2025 MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition Review

Want a rear-wheel drive sports car that turns heads without the six-figure price tag?

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary Edition solves that problem. Mazda built only 230 units for the Canadian and 300 units for the U.S. market.

This is not another special edition badge slapped onto a base model. This roadster carries the heritage of over 1.2 million Miatas sold worldwide, according to Guinness World Records. Its Artisan Red Metallic paint uses a three-layer Takuminuri process, a technique Mazda reserves for only its most exclusive vehicles. Every detail, from the serialized badge to the tan Nappa leather interior, marks you as one of 350 drivers in America who own this particular piece of automotive history.

This review breaks down the performance specs, the exclusive design features, and the pricing that collectors need to know before these cars disappear from dealer lots.

Pricing and Availability

In Canada, the 2025 Mazda MX-5 (Miata) is offered in three trims, and 2025 marks the 35th anniversary, so there’s a special limited edition trim also offered. Base MSRP for the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata GS is $35,450, the GS-P trim increases in price to $39,450, and the MX-5 GT trim has a starting price of $42,550. The limited edition 35th Anniversary Edition starts at $44,050.

These prices are before Freight & PDI (and a few other fees), and taxes. The only options available are different colors and bigger wheels.

Mazda originally planned to build 300 units for the U.S. market. Strong pre-order demand convinced them to increase production to 350 units. This limited production run started delivery in early 2025.

Production is limited globally to 1,000 units total, with 350 allocated to the United States. Each buyer receives a special owner experience, including branded memorabilia and invitations to exclusive Mazda events.

This makes the 35th Anniversary Edition both exclusive and competitively priced.

Exterior Design and Features

The 35th Anniversary Edition stands out the moment you see it. The Artisan Red Metallic finish catches light in ways that standard paint cannot match.

Mazda unveiled this model at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January 2025, a fitting backdrop for a car with serious motorsport heritage. The MX-5 has become the most-raced sports car in the world, anchoring the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup series where professional drivers compete in identical roadsters.

Artisan Red Metallic paint

The Artisan Red Metallic paint separates this anniversary edition from every other MX-5 on the road. Mazda borrowed this color from its three-row CX-90 flagship SUV.

The Takuminuri three-layer painting process creates depth you can almost dive into. Each layer adds richness and a darker luster than the Soul Red used on earlier models. The result is a finish that looks different in every lighting condition.

This paint process requires additional curing time and precision application, which is why Mazda reserves it for limited production vehicles.

Inside the cabin, matching Artisan Red accents highlight the climate control vents and upper door panels. This brings the exterior drama into the driving experience. The beige soft top provides a classic contrast that recalls early Miata special editions from the 1990s.

Anniversary badging and exclusive styling details

Each 35th Anniversary Edition carries a serialized badge on the rear fender. Your specific production number sits proudly on this badge, turning your car into a numbered piece of history.

The 17-inch alloy wheels feature a bright finish exclusive to this edition. These wheels wrap around Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires in a 205/45R-17 size. A color-matched rear spoiler blends seamlessly with the Artisan Red body.

The tan Nappa leather seats display embossed 35th Anniversary logos in the headrests. The tan theme extends from the dashboard down to the carpeting and floor mats, each also marked with anniversary badging. Mazda even includes a leather-wrapped key fob sleeve as a take-home reminder of your special ownership status.

These details set this model apart from the standard Grand Touring trim it’s based on. Every element signals that you’re driving one of only 350 examples in America, making this a future collector’s car priced under $40,000.

Performance and Engine Specs

This rear-wheel drive sports car delivers on the driving experience that made the MX-5 famous. The engine and transmission work together to put a grin on your face every time you hit a winding road.

2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine

The 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine powers every 35th Anniversary Edition. This naturally aspirated motor cranks out 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The engine loves to rev. The redline sits at 7,500 rpm, begging you to use the full range. Premium fuel brings out the best performance, though the engine will run on regular gas if needed.

Rear-wheel drive pairs with a standard six-speed manual transmission. The short-throw shifter makes gear changes quick and precise. Each shift feels mechanical and direct, connecting you to the car in ways that automatic transmissions cannot match. This transmission encourages you to explore the upper reaches of the tachometer on every spirited drive.

The 35th Anniversary Edition sits on sport-tuned Bilstein dampers and features an asymmetric limited-slip differential. These components come standard on the Grand Touring trim this edition is based on. They enhance stability during hard cornering and help transfer power to the pavement more effectively.

181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque

The power numbers might look modest on paper. 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque don’t sound like much compared to muscle cars or turbocharged sports machines.

