The Mazda Miata, especially later generations (NC and beyond) is not known for its comfortable seats. In fact, the tough, unsupportive OEM seats can be enough to turn some drivers off from buying.
But the industry is rich with aftermarket seats that provide more support, comfort and will last longer. Companies like Recaro, Corbeau, and Sparco have spent years perfecting the best seats for Miata use.
Below we’ll talk about which seats are best for your particular MX5, and which seats are compatible with each generation. After that we’ll run you through the seats we like the most.
Just Want Great Seats?
No problems! Here are our 3 favorite seats for Miata builds:
| Image | Brand | |
|---|---|---|
 | Best All Rounder NRG FRP-311 This 16 lb fixed back bucket seat holds you in tight when you’re on a budget. | VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 | For Track Days Sparco Circuit For ultimate safety on the track, the 17.2 lb Sparco Circuit is great value. | VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 | For Street Comfort Corbeau A4 For daily driving comfort, these reclinable seats from Corbeau are perfect. | VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Miata Seats by Category
We’ve put the best Miata seats into three categories:
- Street-Daily Seats: These are the best Miata seats for street or road use. They’re the most comfortable of the three and are often reclinable and cloth-made.
- Bucket Seats: These seats offer greater ergonomic support but aren’t as comfortable. They’ll keep you locked in place so you have more control over your vehicle.
- Racing Seats: These are the most uncomfortable seats of the three, but are best for competition use, where comfort comes after safety. They often offer the best protection for you in the event of a crash, and shed unnecessary weight.
Fixed Seats, Reclining Seats, and Seat Sizes
For larger drivers, many aftermarket seats are out of the question because of headroom and tight spacing. Fabrication and “foamectomies” are necessary to fit these seats into your MX5.
Fixed seats like bucket seats are typically bolted to the floor and offer the most support for the least comfort. If you’re a fidgeter these aren’t for you.
Reclining seats are usually covered in cloth or leather, are the most comfortable, but the least durable and reliable. They are good for larger drivers or passengers.
The ideal dimensions for any Miata seat is a 19.5-inches base width and a 21-inches shoulder width. Perfect shoulder width depends on the height where the seat widens. You can usually get away with a maximum base length of 24 inches, a maximum base width of 22 inches, and a maximum shoulder width of 24 inches.
Compatibility of OEM Miata Seats
If you decide to upgrade or downgrade your Miata, but want to keep your OEM seats from the original Miata, keep in mind that the seats might not be compatible from generation to generation.
NA and NB Miata seats are a direct swap. All 1990 to 2005 seats are bolt-in. NB seats offer a safer seatback height for taller drivers, which helps prevent injury from hard rear impacts. The seatbelt mount changed from seat-mounted to floor-mounted, so you may have to rearrange the seatbelt receiver.
NB seats from 1999 to 2000 are famously comfortable. Much better than 2001 to 2005 seats, which Mazda redesigned due to owner complaints.
NC seats have different seatbelt mounting points, and they won’t bolt in directly in NA or NB Miatas. ND seats between 2016 and 2017 are notoriously thin, unsupportive, and wrapped in cheap plastic. But the 2018 ND received a massive upgrade with Recaro seats (one of the best aftermarket options available) as standard kit.
The seats in M-Edition Miatas (1994 to 1997) have also been lauded for their leather styling, comfort, fewer seams, less pronounced bottom bolsters, and similarity to Ferrari seats.
Best Miata Seats for the Streets
These seats are reclinable aftermarket seats that are perfect for everyday road or street use. If you’re driving your car daily, chances are you’ll want to go for something in this category.
The companies represented are Sparco, NRG, and Buddy Club.
Sparco R100
Manufacturer: Sparco
Frame Type: Steel
Seat Material: High-Grade Leatherette
Weight: 32.5 lbs
Shoulder Width: 22.5″
Base Width: 17.5″
Check Prices: Amazon
These Sparco R100 seats are the new version of what was previously called the “Chrono Road Tuner” seat. Designed with styling cues from the company’s collaboration with Lamborghini they will bring a sporty feel and some racing style, to MX5s of all generations, without sacrificing comfort.
