ND Miata Trim Levels Explained

ND1 (2016–2018) runs the 155-hp 2.0L with three trims: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring (GT). The Club with a manual is the sweet spot because it brings the limited-slip differential (LSD), Bilstein dampers, and a front shock-tower brace. The Brembo/BBS package shows up as an option. In 2017, Mazda adds the RF (Retractable Fastback) body style to the lineup.

ND2 (2019–2023) is a big step up: 181 hp, 151 lb-ft, and a 7,500-rpm redline, plus a tilt-and-telescoping steering column that finally fits tall drivers. The short-run GT-S package in 2019 (manual only) gives GTs the Club’s performance hardware; by 2020 those parts are standard on GT manuals. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto becomes standard in 2021, and Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) lands in 2022.

ND3 (2024–2025) focuses on chassis/tech: the new asymmetric (conical-clutch) LSD, a DSC-Track mode on performance trims, and an 8.8-inch Mazda Connect screen with the refreshed UI. For 2025, Sport and Club are manual-only, GT can be manual or automatic, and GT manuals keep the full enthusiast hardware.

Body Styles

You can get a soft top the entire run, and it’s the lightest, simplest, and cheapest way in. The RF arrives in 2017 on Club and GT, with a power targa-style roof that opens or closes in roughly 13 seconds. Some RF packages/years pair performance bits with a hand-painted black roof for extra flair.

Sport (Value and Lightness)

On ND1 (2016–2018), Sport is the minimalist spec with 16-inch wheels and no factory LSD or Bilsteins. In 2018 it picks up broader infotainment availability and a bit more polish. ND2 Sport (2019–2023) gets the stronger 181-hp engine plus the tilt/telescope column, and by 2021 CarPlay/Android Auto is standard; still no LSD from the factory. ND3 Sport (2024–2025) sticks to the lightweight formula, now with the 8.8-inch screen and i-Activsense safety kit, and switches to manual-only for 2025.

Club (Enthusiast and Track-Leaning)

Club is the driver’s trim. In most years, manuals get the LSD, Bilstein dampers, and front brace; automatics miss the core hardware. The well-known Brembo/BBS package (later Brembo/BBS/Recaro) adds bigger front brakes, forged wheels, aero bits, and, when specified, heated Recaro seats. In ND3, Club bakes in the asymmetric LSD and DSC-Track, plus wireless phone integration. For 2025, the RF Club comes standard with the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package; the soft-top Club can add it.

Grand Touring

GT starts as the luxury/tech trim in ND1 with leather and driver aids but no Club hardware by default. In 2019, the manual-only GT-S package adds the Club’s LSD, Bilsteins, and front brace; starting in 2020, GT manuals get those parts standard. By 2021, smartphone integration is standard across the board. In ND3, GT manuals mirror Club dynamics, including the asymmetric LSD and DSC-Track, while GT automatics lean toward comfort and typically don’t list an LSD.

The Hardware That Really Matters

LSD availability is the big separator. From 2016–2018 it’s Club manual only. In 2019, it’s Club manual or GT manual with GT-S. From 2020–2023, Club manual and GT manual get it standard. ND3 continues the trend: Club manual and GT manual list the new asymmetric LSD; automatics generally do not.

Bilstein dampers and front brace track closely with the LSD. They’re standard on Club manuals since 2016, added to GT via the 2019 GT-S package, and standard on GT manuals from 2020 onward. ND3 keeps them on the enthusiast manuals.

Ergonomics improve big-time in 2019 with the tilt-and-telescoping steering column (about 30 mm telescope, 42 mm tilt). If you’re tall or picky about seating position, ND2+ feels like a different car.

Infotainment ramps up over time. Mazda Connect becomes common by 2018; CarPlay/Android Auto is standard by 2021. Club picks up wireless CarPlay during ND2, and ND3 jumps to the wider 8.8-inch display with faster, cleaner menus.

Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) arrives for 2022. It subtly uses brake logic to calm body motions mid-corner, helping the car rotate and settle without adding hardware.

ND3 dynamics add the asymmetric (conical-clutch) LSD and DSC-Track mode. The LSD’s behavior is more progressive, giving extra stability on corner entry and smoother power down on exit, while DSC-Track relaxes the nannies for track days without fully switching everything off.

Packages That Change the Car

Brembo/BBS (later Brembo/BBS/Recaro) is the popular performance bundle with bigger front brakes, forged wheels, aero add-ons, and optional heated Recaro seats. RF versions in certain years add a hand-painted black roof. In 2025, the RF Club includes the full Brembo/BBS/Recaro package standard, and the soft top can option it.

GT-S (2019 only, manual) is your shortcut to turn a GT into a Club-spec driver’s car, LSD, Bilsteins, and the front brace in one shot. In 2020, GT manuals get that setup standard and GT-S effectively goes away.

Special Editions Worth Knowing

30th Anniversary (2019) wears Racing Orange with forged RAYS wheels, numbered plaques, and Club-spec performance hardware with Brembo brakes and available Recaros, limited worldwide.
100th Anniversary (2020) is a GT-based commemorative model with unique interior and trim cues.
35th Anniversary (2025) is a U.S. special pairing Artisan Red with tan Nappa and a premium options mix shown at major events.

Tires and Wheels (Stock Fitment)

Sport models ride on 16-inch wheels with 195/50R16 tires, which is the lightest factory combo and keeps the car playful. Club and GT step up to 17-inch wheels with 205/45R17 tires, with finishes and designs varying by year and package.

Which One Is Right for You?

If you want the best driver’s car on a budget, a 2016–2018 Club manual is hard to beat, light curb weight plus LSD, Bilsteins, and a brace. If you want power and comfort used, look for a 2019 GT manual with GT-S or any 2020–2023 GT manual for the full performance hardware with nicer amenities. If you’re buying new and track-curious, the 2025 Club (soft top) or 2025 RF Club (with Brembo/BBS/Recaro standard) gives you the asymmetric LSD, Bilsteins, brace, and DSC-Track right from the factory. If daily comfort matters most, the 2025 GT manual keeps the dynamics while layering on luxury and safety tech; the GT automatic is the comfort-leaning choice if you must have an auto, but note it typically doesn’t include an LSD.

The soft top is the purist’s pick: light, affordable, quick to operate by hand, and easy to live with. The RF is quieter with the roof shut, adds coupe-like looks, and opens or closes with a button in about 13 seconds. Across several years, the RF is tied to the higher trims and performance packages, sometimes with that distinctive black roof detail.