ND Miata Trim Levels Explained: Which One Is Right for You?

Mazda has split the ND Miata into multiple trims to appeal to different types of drivers. Whether you’re looking for a no-frills sports car or something a bit more upscale, here’s a breakdown of all the major ND Miata trims to help you figure out which one fits your style best.

Core Trim Levels in the U.S.

Mazda sells three main ND Miata trims in the U.S.: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring (GT). On top of that, there’s also the RF (Retractable Fastback) version, which is basically the same car but with a power-operated targa-style hard top. The RF is offered only as a Club RF or Grand Touring RF, so if you want the nifty hard top, your choices are narrower.

A side note on ND “generations”: Enthusiasts usually call the 2016–2018 models “ND1” (making about 155 horsepower) and the 2019+ models “ND2” (making about 181 horsepower). There were also some trim-level feature changes in 2019, so if you’re shopping for a used one, always confirm the exact features on a particular car.

Shared Basics Across All ND Miatas

No matter which trim you get, you’ll find the same SKYACTIV-G 2.0‑liter inline-four engine in the U.S. market. The early ND1 cars made around 155 hp, while ND2 cars got a bump to 181 hp and a higher redline. A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard on every trim, although certain trims and years offered or still offer a 6-speed automatic as well.

In terms of tech, most ND Miatas have the 7-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system, though very early 2016 Sport models might lack that touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are either standard on later models or can be easily retrofitted. Every soft-top Miata has a manual-folding cloth roof; RF models, on the other hand, have a power-folding targa-style roof that adds around 100 pounds to the car’s weight.

Sport

The Sport trim is your entry-level ND Miata. It’s the lightest on frills, but it sticks to the Miata’s core appeal: a fun, simple, lightweight roadster. On the outside, you’ll generally see 16-inch alloy wheels, slightly narrower tires, and LED headlights and taillights (though the earliest ND1 Sport had halogen daytime running lights). Inside, you’ll get cloth seats, manual climate controls, and no heated seats, pretty bare-bones, but still perfectly functional if you’re looking for a pure driving experience.

Performance-wise, the Sport trim shares the same engine as other trims but doesn’t come with a limited-slip differential (LSD), Bilstein dampers, or any extra suspension goodies. For many, that’s no big deal, especially if you’re planning to keep your Miata mostly for street driving or if you want to customize later. Some Sport models (especially the earliest ones) also lack the 7-inch Mazda Connect infotainment by default, but from 2017 onward, it’s typically included. If your main focus is to get the most affordable Miata or build your own setup down the line, the Sport trim is a great starting point.

Club

The Club trim tends to be the top pick for driving enthusiasts, especially those who want to do track days or autocross. If you have a manual Club, you get the coveted LSD, Bilstein dampers, and a front shock tower brace (at least on ND1 models; ND2 has a few year-specific variations). These hardware upgrades make the Miata a bit sharper around corners, although the ride can feel slightly firmer on bumpy roads. The Club also steps up to 17-inch wheels wrapped in slightly wider tires than the Sport.

Inside, you’ll still have cloth seats (often with contrast stitching), but manual Club models usually include heated seats (especially in the ND2 era). You also get the Bose 9-speaker audio system, which includes headrest speakers for both the driver and passenger. For those who want even more performance cred, Mazda offers the Brembo/BBS/Recaro Package on the Club trim. That adds Brembo front brakes with red calipers, BBS 17-inch forged wheels, and supportive Recaro seats, plus a few aero pieces. It’s not cheap, but it’s sought after in the used market for both its performance benefits and its cool factor.

If you go for a Club with an automatic, note that you won’t get the LSD, Bilsteins, or shock tower brace, so it’s considerably less sporty. Still, the Club’s manual-transmission version is often hailed as the “driver’s choice” because of its sharper handling setup right out of the box.

Grand Touring (GT)

If you like the idea of a fun, lightweight roadster but also want some modern conveniences, the Grand Touring trim has you covered. On the outside, the GT gets 17-inch alloy wheels in silver or a similar finish, and it often features body-colored, heated side mirrors. Inside, you’ll find leather-trimmed heated seats (available in black or a tan/brown “Terracotta” depending on the year), automatic climate control, and extra touches like an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink. You also get a Bose audio system and, in most years, built-in or easily activated navigation.

From a performance standpoint, this is where the ND1 vs. ND2 split matters. Before 2019, the manual Grand Touring did not have an LSD or Bilsteins, making it less appealing to hardcore drivers who wanted the best handling from the factory. Starting in 2019, though, the manual GT got an LSD, Bilsteins, and a front shock tower brace, nearly matching the Club’s performance goodies. That means if you buy a 2019+ manual GT, you get the comforts (like leather and heated seats) plus the sporty hardware without sacrificing anything. The automatic GT trim, however, still goes without the LSD and Bilsteins, so if you’re after performance, the manual is the way to go.

The RF (Retractable Fastback)

Mazda introduced the ND RF in 2017 as a targa-style power-folding hard top that transforms the Miata into a coupe-like silhouette when the roof is up. You can only get an RF as a Club or Grand Touring, there’s no Sport RF. The weight difference is roughly 100 pounds more than the soft-top, which you might notice if you’re a track enthusiast, but for everyday driving, it’s usually not a dealbreaker. The RF not only looks different from the outside but also provides a quieter cabin at highway speeds and a bit more security compared to a soft-top. However, it’s also pricier. If you love the Miata’s concept but always wanted something closer to a coupe, the RF might be your perfect match.

Choosing the Right Trim

Sport is for anyone looking for the lightest, cheapest way into Miata ownership or planning to do their own modifications. You’ll sacrifice heated seats and that performance suspension, but you’ll keep more money in your pocket and get the classic Miata vibe.

Club is all about performance if you get the manual. It’s the enthusiasts’ choice for track days and autocross, and if you spring for the Brembo/BBS/Recaro Package, you’ll have an even more capable and unique Miata. Just remember that the automatic Club loses some of that fun hardware.

Grand Touring is your pick if you value a more comfortable, premium cabin, especially if you’re looking at a 2019+ manual GT, which has the LSD, Bilsteins, and shock tower brace. In that configuration, you don’t have to give up any creature comforts to enjoy great handling.

RF or Soft Top comes down to personal preference. The soft top is lighter, cheaper, and has the traditional open-air feel, while the RF gives you a sleek roofline, a more coupe-like environment, and a power-operated targa-style roof, at a higher price and weight.

A Note on the Used Market

When searching for a used ND, make sure you know whether you’re dealing with an ND1 (2016–2018, ~155 hp) or ND2 (2019+, ~181 hp). Also, keep in mind that the LSD is only factory-installed in the Club manual or, from 2019 onward, the Grand Touring manual. If you’re looking at older GT models (pre-2019) and want an LSD, you’d have to add one after the fact. And if you come across the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package, expect to pay a bit more because of its desirability.

Despite its small size, the ND Miata lineup has a lot of depth. You can go minimalist with the Sport, dial in some factory performance with the Club, or opt for a plush-yet-sporty experience with the Grand Touring. If you prefer the look and feel of a sleek targa top (and don’t mind a little extra weight), the RF version might be your dream Miata. No matter which trim you choose, you’re getting an iconic roadster that stays true to Mazda’s dedication to a lightweight, driver-focused design, and that’s what makes the Miata such a blast to drive.