2019 vs 2024: How Much Has the Mazda MX-5 Improved?
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 brings only small steps forward from the 2019 car. Most owners notice the differences in daily use through better electronics and slightly sharper responses rather than outright speed or grip gains.
Engine Output and Transmission Feel
Both years use the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The 2019 version makes 181 horsepower. The 2024 model adds ten horsepower through revised intake tuning and a higher redline at 7,500 rpm. That change shows up mainly on track days when you hold gears longer.
- Zero-to-60 times drop from 6.1 seconds to 5.8 seconds in independent tests.
- The six-speed manual in the 2024 car has shorter throws and less notchiness at cold starts.
- Fuel economy stays nearly identical at 26 mpg combined for both cars.
Chassis and Suspension Updates
Mazda retuned the dampers on the 2024 MX-5 with softer low-speed valving. The car still rides firmly over broken pavement, yet it feels less jittery on expansion joints you hit every day on the commute.
The limited-slip differential calibration changed as well. On wet on-ramps the newer car puts power down cleaner instead of spinning an inside wheel as quickly as the 2019 version does.
Interior Controls and Tech
The biggest visible difference sits on the dashboard. A 2024 MX-5 comes with an 8.8-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay. The 2019 car uses a smaller 7-inch unit that requires a wired connection.
| Feature | 2019 MX-5 | 2024 MX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 7 inches | 8.8 inches |
| Wireless CarPlay | No | Yes |
| USB ports | One | Two |
| Driver assists | Basic | Blind-spot monitoring standard |
Climate controls remain physical knobs on both cars, which keeps your eyes on the road when you adjust temperature at speed.
Practical Ownership Differences
Routine maintenance costs have not changed. Parts prices and service intervals stay the same. Insurance quotes for identical trims rise only a few dollars per month on the 2024 model because of the added driver aids.
If you track the car often, the extra power and updated stability control calibration give the newer version a small edge. For street driving the two cars feel close enough that most drivers would not notice the year difference after ten minutes behind the wheel.
