Who doesn’t love the concept of cruising the streets in a convertible sports car? It’s a summertime vibe that nothing else can match. However, the current prices of gas call the very idea of driving for fun into question for many folks. However, there is a way to have your cake and eat it too. There’s one convertible sports car that gets 35 miles per gallon, making it the perfect weekend getaway car or road trip companion.

Incidentally, the most fuel-efficient convertible sports car is one of the most affordable, too

Kelley Blue Book put out a list of the most affordable convertible sports cars currently for sale. Unsurprisingly, the results show what many folks always know. When it comes to affordable sports cars, roadsters, convertibles, and many other categories, the solution is always the same. Miata is always the answer.

According to the EPA, the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata sees fuel economy ratings up to 26 mpg and an unprecedented 35 mpg highway. This means that it has a combined fuel economy rating of 30 miles per gallon. This is, however, when equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission.

Manual transmission enthusiasts, fortunately, have nothing to fear. The six-speed manual version still gets 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. So, adding the spirited fun of having a manual transmission only drops you by one mpg on the highway and overall.

The fuel economy numbers of the 2022 Miata are worth celebrating on their own. However, the cost of the car itself is quite reasonable, too. According to KBB, the standard convertible version starts at $28,315. Additionally, the retractable fastback version (RF) starts at $36,015.

That deal starts to look phenomenal when you consider the next convertible in line when it comes to fuel economy. The 2022 BMW Z4 manages to get a respectable 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway rating from the EPA. That makes for a combined fuel economy rating of 28 mpg. However, it has a much higher starting price of $50,895. That’s nearly double the cost of a standard 2022 MX-5 Miata.

Miata is, indeed, always the answer

If you’re tired of seeing the praise for the iconic Mazda convertible sports car, there’s bad news. It’s not going to stop anytime soon. For as much as many folks think going to the Miata is a cliche solution, it’s really just that good. You won’t find a more perfect balance of affordability, fuel efficiency, and pure driving fun than a Miata. The Miata is the perfect solution whether you’re on a racetrack or just enjoying a windy weekend drive.

The current generation Miata model has a slew of awards. It’s an IIHS top safety pick, What Car? named it the best value for a sports car for 2022, and, of course, it won our very own Motorbiscuit car of the year for 2021. Furthermore, it’s got great contention for a back-to-back win. Only time will tell, though!

For a more in-depth overview of what it’s like to drive the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata, keep scrolling down!