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There are many benefits to being a tall person. You can reach the taller shelves in the grocery store, dunk basketballs, and see over the crowds at Disneyland. However, being tall – specifically over 6 feet, 2 inches – can be a disadvantage when it comes to shopping for a sports car. One such sports car is a Mazda MX-5 Miata. But can one of the most popular convertibles fit a tall driver? The answer is surprising.

2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata exterior shot near a stone building
2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

Can a tall person fit in a Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Yes, a tall person can fit and drive a Mazda MX-5 Miata – as long as they are no taller than 6 feet, 5 inches. A recent video from Kelley Blue Book shows that a 6-foot, 4-inch driver can fit in a 2022 Mazda MX-5 just fine. Admittedly, the leg room looked a little tight, but the reviewer did note that anyone taller than him could have some issues. There are also plenty of other videos showing tall drivers fitting in older generations of the Mazda Miata just fine.

However, the Miata did grow a little over the years. So if you’re a tall driver and want the most space, then the latest generation MX-5 could be your best bet. The current model boasts 43.1 inches of legroom, 52 inches of shoulder room, and 37.4 inches of headroom. However, if you need more space, then you can always drop the top and get infinite headroom.

The Mazda MX-5 also offers a decent amount of cargo room

The small cargo space in a 2020 Mazda Miata
The small cargo space in a 2020 Mazda Miata | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

In addition to an adequate amount of tall-driver space, the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata offers a decent amount of cargo room. To be exact, you’ll have 4.5 cubic feet of storage space when you pop the trunk lid. For clarification, that’s enough room for a small carry-on luggage bag and a few other smaller items that you can fit around it. There are also a few small cubby spaces and a tiny glove box inside the cabin for smaller items. Essentially, it’s just enough room for a weekend getaway for two, but not much more.

What else does the Mazda Miata have to offer?

2020 Mazda Miata red interior
The red interior in a 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

Miniscule practicality aside, the MX-5 Miata offers a ton of driving fun. Under the hood is a 181-hp naturally aspirated engine that easily revs up to the redline. That engine is also connected to one of the slickest-shifting six-speed manual transmissions on the market. That transmission transmits power to the rear wheels, which makes the car a blast to drive around tight corners or empty parking lots (if you like doing donuts).  

So while it’s small on space, the Mazda Miata is big on driving enjoyment, just as it always has been. Thankfully, if you’re a tall driver with dreams of owning this iconic Japanese sports car, you can. You’ll just have to remember to duck out of the way every time you get in and out of it. Although, you may already be used to that when it comes to shorter doorways.  

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