Presenting a combination of fun-to-drive Mazda handling, roadster style, budget-friendly pricing, and class-leading fuel economy, the MX-5 Miata is a winning package for a two-door sportscar. The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata comes in three trims with a few package options. While shopping for some new cars is confusing, picking the best 2023 MX-5 Miata trim is easy.

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata offers three trim levels.

Mazda lists three trim levels for the 2023 MX-5 Miata on its website. The $28,050 MX-5 Miata Sport trim is the most basic model, followed by the $31,550 Club, and topping out with the well-equipped Grand Touring at $33,050.

With only a $5,000 spread between the Sport and Grand Touring models, all three MX-5 versions feature the same 181-horsepower 2.0-liter 16-valve-four-cylinder engine.

All three versions come as front-engine, rear-wheel drive, soft-top convertible two-door roadsters with six-speed manual transmissions.

However, the Club and Grand Touring offer an upgraded power-folding hardtop option dubbed RF. Also, if a manual transmission isn’t your thing, the Grand Touring only provides an automatic transmission option. 

Automotive critics agree that the 2023 MX-5 Miata Club provides all the roadster’s finest features at the best value. 

Car and Driver like the 2023 MX-5 Miata Club trim because it offers more luxury and performance than the Sport without the additional cost of the Grand Touring. In addition, the publication points out the Club’s premium features, such as heated seats and a nine-speaker Bose audio system, and performance upgrades like the 17-inch wheels and limited-slip differential.

Autotrader agrees that the Club trim is best, especially for driving enthusiasts. While the standard Club trim offers an upgraded suspension compared to the Sport, adding the Club-exclusive Brembo/BBS/Recaro Package takes the MX-5 Miata’s handling, style, and comfort up a notch. The upgraded Club trim also opens the option for the RF hardtop.

Edmunds concedes that any of the three trims provide the Miata’s open-air fun but notes that the Club trim includes performance features like a “sport-tuned Bilstein suspension and a limited-slip differential.” In addition, you’ll get heated seats and upgraded Bose audio inside the Club cabin. 

The Grand Touring trim is the most popular

While the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club trim makes the most sense on paper from a driving enthusiast’s perspective, upgrading to the Grand Touring only adds $1,000 and provides navigation and the option for an automatic transmission. Also, for those wanting the retractable-roof RF version, the $36,915 Grand Touring RF makes more sense for many compared to the $40,710 Club RF. 

Which trim should you buy?

Like buying a pair of shoes, buying a car is a personal decision based on what fits you, your style, and your life the best. If you’ve got $41k to spend on a little sports car that’ll turn the heads at your local track days event, the Club RF with all the bells and whistles is a great choice.

Finally, if you’re looking for a roadster to take out for ice cream or brunch on a sunny weekend, the $29,215 Sport trim does that wonderfully.