The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Just Outranked The Ford Mustang Convertible
Edmunds recently revealed its picks for the best convertibles of 2021. While the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata landed the top spot on Edmunds’ list, the 2021 Ford Mustang Convertible did not. Let’s find out why.
What the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata has going for it
There’s no denying there’s a lot to like about the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata. This year’s new Miata starts at $26,830 and is available in three well-outfitted trim levels: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring. Driven by a 181-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that comes teamed with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, Edmunds reports that the Miata is “fun and engaging to drive, even at low speeds.”
That’s not all the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata has going for it either. Edmunds gave this year’s new model pretty high marks and even ranked it as the best convertible of 2021. This year’s model earned a 9.0/10 driving score. Edmunds also gave it a 7.5/10 for its interior. And when it comes to value? According to Edmunds, the Miata justifies its price with its upscale interior and various option packages.
The 2021 Ford Mustang Convertible is an “impressive effort”
Much like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the 2021 Ford Mustang Convertible found itself on Edmunds’ list of the best convertibles of 2021. This year’s model rings in at $32,075 and is available in three trim levels: EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, and GT Premium. As for what’s under the hood? Standard is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 310-hp and 350 pound-feet of torque.
According to Edmunds, the Ford Mustang Convertible is an “impressive effort from Ford.” It earned a 7.6/10 overall score. Edmunds also gave it a 7.5/10 driving score, adding that the Ford Mustang Convertible can be frustrating to drive when equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. According to Edmunds, it “shifts into high gears too quickly (it upshifts to ninth at 40 mph!), and it’s slow to downshift.” Edmunds also gave it a 7.5/10 for its interior.
How the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata outranked the Ford Mustang Convertible
While Edmunds included both the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the 2021 Ford Mustang Convertible among its picks for the best convertibles of 2021, this year’s new Mazda Miata was able to outrank the iconic Ford Mustang. With an 8.0/10 overall score, this year’s Miata found itself in the top spot on Edmund’s list. Meanwhile, with a 7.6/10 overall score, the Mustang Convertible ranked third among the best convertibles of 2021.
The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata didn’t just earn a higher overall score than this year’s Mustang Convertible either. The Miata also earned significantly higher driving scores than its Mustang competition. Edmunds also gave it higher scores for how economical it is. The only category the Mustang was able to best the Miata was when it came to storage. While Edmunds gave the Miata a 6.0/10, it gave the Mustang Convertible a 7.0/10.
Does this mean you should avoid the Ford Mustang Convertible?
Not at all. As a matter of fact, while the MX-5 Miata may have outranked the Mustang Convertible, Edmunds claims that the Mustang Convertible is the more practical choice. Unlike the Miata, it boasts seating for up to four passengers. It also offers up significantly more storage space. But if you’re after the best convertible of 2021? You’re going to want to stick with the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