The aggressive bolstering, full suspension bottom, and generous fitment sizing make the R100 a popular choice for people of larger sizes. The seats are available in two sizes: medium and large.
The ergonomic design of this seat makes them one of the best seats for Miata drivers, giving them protection against the most demanding lateral forces. It has a full suspension bottom and generous seat size, as well as aggressive side and thigh bolsters.
Be aware that the reclining handle is a bit weak and flimsy on these, which is a common problem with Sparco seats. Other than that, the overall quality is excellent.
Corbeau A4 Reclinable
Manufacturer: Corbeau
Frame Type: Steel
Seat Material: Cloth, Leatherette, or Microsuede
Weight: 26 lbs
Shoulder Width: 21.5″
Base Width: 19.5″
Check Prices: Corbeau | Enjuku Racing
Corbeau is one of the leading companies providing quality racing seats for Miatas. The A4 is the perfect adjustable seat for tight spaces and minimal headroom applications, such as with the MX5.
Corbeau’s A4 Miata seat is one of the for combined street and track use. Generally speaking, the A4 seat will fit a waist of approximately 34-36-inches, and the A4 Wide is a more comfortable racing seat designed for bigger drivers, and will fit up to a 40-inch waist.
High wear patches are strategically placed to protect your seat from abuse in high wear areas. The A4 is sold in pairs only.
These seats are very comfortable and very easy to install. They’re recommended for the weekend racer and for daily drivers. They sit lower than the stock OEM seats.
NRG EVO Reclinable Cloth
Manufacturer: NRG Innovations
Frame Type: Steel
Seat Material: Cloth
Weight: 16 lbs
Shoulder Width: 22.5″
Base Width: 19.5″
Check Prices: Amazon
NRG’s EVO reclinable cloth sport seats are designed with comfort and styling in mind. They offer great lumbar support, as opposed to stock OEM seats. The seats include sliders, but brackets are needed for complete installation in a Miata. These seats are only sold in pairs.
NRG are notoriously weak with their installation instructions, so make sure to keep a few extra hours free if you buy these seats and plan to DIY their install.
The seat fabric is a bit thin, but you can’t beat them for the price. They might not compete with Sparcos or Recaros in terms of quality, but you can buy two or more of these for the price of one of those.
Buddy Club Racing Spec Sport Reclinable
Manufacturer: Buddy Club
Frame Type: Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP)
Seat Material: Cloth
Weight: 11 lbs
Shoulder Width: 21.45″
Base Width: 19.29″
Check Prices: Amazon | Enjuku Racing
The Racing Spec Sport seat is an adjustable seat designed by the Buddy Club racing team. It takes its design from the P-1 Limited and Racing Spec bucket seat. Its precision-adjustable mechanism assures proper ergonomics and best performance.
The seat is made of microfiber material that helps the seat breathe and keeps you comfortable on those hot or humid days. The material is more slip resistant than nylon fabric.
The special design triangle knob makes adjustment really simple and is strong – they aren’t likely to break on you. These seats are only sold in pairs.
Best Bucket Seats for Miatas
Bucket seats offer better support than sports seats. This means you won’t be sliding around in your seat while you’re sliding around corners, giving you the best vehicle control.
NRG FRP-300 Series Fixed Back Bucket Seat
Manufacturer: NRG Innovations
Frame Type: Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP)
Seat Material: Cloth
Weight: 16 lbs
Shoulder Width: 23″
Base Width: 20″
Check Prices: Amazon | Enjuku Racing
These seats are made of high-quality fiberglass reinforced material. They are styled and recommended for 4-point seatbelt harnesses.
The deep thigh bolsters are designed to keep the driver firmly in place, with no “fidgeting,” and to support the shoulders and lower back. The strong, durable fiberglass frame is covered with injection-molded foam and woven upholstery.
These seats are great for larger drivers. But if you’re debating on which sized seat to get, always go for an inch or two larger, because these seats can be a bit snug.
Standard they’re 23-inches wide at the shoulders, 35-inches high, and 25-inches from front to back. Two foam lumbar cushions are included.
