2024 Mazda MX-5 RF GT Review

Mazda’s recipe with the MX-5 is equal parts simple and effective, with its lightweight platform coupled with a rear-wheel drive system and the option of a six-speed manual for those looking for maximum engagement behind the wheel.

For 2024, there’s a styling refresh on offer for buyers headlined by redesigned LED headlights and a major upgrade to the infotainment system which was showing some serious signs of age.

The MX-5 range is offered in both a soft-top Roadster and a retractable RF hardtop and we’ve stepped inside the mid-range RF GT to find out if it’s worth upgrading over the base model.

Join us as we take a look at the MX-5 RF GT from every possible angle to find out if it’s still the benchmark for affordable performance motoring and which is the smartest pick within the MX-5 range.

Mazda MX-5 RF GT Competition

How Much Does the Mazda MX-5 RF GT Cost?

While prices have been creeping north, the MX-5 remains one of the most affordable rear-wheel drive sports cars on sale today, with prices kicking off from $41,520 for the absolute base model Roadster Manual.

What you’re looking at here is the mid-range GT RF variant, which picks up a retractable hardtop fastback design, with prices standing at $53,140 as tested, or $54,640 for the MX-5 RF GT Automatic.

For reference, the entry-level MX-5 RF is priced at $46,250 and is offered soley as a six-speed manual, while the range-topping MX-5 RF GT RS Manual is priced at $56,140.

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Mazda MX-5 G20 RF GT Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the Mazda MX-5 RF GT Have?

Stepping up the MX-5 range to the RF GT adds a number of special touches above the entry-level RF and Roadster.

Namely, the MX-5 RF GT picks up a set of machined 17-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights, black leather upholstery and heated seats, body-coloured side mirrors, keyless entry & start as well as an upgraded sound system.

It also receives features from the base MX-5 RF which includes a retractable, body-coloured hard top roof, LED daytime running lamps, cruise control, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, climate control and an upgraded list of safety equipment we’ll cover later.

2024 Mazda MX-5 RF GT Connectivity & Infotainment Features

One of the major upgrades for the 2024 Mazda MX-5 range comes in the form of a revamped infotainment system powered by a new software system underneath.

Replacing the previous 7.0-inch infotainment system is a new 8.8-inch touchscreen display sitting atop the dashboard.

While it’s not a massive display, it’s a significant upgrade from the previous unit with superior graphics and responsiveness that is a far better fit for the MX-5, especially as prices creep north.

It’s quick to respond to inputs and can be operated via the touchscreen - while stationary - or Mazda’s rotary control dial with a series of shortcuts while you’re on the move.

The MX-5 RF GT also picks up an upgraded nine-speaker sound system with neat little speakers built into the headrests that act as a significant upgrade over the stock six-speaker unit.

Does the Mazda MX-5 RF GT Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

Potential buyers will be pleased to know that Mazda’s upgrades for the MX-5 didn’t stop at the display, with the company rolling out both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity across the range.

Once you’ve paired your phone, the MX-5’s infotainment system is quick to pick up data from your phone and looks particularly great thanks to its bright, vivid colours and wide viewing angle.

In our time behind the wheel of the RF GT, we didn’t experience a single drop-out in connection with our phones paired wirelessly and can only praise Mazda for the significant tech upgrade inside the MX-5’s cabin.

Is the Mazda MX-5 RF GT Fun to Drive?

It’s fantastic, offering something for those new to sports cars and experienced drivers alike.

Mazda hasn’t changed any important ingredients of the MX-5’s overall recipe, sticking with a lightweight, rear-wheel drive layout and retaining the option of a manual transmission for the enthusiasts out there.

While it’s a more sophisticated package in 2024, the MX-5 RF GT is a refreshing, back-to-basics exercise that gives new drivers a taste of performance motoring without excessive speeds attached.

Under the bonnet, there’s a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder pushing out 135kW of power and 205Nm of torque which is thrown to the rear wheels.

Push off the line isn’t going to set your hair on fire, though with peak power on offer all the way up to 7,000rpm, the linear acceleration doesn’t drop off and begs you to take it all the way to the redline.

It’s a great little engine without any flat spots and even offers impressive fuel economy figures when you’re behaving yourself, too.

The driving experience in the MX-5 RF GT is hugely engaging thanks to the lively handling, impressive grip levels and just how vividly you can feel it pivoting around a corner.

It’s a package that welcomes being pushed while offering tangible feedback to the driver with its sharp and responsive steering, with great-feeling shifts from the six-speed manual.

