Mazda MX-5 Cabrio 2.0 Driving Review in Tenerife

Tenerife is an island of dramatic contrasts, offering everything from sun-baked coastal highways to misty alpine ascents within a single hour of driving. We wanted to know how a classic lightweight sports car handles this diverse terrain. To find out, we took the Mazda MX-5 Cabrio 2.0 for a comprehensive drive across the island, testing it on the most demanding routes we could find.

The MX-5 has a reputation for pure driving joy, but navigating a volcanic island requires more than just good balance on a track. We exposed the car to steep gradients, tight cliffside hairpins, and the crowded streets of popular resort towns. Here is our honest assessment of what it is actually like to drive this roadster in Tenerife.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

We started our journey on the TF-1 motorway along the south coast. This road features long fast sweepers and plenty of traffic. With the roof down, the 2.0-litre engine provides more than enough power to merge safely and overtake slower vehicles. Wind noise is noticeable at highway speeds, but the cabin remains surprisingly calm if you keep the windows up. The suspension absorbs expansion joints well, making the southern transit comfortable rather than punishing.

Things get much more interesting when you turn inland onto the TF-21, climbing towards Mount Teide. As the elevation increases towards 2,100 metres, the air gets noticeably thinner and the temperature drops sharply. We had to roll up the windows and crank the heater to keep the top down. The naturally aspirated engine loses a tiny fraction of its punch in the thin air, but the chassis comes alive. The steering is incredibly precise, allowing you to place the front wheels exactly where you want them on the sweeping mountain curves. The suspension keeps the car flat, and the crisp throttle response helps you power out of the corners. If you prefer shifting your own gears to keep the revs high, the manual 2.0 L, 2 seats variant is an absolute joy on this ascent.

The real test of the MX-5 came on the TF-436 heading into Masca. This road is infamous for its extremely narrow cliff hairpins and blind corners. Here, the small footprint of the Mazda is a massive advantage. While drivers in large SUVs have to reverse to let oncoming buses pass, the MX-5 squeezes through gaps with ease. The tight turning circle and excellent visibility over the low bonnet make navigating the steep, first-gear switchbacks much less stressful than it would be in a wider vehicle. For those who want a slightly softer power delivery on these tricky roads, the manual 1.5 L, 2 seats model is also very capable, though we appreciated the extra torque of the larger engine on the steepest climbs.

Finally, we took the car to the Anaga forest roads in the north. These routes are often damp, twisty, and misty, demanding respect from any driver. The rear-wheel-drive setup of the MX-5 requires a gentle right foot on wet leaves, but the feedback through the steering wheel tells you exactly how much grip is available. The short wheelbase allows it to pivot around tight corners, while the excellent headlights cut through the sudden patches of fog that roll off the Atlantic. It is an immersive experience that a closed-roof car simply cannot replicate.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

This car shines brightest on the twisty, challenging roads that define the interior of Tenerife. The lightweight construction means it changes direction eagerly, and the brakes never feel overworked, even on long downhill stretches from Teide. It turns a simple drive into a memorable event. You feel connected to the environment, smelling the pine forests and feeling the temperature changes as you change altitude.

However, we must be honest about its drawbacks. The MX-5 is not a grand tourer. If your itinerary involves spending hours on the TF-1 motorway, the road noise and firm ride might become tiring. The cabin is snug, which is great for driving dynamics but less ideal if you are particularly tall. Furthermore, the low seating position means your view is often blocked by the concrete barriers on the highway, and you will find yourself staring at the door handles of passing SUVs.

Practical notes

Driving in the resort areas of Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Americas brings its own set of challenges. The streets are busy, and parking is notoriously tight. The compact dimensions of the MX-5 are a lifesaver here. We easily slotted into parallel spaces that larger rental cars had to abandon. Navigating the narrow, one-way streets near the beaches is simple when you know exactly where the corners of your car are. Just be mindful of the blue-line meters, as parking enforcement in the resorts is strict and efficient. If you want to avoid working a clutch in stop-and-go resort traffic, you might consider the automatic 2.0 L, 2 seats version, which makes city driving effortless.

Fuel economy is surprisingly good for a sports car, provided you are not constantly revving it to the redline in second gear. Petrol stations are plentiful along the coast, but they become scarce in the mountains. We highly recommend filling up in Vilaflor or Santiago del Teide before tackling the high-altitude routes.

Luggage space is the most significant practical limitation. The boot is small and awkwardly shaped. It will hold two soft weekend bags or a couple of backpacks, but a large hard-shell suitcase simply will not fit. This car suits couples or solo travellers who pack light and prioritize the driving experience over utility.

Verdict

The Mazda MX-5 Cabrio 2.0 is not the most practical car you can drive in Tenerife, but it is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding. It turns the island into a playground, making every journey from the coastal resorts to the volcanic peaks an event to look forward to. The narrow roads of Masca and the sweeping curves of Teide feel as though they were paved specifically for this car. If you can live with the limited luggage space and snug cabin, it offers an unforgettable way to explore the diverse landscapes of Tenerife.

Where to book the Mazda MX-5 Cabrio 2.0 in Tenerife

If this one sounds like your kind of drive, you can check dates and prices for the Mazda MX-5 Cabrio 2.0 hire in Tenerife directly. Prefer to compare first? Browse all Mazda rentals in Tenerife, convertible car hire in Tenerife, car hire in Tenerife.