Why Trim Levels Matter: The 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring

The 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring.

A little over a year ago, we had our first week in the new-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata.  I was torn.  While the new MX-5 Miata was better than the previous one in every possible performance metric, I found it less comfortable to deal with in day-to-day driving.  There were a couple of possible factors. One was me...if I were 20 years younger or 20 pounds lighter, would I love it more?  And the other was the trim level.  We were in the Club the first time around...the model most suited for the track.

2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring.

Well, 14 months have passed, I am that much older but 18 pounds lighter and the fine folks at Mazda have sent the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring.  

And all is once again right with the world.  The loss of 18 pounds has removed the issue I had with the space intrusion of the new, wider console. And the Grand Touring, while not as creamy-smooth as the MX-5 Miata-based Fiat 124 Spider Lusso we reviewed last month, strikes a perfect balance of refinement and reflexive handling.  The Grand Touring is the sweet spot.

2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata interior.

Say yes to the Grand Touring and its base price of $30,065 and you get front and rear stabilizer bars, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, auto-dimming driver-side mirror, auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with Homelink, 17-inch dark silver wheels, body-color front and rear bumpers and door handles, body color heated side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual silver exhaust outlets, automatic air conditioning, keyless entry, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, Bluetooth phone and audio, cruise control, steering-wheel mounted audio and speed controls, a leather steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake, an engine immobilizer anti-theft system, tire pressure monitoring, heated leather-trimmed seats, a cloth-lined convertible top, the new Mazda Connect infotainment system with color touchscreen display, navigation, two USB inputs, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front lighting, high beam control, lane departure warning and an anti-theft alarm.

Again...that's all standard. And our tester had but one option...the Interior Package, which adds $425 for a red engine oil cap with the MX-5 logo, stainless steel door trim plates and alloy pedals and footrest.

Bottom line with $835 destination charge: $31,325.  EPA fuel economy estimate 27 city/34 highway.

A bargain.  A steal, in fact.

Let's be clear:  There is no bad MX-5 Miata.  The Club is a great choice for a weekend toy.  But if you're planning on using your MX-5 Miata as a daily driver, the Grand Touring is the one to have.