Best Accessories to Personalize Your Miata (ND)

Part of the joy of owning a Miata is making it your own, whether you need to navigate daily commutes, take weekend drives on scenic backroads, or enjoy the occasional track day. Below, we’ll cover a range of recommended accessories and modifications that can elevate your Miata’s comfort, convenience, and personality.

Few cars match the playful energy of the Mazda Miata, and the ND generation refines that formula even further with updated styling and modern tech features. Because every Miata owner has different needs, from running errands to carving up twisty roads, accessories are an ideal way to tailor your roadster’s performance and usability. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular upgrades, both simple add-ons and more advanced mods, that can make your Miata feel perfectly customized to you.

Interior Essentials

Phone Mounts

In the Miata’s compact cabin, you don’t want your phone rattling around at your feet. A dedicated mount not only keeps your device in a stable spot for navigation, music, or track apps, but also prevents mishaps when you take a turn with a bit of spirited driving. Many owners gravitate toward mounts that replace or supplement the forward cupholder, like Cravenspeed’s Cup-Holder Mount, because they’re sturdy, use existing hardware, and place the phone near the shift lever. Others go with vent or dash mounts, though it’s important to ensure they don’t block crucial vents or obstruct your sightline. Installation often involves reusing cupholder screws, so you can typically avoid drilling or making permanent changes to your interior. Just make sure the mount doesn’t interfere with your shifting elbow, and for track enthusiasts, consider pairing the phone mount with a camera mount for recording laps.

Dash Cameras

A dash cam is a handy accessory that records everything from your daily drives to scenic weekend runs. Models like the Viofo A129 Pro Duo provide simultaneous front and rear recording with reliable image quality. Soft-top owners usually mount the rear camera at the top edge of the rear window, while RF owners sometimes attach it near the acrylic wind deflector, though they may invert the camera to fit properly. You can hide wires by tucking them under the trim with a pry tool, and if you go the hardwire route, tapping into a switched fuse lets the camera power on automatically when you start the car.

Trunk & Cabin Organizers

Considering the Miata’s small trunk, a molded cargo tray can be a real lifesaver. It safeguards the trunk floor from spills or leaks that might otherwise soak into the carpet and cause odors. It simply drops in, so there’s no need for tools. Inside the cabin, many owners add third-party or 3D-printed inserts to the shallow center console, offering extra compartments for small items like keys and toll cards. Some even attach mini net pouches or Velcro organizers on the passenger side or inside the glove box to help reduce clutter in the cozy cockpit.

All-Weather Floor Mats

If you plan on driving in wet or snowy conditions, investing in all-weather floor mats is a smart move. They protect the carpeting from water, mud, and everyday wear and tear. The OEM mats by Mazda fit perfectly and come with Miata branding, while aftermarket brands like WeatherTech and Husky have deeper grooves for trapping more mess. Either option helps keep your interior looking fresh through all four seasons.

Upgraded Shift Knob & E-Brake Handle

Because you’re constantly in contact with the shifter and e-brake, switching these out can subtly but noticeably improve your driving experience. A weighted metal shift knob, stainless steel or aluminum, for example, adds heft, which can smooth out shifts, but be aware that metal knobs can get quite hot or cold depending on the weather. Delrin or resin knobs tend to stay cooler and feel more comfortable in extreme temperatures. Some brands let you engrave a custom design, logo, or even a personalized shift pattern. Many drivers also upgrade the e-brake handle, which typically slips on or bolts on easily, adding a cohesive look if you match its style to the shift knob.

Door Bushings

Door latch bushings might seem like a small change, but stiffer, more precisely machined bushings can reduce squeaks and rattles while giving the chassis a tighter feel. It’s a quick job: just unbolt the factory bushings and replace them with aftermarket ones from brands like Cravenspeed or Joyfast. You’ll likely notice that the doors close with a more solid “thunk,” too.

Exterior & Protection

Stubby Antenna

The ND’s standard antenna towers awkwardly above the sleek lines of the Miata. If that bothers you, consider a stubby antenna. It’s a direct screw-on replacement that takes almost no time to install and usually provides similar radio reception. One of the most popular options is the Cravenspeed Stubby Antenna, which many owners like for its simpler, more modern look.

Grille Inserts & Protective Mesh

The Miata’s generous front grille opening is great for engine cooling but leaves your radiator vulnerable to rocks and other debris. Installing a mesh insert behind the factory grille is a practical solution that guards against chips and damage. Many inserts require you to remove a few clips or even the entire front bumper for proper installation, but the end result can look nearly factory if you choose a well-designed kit.

Mud Flaps / Splash Guards

With such a low-slung body, the Miata’s fenders and sides can get peppered by dirt, rocks, and other road debris. Mud flaps or splash guards add a layer of protection. OEM splash guards have a subtle profile, while aftermarket brands like Rokblokz or Rally Armor extend out further for more coverage (but are also more noticeable visually).