For the more experienced drivers out there, the MX-5 is more than happy to be pushed to the edge, giving you some pretty clear warning signs when it’s approaching the limit.

The RF GT misses out on the DSC-Track system and asymmetrical limited-slip differential, though, so if you’re looking for the ultimate MX-5 driving experience, upgrading to the flagship may prove a worthy investment.

Having said that, the MX-5 RF GT is a wonderful car to get across the basics of sports car motoring while offering a fun-loving package for more experienced pilots.

In a world filled with heavyweight performance vehicles, the MX-5 is a timely reminder of the virtues of lightness and pure simplicity behind the wheel.

The simple fact is that you can have more fun in an MX-5 doing street-legal speeds than you can in a thoroughbred supercar and, for that reason, we love it to pieces.

Is the Mazda MX-5 RF GT a Good Daily Driver?

While it’s definitely more of a weekender, the MX-5 RF GT is well-mannered enough to be a great little daily driver.

Thanks to its short wheelbase platform, the MX-5 offers zippy acceleration off the lights and remains easy to navigate through the urban jungle and can squeeze into any vacant car space.

The steering is nice and light at low speeds making it easy to turn, with the MX-5 pivoting on a dime that makes it super user-friendly in tight quarters.

Commuters may want to consider the automatic variant to avoid the left-foot workout that piloting a manual vehicle in stop-start traffic can cause, though the clutch is light.

Having said that, the MX-5 is an easy vehicle to drive on a daily basis, though the firm sports suspension can prove tiresome when the road quality deteriorates.

Of course, being a sports car, the MX-5 feels stiff even on the best of surfaces, and while there’s a little bit of give in the suspension on smaller bumps, you are prone to being rattled around on a country road.

On the highway, the MX-5 is reasonably comfortable, offering more than enough power while overtaking and picking up enough safety tech to make long-distance touring a little more relaxing.

There is some wind noise that whooshes behind your head, though overall, Mazda has done well to keep the retractable hardtop keeps you insulated from the outside world at highway speeds.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

While Mazda’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder is a great little unit for performance motoring, it also offers some impressive fuel economy figures.

So long as you’re kind to the throttle pedal, the MX-5 RF GT is reasonably fuel-efficient, returning claimed combined cycle figures of 6.9L per 100km.

In our time behind the wheel, we averaged slightly more than Mazda’s claimed figures- to the tune of 7.6L per 100km.

Admittedly, though, we were caught up in the Mazda’s sporty nature and were perhaps a little too eager with our right foot and think there will be no issue matching Mazda’s claims of 6.9L/100km on a combined cycle.

For reference, the MX-5 RF range is slightly less efficient than its soft-top Roadster siblings, though there’s not much in it.

• MX-5 Roadster: 6.8 - 7.0L per 100km

• MX-5 RF Manual (Claimed) 6.9L per 100km

• MX-5 RF GT Automatic (Claimed) 7.2L per 100km

• MX-5 RF GT Manual (Tested) 7.4L per 100km 

Is the Mazda MX-5 RF GT Practical and Spacious?

Designed as a pint-sized, two-seat sports coupe, the MX-5 isn’t the most practical vehicle on the market.

After all, you can’t have all the virtues of a lightweight sports car and practicality without gaining some extra pounds, and we doubt buyers would want that to happen, anyway.

Step inside the MX-5 RF GT and you’ll notice just how low-slung the driving position is, which feels like your cheeks might be scraping the ground on a bad pothole.

Thankfully, the leather-upholstered seats are, surprisingly, super comfortable and offer decent side-bolstering to hold you in place through the corners with more than enough cushioning for your derrière.

The seats aren’t particularly wide but can welcome a variety of body shapes, with some soft fabrics covering most of the important touchpoints.

The only real issue inside the MX-5’s cabin is the amount of headroom, which may prove problematic for extremely tall drivers.

At 190cm, I was able to sit inside the cabin without my head touching, though there was only a small gap between my tallest hair follicles and the headliner itself, meaning anyone taller than this may be lacking the headroom to get comfortable.

The hard-top RF grades also chew up a little bit more visibility and can make you feel slightly more cocooned in the cockpit than the standard Roadster, which is something for taller buyers to take note of. 

Once you’re inside, the MX-5’s cabin feels quite intimate, though Mazda has done a great job at keeping things relatively refined.

The cockpit is simple, with a physical tachometer sitting as the feature piece of the instrument cluster in a nod to any great performance vehicle.

