A few months after launching the updated Miata “ND3” in Japan, Mazda confirms US specifications.

Now in its 9th year of production, Mazda is refreshing the MX-5 Miata. Both the RF soft-top and metal-top are lightly upgraded and feature a range of mechanical, cosmetic and technological upgrades. Along with them, the new “ND3” Miata will see a slight price increase for all models.

For Club and Grand Touring models, the limited-slip differential is now an asymmetrical unit with different locking settings for braking and acceleration. When braking, there is more differential lock to provide cornering stability; with acceleration, there is now less lock-up to reduce understeer when cornering. The Clubar model also features a new “Monitor” mode for the stability control system that raises the intervention threshold without disabling the system completely.

It’s a little harder to spot the 2024 MX-5 Miata’s exterior changes, but new LED headlights and taillights along with a new multi-spoke wheel design are the standout features. A new color is also in the palette, Aero Gray, a $450 option. The interior will feel quite different from those familiar with the ND Miata. Most notable is the larger infotainment screen that runs Mazda’s latest system and, for the first time in one of the brand’s vehicles, includes Amazon Alexa integration.

We’ll tackle the mechanical changes first, because honestly, that’s the most interesting. All 2024 MX-5 Miata models feature a new steering rack with reduced internal friction and new adjustments to the power steering system. Mazda says these changes deliver “a smoother steering action with a more pronounced ‘focused’ feel, allowing for comfortable driving on the highway but with greater precision over the front tires tightened up during hard cornering.” It all sounds good to us.

So the Club and Grand Touring are mechanically identical, but the GT doesn’t have the new Track DSC mode. A $4,800 option on the Club Soft Top and standard on the RF is the BBS/Brebo/Recaro package, which combines 17-inch forged BBS wheels, upgraded Breмbo-branded brakes with fixed-piston calipers in front and Recaro seats. It’s an option you want, if you can swing it.

The GT also has a new brown Napa leather interior option for $300. And as has been the case for several years now, the only way to get an automatic Miata is to order a GT. It’s a $920 option. However, if you want to drive, skip the auto part because Mazda’s manual is the best on the market, bar none.

On their own, none of these updates are major, but they promise additions to create a uniquely improved Miata. But the important thing is that it doesn’t appear that Mazda has watered down the ND’s excellence – after all, the current quoted weight for the soft top is 2,368 pounds.