Clear Paint Protection Film (PPF)

PPF is an excellent investment if you want to avoid rock chips and keep your paint looking sharp. Common areas for PPF application include the front bumper, the leading edge of the hood, rocker panels, and the areas just behind the rear wheels. While it can be an expense up front, it often pays off by maintaining your Miata’s appearance and resale value.

Aftermarket Exhaust

A lot of ND owners find the stock exhaust note too tame. Swapping out the muffler or going for a full cat-back system can unlock a more spirited sound, helping your Miata stand out while still being civil enough for daily use. Popular brands include Goodwin Racing, known for their broad range of exhaust options, Racing Beat for moderate sound improvements, and Flyin’ Miata for those looking into more performance-oriented setups. If you do a lot of highway cruising, opt for a middle-of-the-road system to avoid uncomfortable drone.

Convenience & Comfort Upgrades

License Plate Brackets

Drilling into the Miata’s front bumper is a dreaded task for most owners, especially if local regulations require a front license plate. Fortunately, “no-drill” brackets that attach to the tow hook, like Cravenspeed’s “Platypus”, offer a neat workaround. Quick-release frames are also available for drivers who remove their front plate on track days and reattach it for street use.

Trunk Popper

If you’ve ever pressed the trunk release button on your Miata key fob and noticed the trunk barely budges, a trunk popper mod could help. It provides a small lift so you can open the trunk more effortlessly. Usually this involves swapping or enhancing the torsion bar or spring, and installation tends to be straightforward enough for a do-it-yourself project.

Horn Upgrades

A tiny car sometimes needs a bigger horn. While the stock horn has a polite tone, an upgraded horn, like a Hella Supertone or Wolo Bad Boy, can help you stand out in traffic. You’ll want to ensure proper wiring and a solid mounting point out of the direct path of road spray, but the difference in sound can be substantial.

Upgraded Lighting (LED Bulbs)

Brighter LED bulbs can transform both the look and practicality of your Miata, improving visibility at night and giving the interior a crisp, modern glow. Popular swaps include LED reverse lights for better nighttime visibility, LED DRLs and fog lights to match your headlights, and upgraded interior dome and trunk bulbs for a more premium cabin feel.

Performance-Lite Upgrades

Door Bushings & Chassis Bracing

We’ve covered door bushings already, but chassis bracing takes rigidity a step further. Strut tower bars, underbody braces, and shock tower bars stiffen the platform, making steering feel more direct and sometimes reducing rattles over bumpy roads. It’s not a massive leap in performance, but it can add a touch more solidity to an already nimble car.

Springs or Coilovers

Lowering your ND Miata is a popular way to improve handling and give it a more aggressive stance. Some owners stick to lowering springs, which usually drop the ride height by around an inch while still using the factory shocks. This approach is cost-effective and keeps ride comfort relatively close to stock. For those who want adjustable ride height and damping (especially for track use), coilover kits from companies like MeisterR, Tein, or KW provide a more customizable setup, albeit at a higher price and with a potential trade-off in ride comfort.

Bonus Section: ND RF Roof Controller

If you have an ND RF (with the power-retractable roof), you might find it frustrating that the top stops operating once you exceed a crawling speed. Aftermarket controllers, such as the MX5things RF roof controller, allow you to partially open or close the roof at slow speeds and often feature one-touch operation. Installation is typically plug-and-play with the roof’s wiring harness, but remember to exercise caution, Mazda’s built-in speed restrictions are there for a reason, and you’ll want to avoid any mishaps.

Next-Level Interior Refinements

Beyond these basics, you can explore more advanced interior upgrades. Premium seat covers or reupholstered seats can give the cabin a plush or sporty look, especially if you choose leather, Alcantara, or two-tone materials. An upgraded steering wheel, either re-wrapped stock or an entirely new aftermarket design, adds ergonomic benefits and a more personalized touch. If you crave modern infotainment, an aftermarket head unit with wireless CarPlay or Android Auto is a game-changer. Sound deadening materials like butyl rubber mats also help keep road noise at bay, which is especially useful in a convertible. Finally, an OBD-II display (Banks iDash or similar) can feed you real-time performance data like coolant temps or battery voltage, which is handy if you ever push your Miata hard at the track.

Making the ND Miata uniquely yours is an incredibly fun aspect of ownership. Even simple accessories like phone mounts, dash cams, trunk trays, or all-weather mats can streamline your daily routine. Meanwhile, modest performance tweaks, like upgraded bushings or a tasteful exhaust, enhance the feel of every drive, whether it’s your commute or a weekend mountain run. RF owners also have extra perks, such as a modified roof controller to boost convenience.

Overall, the key is to choose accessories that align with how you use your Miata. If you prioritize practicality, consider organizers, protective mats, and paint protection film. If you want a more engaging driving experience, focus on the shift knob, door bushings, or a slightly louder exhaust. And if you’d like to stand out visually, go for a stubby antenna or protective grille insert. In the end, your Miata should feel like an extension of you, so have fun, personalize to your heart’s content, and enjoy the road ahead!