But this MX-5 weighs just 2,366 pounds with the manual transmission. That gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 12.9 pounds per horsepower, nearly matching the heavier Subaru BRZ with its 228 horsepower.

Car and Driver tested a 2024 RF Club model with the six-speed manual and recorded a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds. The quarter mile took 14.3 seconds at 96 mph. The skidpad result hit 0.90 g. These numbers prove you don’t need excessive horsepower to have fun on the road.

The EPA rates the manual transmission model at 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, for a combined 29 mpg. On Car and Driver’s 200-mile highway test, a 2024 model delivered 36 mpg. You get sports car thrills with fuel economy that rivals many compact sedans.

The MX-5’s lightweight philosophy means every pony and every pound-foot goes directly to the driving experience, not just to moving mass around.

The top speed reaches 139 mph, limited by aerodynamics rather than power. Radar cruise control and classic cruise control both come standard, giving you comfort on long highway drives when you’re not carving corners.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The cabin combines premium materials with the latest tech. Mazda designed this space for two people who want both comfort and connection to the road.

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Heated seats with three levels

Both front seats offer three-level heated controls. You can dial in mild warmth for cool evenings or crank up the heat for cold morning drives.

The tan Nappa leather seating surfaces feature embossed 35th Anniversary logos in the headrests. These sport bucket seats also include Bose speakers built into the headrests, positioning audio directly at ear level for an immersive listening experience.

The seats provide solid back and hip support for extended drives. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear shift knob, and emergency parking brake handle add tactile quality to every control you touch.

9-speaker Bose audio system

The 9-speaker Bose audio system fills the small cabin with crisp sound. Bass stays strong even at highway speeds with the top down.

Headrest speakers create an immersive sound field for both driver and passenger. Music stays clear whether you have the roof up or down. The system uses AudioPilot technology to automatically adjust volume and equalization based on cabin noise levels and top position.

This premium audio package elevates the driving experience beyond what you’d expect in a lightweight roadster. Clear highs and deep lows remain distortion-free even when you’re pushing the engine hard and wind noise increases.

In-dash navigation

An 8.8-inch Mazda Connect display sits prominently in the dashboard. Built-in navigation shows clear maps right in front of you.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto let you use your favorite smartphone apps without cables. Just enter the car and your phone connects automatically.

Alexa Built-In allows voice commands for directions, music, and more. Two USB-C ports keep your devices charged on every drive. The Multifunction Commander control knob lets you navigate menus without taking your eyes off the road for long periods.

This tech setup keeps you connected while maintaining the focus on driving. The system responds quickly and the interface makes sense even on your first drive.

Comparison to Key Competitors

The 2025 MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition faces competition from several sports cars at different price points. Each competitor offers a different take on the affordable sports car formula.

The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ share the same platform and naturally aspirated flat-four engine. Both cars deliver 228 horsepower but weigh around 2,800 pounds, making them heavier than the MX-5. They offer fixed roofs and small rear seats, adding practicality the Miata cannot match.

The BMW Z4 brings more power and luxury but costs significantly more. Its turbocharged four-cylinder makes 255 horsepower in base form. The Z4 delivers a more upscale interior and smoother ride but loses some of the raw, connected feel that defines the MX-5.

The Porsche 718 Boxster starts at more than double the Miata’s price. It offers mid-engine layout and Porsche prestige but represents a different category of sports car ownership. The 718 remains the cheapest way to own a Porsche, while the MX-5 remains one of the most affordable ways to experience pure rear-wheel drive sports car dynamics.

2025 MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition – Miata Is Always The Answer

The 2025 MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition delivers everything that made the Miata legendary.

Rear-wheel drive handling, a precise six-speed manual transmission, and lightweight construction create a driving experience that few cars can match at any price. The exclusive Artisan Red Metallic paint, tan Nappa leather interior, and serialized badging make this one of only 350 units in the U.S.

The 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine produces 181 horsepower and moves this 2,366-pound sports car from 0-60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. Heated seats, a 9-speaker Bose system, and built-in navigation add comfort to the performance package. Standard safety features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert provide peace of mind.

At a starting price of $36,250, this limited edition offers collector car status and proven reliability without breaking the bank. RepairPal rates the MX-5 Miata at 4.0 out of 5.0 for reliability, with low average annual repair costs.

Check Mazda’s website for dealer availability or visit your local Mazda dealer before these 350 units sell out. This anniversary edition represents the last of the pure, gas-powered Miata formula before electrification arrives in future generations.

2025 Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition Review Photo Gallery

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