When it comes to fun, spirited and connected driving, we highly recommend the Mazda MX-5 Miata. It’s been a staple of the enthusiast’s playbook since its 1990 debut; but how well does it live up to that reputation more than 30 years later?

In short: very well indeed. It’s still light on its feet and about as pure a sports car experience as you can get from a street machine.

It floats like a butterfly and doesn’t quite sting like a bee; but big power was never required for this humble two-seater, nor should it be. The MX-5’s 2.0-liter inline-four yields 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. 

That’s a slight increase we first experienced in 2019 and greatly appreciated then and now. In our case, power is sent to a six-speed manual transmission. There is an automatic available on the top-trim “Grand Touring” model, but we think three pedals is the way to go.

Our “Club” trimmed MX-5 came outfitted with the Brembo/BBS/Recaro Package. As the name suggests, you’ll get heated Recaro sport seats, black 17-inch BBS wheels, and front Brembo calipers. An included aero kit extends the side sills and adds a black rear bumper skirt. 

All this added together makes for an in-tune driver’s package with few frills, but all thrills.

ALEXANDER KELLUM: "This is a pure driver’s experience. Cliché as it may sound, it’s so easy to sync up to. The suspension feels the road. The steering is precise. The shifts are short and notchy, and they’re tethered to a clutch that has very little ambiguity. It’s so receptive to my inputs. And likewise, I’m receptive to what the MX-5 wants to do. It all adds up to a complete driver’s package that I think anybody can hop into and just enjoy."

So, yes. The 2022 Mazda MX-5 remains an outstanding choice for enthusiasts everywhere. Our tester priced out just under 37-thousand dollars, but a base “Sport” MX-5 can be had for just under $30,000, making this a great option for those looking for something to liven up their drives and lives. And we’ll have more Quick Spins soon!