All the climate dials are within easy reach, with great ergonomics for the steering wheel and manual gear shifter that points to its purposeful, sporty nature.

Storage options are limited, but they do exist.

There’s a pair of cupholders sitting behind your elbows that can be moved in front of the passenger’s seat, as well as a small nook at the base of the dash.

You’ll also find a petite, covered storage area in the centre console and a much larger hideaway sitting between both seats that will be responsible for hiding most valuables out of sight.

All up, while it’s not the most practical sports car on the market, some of the fundamentals are covered and the design of the MX-5 RF GT’s cabin is attractive and picks up some added luxuries fitted to the GT variant.

How Big is the Mazda MX-5 RF GT’s Boot?

Ticking the box on Mazda’s retractable fastback ‘RF’ variants does mean that its already limited boot space takes a small hit.

The MX-5 in soft-top Roadster form has a boot measuring in at very compact 130L, which drops ever to slightly to 127L in the case of the MX-5 RF GT.

While it’s not great, boot space is often an afterthought for buyers looking at the MX-5 and not enough of a priority to land a firm criticism - after all, the limited size is a very intentional design that benefits the overall driving experience.

How Long Does it Take to Fold the MX-5 RF GT’s Roof Up and Down?

Transforming the MX-5 RF GT from a sleek hard-top into an open-air experience with endless headroom is no doubt one of its key selling points.

While Roadster variants require you to manually pop a latch and do the hard work yourself, the RF GT offers a power-retractable hard top that works in around 13 seconds.

Hold the switch sitting behind the gear lever and the MX-5 RF GT’s retractable hard-top roof can be deployed or hidden away, even while you’re on the move.

In order to use the roof switch while driving, you’ll need to limit your speed to 10km/h, so it’s best to avoid having to do this on the move, but it’s nice to know you can get some cover if the weather takes a quick turn for the worse.

Is the Mazda MX-5 RF GT Safe?

In recent years the Mazda MX-5 range has picked up some significant safety upgrades that make it a far more competitive and safer package overall.

As standard, the MX-5 RF GT picks up forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking with front pedestrian detection, as well as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts.

You’ll also receive a hill-start assist system, lane-departure alerts, driver attention alerts, tyre pressure monitoring, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition and four airbags inside the cabin.

While you won’t find an adaptive cruise control system, the MX-5 RF GT does come well-equipped with the rest of the range of active safety gear you’d expect in 2024 which, combined with its short wheelbase, makes it a particularly user-friendly package to drive around town.

Mazda’s updated infotainment display also presents a high-definition image from the rear-view camera, which is a significant upgrade from the previous model.

Does the Mazda MX-5 RF GT Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

Unfortunately, the MX-5 RF GT’s previous five-star ANCAP safety rating expired in the early stages of 2024.

The current MX-5 range is currently unrated by ANCAP, though the previous model secured a five-star safety rating after scoring 35.20 out of a potential 37 back in 2016.

What Warranty Does the Mazda MX-5 RF GT Come With?

Mazda packages the MX-5 RF GT with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty, as well as five years worth of roadside assistance.

The company also offers five capped-price services for the MX-5 range which total $2,721 for the MX-5 Manual range, dropping slightly to $2,566 in the case of the MX-5 Automatic range.

Service intervals for the MX-5 stand at 12 months or 15,000-kilometres, whichever elapses first.

Our Verdict: Is the Mazda MX-5 RF GT Worth it?

The Mazda MX-5 remains true to the original design brief, sitting as a purist’s dream thanks to its fun-loving nature and impressive driving dynamics.

It’s hard to argue with a lightweight, rear-wheel drive package with a slick six-speed manual transmission that begs to be driven, be it a spirited Sunday drive or a mundane Monday commute.

Specifically, the MX-5 RF GT is a worthy upgrade for those looking for some more premium touches, but it comes at a hefty premium over the base model which we’d argue is the pick of the range.

If your budget isn’t strict, you won’t regret going for the RF GT, though we’d encourage you to compare directly with the entry-level MX-5 Roadster or RF which sit as the most desirable members of the MX-5 range.

Also, if you’re intent on moving up from the base model, the flagship MX-5 GT RS may actually make more sense, considering there are substantial mechanical upgrades over the mid-range GT variant.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price on your next car.

Five Mazda MX-5 RF GT Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assist

2. 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol produces 135kW/205Nm

3. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions available

4. Expired five-star ANCAP safety rating

5. Retractable hard-top roof folds up/down in 13 seconds