Buddy Club P-1 Limited Edition Bucket
Manufacturer: Buddy Club
Frame Type: Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP)
Seat Material: Suede
Weight: 11 lbs
Shoulder Width: 21.45″
Base Width: 19.29″
Check Prices: Amazon | Enjuku Racing
The Buddy Club P-1 are built through the development of Buddy Club’s professional racing team, yet created for road use. These seats offer excellent lateral support, safety, and ergonomics.
With a weight of just 11 lbs, this is the lightest seat you will find. Though it’s ultra lightweight, it’s also very strong, thanks to the hard wearing twill fabric and FRP construction.
The P-1 Limited Edition offers support in two ways: from its high sides (increasing lateral support), and from the hard friction suede trim.
Mugen MS-Z Semi Bucket Seat
Manufacturer: Mugen
Frame Type: Carbon Fiber
Seat Material: Alcantara (Microfiber Materials)
Weight: 33 lbs
Shoulder Width: 20.47″
Base Width: 20.86″
The Mugen MS-Z Semi Bucket seat is pricey and you probably think of the brand as Honda only, but hear us out!
It’s one of the best aftermarket Miata seats for two reasons: the semi-bucket aids ergonomic driver support while also providing more driver comfort than full bucket seats.
These easy-access seats draw on the experience of technologies acquired through years of top-level motorsports testing. The MS-Z includes step-less recliner, lumbar support pad insertion, a high grip side support, a long and deep seat cushion.
Be aware that Recaro seat rails are required to install these seats in your Miata.
Best Racing Seats for Miatas
Racing seats use a thin pad backed by a stiff seat core, making them less comfortable than sport seats.
They are snug but incredibly safe and durable. Do note if you are buying these for competition use, that you’ll want to check their safety certifications.
Sparco Circuit Racing Seat
Manufacturer: Sparco
Frame Type: Aramadic Reinforced Fiberglass
Seat Material: Fire Retardant Fabric
Weight: 17.2 lbs
Shoulder Width: 22.83″
Base Width: 18.89″
Check Prices: Amazon | Enjuku Racing
The Sparco Circuit Racing Seat is an ultra-light, competition seat specifically designed for circuit use. It’s made from aramadic fibers-reinforced fiberglass, with an ultra-light shell. It includes integrated bolsters to protect the head and a unique seat design that helps separate the driver’s legs.
This seat can be used with a HANS device.
The shell is wrapped in an impact-absorbing and fire retardant fabric that helps hold the body. It is FIA approved. For the price, this is one of the best racing seats for Miatas that money can buy.
Seibon Carbon Kevlar Type-FC Bucket
Manufacturer: Seibon Carbon
Frame Type: Carbon Fiber Kevlar Weave and Fiberglass
Seat Material: Cloth
Weight: 25 lbs
Shoulder Width: 23″
Base Width: 21.5″
Check Prices: Amazon
Seibon Carbon offers carefully hand-crafted seats constructed with a consistent weave pattern.
Seibon’s production process allows for exceptional carbon/resin ratio, creating high stiffness that also leads to extra strength. This stiffness is what makes the Type-FC one of the best bucket seats for your MX5.
This performance-oriented seat sheds unnecessary weight without sacrificing style. Seibon Carbon is one of the most preferred brands among professional drivers. It comes available in red or black trim.
Sparco Universal Sprint Seat
Manufacturer: Sparco
Frame Type: Aramadic Reinforced Fiberglass
Seat Material: Fire Retardant Fabric
Weight: 19.3 lbs
Shoulder Width: 20.6″
Base Width: 19.5″
Check Prices: Amazon | Enjuku Racing
The Sparco Universal Sprint Seat is the company’s entry level competition seat. It carefully balances safety, styling, and value. It’s made from fire retardant fabric and contrasting quilting.
The Sprint is FIA approved. The fifth and sixth seatbelt holes provide improved safety. The side attachments on the tubular frame are fastened for better positioning. As a fixed seat, this is perfect for weekend racers.
These seats aren’t recommended for people larger than a 34-inch waist, as they’re generally snug.
