. Installation is simple—just clean the area, peel the adhesive backing, and press the pieces into place. With little effort, you can give your Miata’s cabin a cohesive, custom look while adding some extra protection.

Wind Screen

If you enjoy driving your Miata with the top down, then a Cravenspeed Wind Screen is a must-have upgrade. This windscreen reduces wind turbulence in the cabin, making for a quieter and more comfortable ride, particularly at higher speeds. By cutting down on wind noise and buffeting, it allows for easier conversations and a more pleasant driving experience, especially for passengers who might not enjoy the full force of the wind.

One of the great things about this windscreen is that it doesn’t compromise the sleek lines of the Miata. It’s transparent and unobtrusive, ensuring that the car’s sporty design remains intact. Installation involves attaching the mounting brackets to the roll bars and securing the screen in place. This DIY project can be completed in under 30 minutes and provides immediate comfort improvements for top-down drives.

Dash Phone Mount

Keeping your phone within easy reach is essential for navigation or hands-free calls, and the RSpeed Dash Phone Mount offers a sleek and functional solution. This magnetic phone mount is installed near the vent, allowing for easy one-handed access to your phone while driving. It’s a more discreet alternative to bulkier phone holders, blending seamlessly into the dashboard without blocking important controls or vents.

The minimalistic design complements the Miata’s clean interior, and the magnetic feature ensures that your phone stays securely in place even on rough roads. Installation is straightforward—either adhesive or screws can be used to mount it to the dash, and the magnetic plate attaches to the back of your phone. This simple upgrade enhances both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your car’s interior.

Infotainment Screen Protector

The Miata’s infotainment screen is prone to fingerprints, glare, and scratches, which can detract from the sleek look of your interior. Installing a screen protector solves these issues, keeping the display clear and easy to see in direct sunlight. A high-quality screen protector will also prevent scratches that can occur over time, preserving the premium feel of the infotainment system.

Installing a screen protector takes just a few minutes—clean the screen, align the protector, and smooth out any bubbles. This minor mod offers long-term benefits by maintaining the clarity and longevity of your infotainment screen.


These ND Miata interior upgrades combine comfort, style, and practicality. Whether you’re enhancing the tactile feel of your drive with a weighted shift knob or adding personal touches with accent kits, each of these modifications will elevate your driving experience. Best of all, most of these upgrades are simple enough for a DIY enthusiast, meaning you can enjoy a transformed interior with minimal effort. So, if you’re looking to add some personality and practicality to your ND Miata, these upgrades are well worth considering.

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