Mazda MX-5 Hire in Tenerife: All Three Models (RF 1.5, 2.0 Manual & Automatic)

Looking to rent a Mazda MX-5 in Tenerife? You’ve found the only company on the island that offers all three MX-5 models: the retractable-hardtop RF 1.5, the purist 2.0 manual, and the effortless 2.0 automatic.

Most Tenerife rental companies list one convertible, if any. At CARZRENT you get to choose the exact character of roadster you want – and on an island with roads like these, that choice genuinely changes your holiday. This guide covers what each model is like to drive, what MX-5 hire costs in Tenerife, and the roads worth booking one for – or jump straight to our full Mazda MX-5 range in Tenerife.

Why rent a Mazda MX-5 in Tenerife?

Tenerife may be the best roadster island in Europe. The roads are immaculate and completely toll-free. The TF-1 sweeps along the south coast in long open curves. Inland, the TF-21 climbs to the Teide caldera at 2,100 metres through pine forest and lava fields on tarmac that could host a rally stage. And then there’s Masca – a ribbon of cliff-edge hairpins that a big SUV bullies through and a small roadster simply dances.

Then the weather: 22°C in January. Roof-down driving here isn’t a short summer window, it’s the default setting all year.

The MX-5 is the car this island was waiting for – light, rear-wheel drive, small enough for village streets, and honest in a way most modern performance cars have forgotten. On Tenerife you don’t need 500 horsepower. You need feel.

The three Mazda MX-5 models we rent in Tenerife

1. Mazda MX-5 RF 1.5 – the style pick

The RF (Retractable Fastback) is the one people photograph before they’ve even driven it. The flying buttresses give it a silhouette closer to a mini-supercar than a soft-top, and the hardtop folds away in about 13 seconds at up to 10 km/h – open it as the lights change, close it when the Atlantic reminds you it’s an ocean.

The 1.5-litre engine is the connoisseur’s choice. It’s not about outright speed, it’s about how willingly it revs and how sweetly it flows down a mountain road. On the TF-436 to Masca, where you rarely need third gear, the 1.5 is arguably the more joyful car. The hardtop also means a quieter cabin – better for the hour-long run to Puerto de la Cruz.

Best for: couples, photographers, anyone who wants the most striking car in the car park.
Check availability for the MX-5 RF 1.5 →

2. Mazda MX-5 2.0 manual – the driver’s pick

If you believe a sports car needs three pedals, this is your car. The 2.0-litre brings real pace – enough to make TF-1 overtakes trivial and the climb to Vilaflor genuinely quick – and the six-speed manual is widely considered the best gearbox on sale: short, mechanical, precise, with a throw measured in centimetres.

On the switchbacks up to the caldera, working that gearbox is the experience. You arrive at 2,100 metres grinning, having actually driven rather than been transported.

Best for: keen drivers, Teide and Masca days, anyone who’s owned a sports car before.
Check availability for the MX-5 2.0 manual →

3. Mazda MX-5 2.0 automatic – the stress-free pick

Here’s something many rental companies won’t tell you: if you’re not confident with a manual, a manual will spoil your holiday. Hill starts in Los Cristianos, stop-start traffic in Las Américas at 6pm, an unfamiliar clutch on an unfamiliar island – that’s stress, not fun.

The 2.0 automatic removes all of that while keeping everything that matters: the same eager engine, the same rear-wheel-drive balance, the same roof-down theatre. You can hand the keys to anyone in your group and simply go. Automatics are also the first cars to sell out in Tenerife, so book early.

Best for: first-time visitors, mixed-driver groups, anyone who wants the fun without the clutch.
Check availability for the MX-5 2.0 automatic →

Which Mazda MX-5 should you choose?

How much does it cost to rent a Mazda MX-5 in Tenerife?

Convertible and sports car hire in the Canary Islands is significantly cheaper than mainland Europe – lower vehicle duty, no tolls, and year-round supply. Realistic 2026 rates, booked in advance:

Rates drop for longer rentals and rise sharply in peak months (July-August, December-February). Because we hold a limited number of each model, MX-5s are typically booked out weeks ahead in season.

The three drives to plan before you land

The coast run (about an hour). TF-1 west from Tenerife South Airport to Los Gigantes, then the TF-47 along the cliffs. Do it late afternoon, roof down, sun dropping into the Atlantic.

Teide at sunrise (1h15). Leave the coast at 7am, climb the TF-51 through Vilaflor while the island sleeps, and arrive in the caldera as the light hits. Bring a jacket – it’s 15-20°C colder up there.

Masca (a slow, glorious hour). The TF-436 hairpins down into the gorge. Take your time, use the miradors to let traffic past, and be quietly grateful you’re in something small.

Frequently asked questions

Can I rent a Mazda MX-5 at Tenerife South Airport?

Yes. All three MX-5 models can be collected at Tenerife South Airport (TFS), or delivered to your hotel or villa anywhere on the island.

Is the MX-5 automatic or manual?

We offer both. The 2.0 is available as a manual or an automatic, and the RF 1.5 is a manual. If you’re not fully comfortable with a manual on unfamiliar roads, take the automatic – it’s the same car to enjoy, minus the clutch.

What’s the difference between the MX-5 and the MX-5 RF?

The standard MX-5 has a fabric soft-top; the RF has a retractable hardtop with fastback styling. The RF is quieter at speed and more secure when parked, and many people simply prefer how it looks.

How old do I need to be to rent an MX-5 in Tenerife?

Sports and convertible models usually require the driver to be 25 or over with a full licence held for several years, plus a credit card for the deposit. Check the terms on the specific car when booking.

Is an MX-5 practical for a Tenerife holiday?

For two people, yes. The boot takes two soft bags or a large case, which covers a normal week. It is a two-seater, so if you’re a family of four you’ll want an SUV or estate instead – or rent the MX-5 for a day or two as a treat.

Can I drive an MX-5 up Mount Teide?

Absolutely, and it’s one of the best drives on the island. Every road to the caldera is fully paved. Go early, take a jacket, and watch the speed cameras on the way up.

How far in advance should I book?

As early as your dates are confirmed. We hold a limited number of each MX-5 model and they’re among the most requested cars in the fleet – in peak season they’re gone weeks ahead.

Book your Mazda MX-5 in Tenerife

Three models, one island built for them – and only one company that lets you pick. Compare live prices and availability for your dates: MX-5 RF 1.5, MX-5 2.0 manual, or MX-5 2.0 automatic.

Or browse every Mazda MX-5 we rent in Tenerife on one page, with live prices for your dates.

Free cancellation, transparent pricing, no desk surprises. Explore the rest of our luxury and sports car fleet in Tenerife, or see all car rental in Tenerife.

The only question left is which one you drive first.