Bride ZETA IV Race Seat
Manufacturer: Bride
Frame Type: Carbon Aramid or Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP)
Seat Material: Fire Retardant Buckskin
Weight: 15.87 lbs
Shoulder Width: 23.22″
Base Width: 18.5″
Check Prices: Enjuku Racing
The Bride ZETA IV is a racing seat designed with all motorsports in mind. It is a standard fixed back bucket seat, featuring a narrowed-down waistline and stitched ornaments on the shoulder supports. The shell is available in three materials: carbon aramid, superior aramid black, and FRP silver.
The ZETA IV has an abundance of color variations and logo options, so they can suit any car. The seat’s position has been lowered, but not too far to affect sitting position.
It is one of the best-selling racing seats around and is ultra lightweight at only 15.87 lbs.
Takata Race Pro LE Seat
Manufacturer: Takata
Frame Type: Steel
Seat Material: Carbon Fiber Black Spacer Fabric
Weight: 20.6 lbs
Shoulder Width: 22.8″
Base Width: 20.5″
Check Prices: Amazon
The Takata Race Pro LE seat is high backed, fully HANS capable, with increased kidney protection. It’s relieved below the shoulders for to give you plenty of space for arm movement. This allows you to get over the wheel and take control without compromising your sitting position.
The Pro LE is known as one of the most comfortable seats in the industry. If comfort is one of your primary prerequisites, this could be the best Miata racing seat for you.
It comes in two sizes: Standard and Wide (+30mm) to ensure a perfect fit for every driver. It has a 4/5/6-point harness facility, Suede-Tec wear patches, and is built from breathable, cooling spacer fabric. It is FIA approved and weighs 20.6 lbs.
Best Miata Seats For Any Application
Since they’re the component that is literally closest to you, the right seat can make all the difference to your car.
A previously uncomfortable car can be a dream to sit in simply by changing the seat.
Choosing the right seat will will depend on your individual needs. Here are three of our favorites:
- Best Seat for Track Use: Seibon Carbon Kevlar Type-FC Bucket Seat
With its Kevlar design and stiffness, Seibon’s Type-FC is one of the best bucket seats for Miatas. If you’re looking for the most durable, strongest, and longest-lasting seat, go with the Seibon Carbon Type-FC bucket seat. - Best MX5 Seat for Comfort: Mugen MS-Z Semi Bucket Seat
It’s semi bucket design gives it ergonomic driver support and is more comfortable than traditional bucket seats, making it one of the best Miata seats for comfort and driver support. - Best Aftermarket Miata Seat for Value: Corbeau A4 Reclinable Race Seat
When taking price into consideration, the Corbeau A4 is one of the best Miata seats money can buy. It is lightweight, comfortable, and is great for performance. The best of all worlds.
8 comments
Awesome guide, guys. Thanks for putting this together. I’m about to get an NB with stock cloth seats. My problem is that I’m 6’3″ with a freakishly long torso. In an NA, the top of the windshield comes right about even with my forehead. A foamectomy is an option and probably something I’ll try first, but I was wondering what daily drivable seats you’d recommend for getting a driver as low to the floor as possible. Thanks!
Andy have you ever figured this out? Im currently in the market and don’t want to spend more than $1,000 in total for driver and passenger with rails. Im also 6’2 with a really long torso
Buddy Club Racing Spec Sport Reclinable really only 11 pounds?? does this seat sit lower than stock seat height? which seat sits lower? Corbeau A4 Reclinable or Buddy Club Racing Spec Sport Reclinable? i know buddy club makes super low down seat rails
Miata seat pans are lowered in the center to drop you in the seat. Most aftermarket seats are flat bottomed and taller than stock. You can add a lower floor pan to get the seat lower.
Do the Sparco Chrono Roads fit well in the NA? The wings look large.
Does the Sparco Chrono Road Tuner in Large version fit well in a Miata NA ?
Hey, Cory!
Now that the ND MX-5 (and 124 Spider) seats are equipped with sensors and airbags, what are the available aftermarket options and/or how can a replacement seat be adapted to accept OEM equipment?
Hey Greg, did you ever get an answer? I’m in the market for an ND3 and really want the GT, but then I can’t get the Recaro seats. Looking at other options.