As sun comes out, car lovers everywhere start dreaming about hitting the road with the wind in their hair. Yes, we’re talking about convertibles!
Granted, with SUVs dominating the sales charts, the convertible market is no longer what it used to be. Still, there are plenty of models to choose from, ranging from the fun and affordable to luxurious and crazy expensive, meaning there’s a new drop-top out there to suit most budgets.
The best part is that a great convertible experience isn’t only about straight-line speed or a big price tag—it’s about the vibe: top-down visibility, the sound of the engine without a roof in the way, and the way even an ordinary drive feels like an occasion.
Why We Picked These Convertibles
In this article, we’ll focus on the new convertible cars I personally think are the coolest, best, and most fun, based on design, performance, innovation, and enthusiast reputation.
I’ve picked cars from different price ranges, so there should be something for everyone. All the specs and prices are found on the manufacturers’ websites, and information about driving dynamics comes from reputable car publications, such as Car and Driver, Top Gear, and others.
Mazda MX-5 Miata — Starting MSRP: $29,530
Let’s be honest, we all knew the Mazda MX-5 Miata would be here, as it’s one of the most recognizable cars ever made. Mazda has long billed the MX-5 as the best-selling two-seat sports car in history, a claim recognized by Guinness World Records, and it currently has very few direct new-car rivals.
Currently in its fourth generation, Mazda has fine-tuned the formula since the first Miata saw the light of day back in 1989. That formula is as simple as it’s genius: take some inspiration from the classic British sports cars from the 1960s and 1970s and add some legendary Japanese reliability. No driving enthusiast in their right mind can turn down an open-top car with a front-mid-mounted naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, a manual transmission, two seats, and rear-wheel drive. It’s perfection!
Jeep Wrangler — Starting MSRP: $32,690
The Jeep Wrangler isn’t your average convertible, but what it lacks in sportiness, it more than makes up for in off-road capabilities. It’s the perfect vehicle for those who want to explore nature and get some fresh air… without actually getting out of the car.
There are multiple trims to choose from, ranging from the Sport to the Rubicon X. The latter is one of the best off-road vehicles straight off the showroom floor. It comes loaded with all the necessary off-road hardware to conquer the wild, such as Dana axles, an electronically disconnecting front anti-roll bar, and locking front and rear differentials. It also has a premium interior with plenty of luxuries and creature comforts.
Ford Bronco — Starting MSRP: $39,995
If you need an off-road-capable SUV with a removable roof, but you’re not feeling the Jeep Wrangler, Ford has an option for you. The Ford Bronco is slightly more expensive than the Wrangler, but in my opinion, it’s also cooler and totally worth it!
Even the base model Bronco is an excellent option, as its 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine produces a very respectable 300 hp, which is sent to all four corners via a 7-speed manual or 10-speed automatic. Spend a bit more on the available Sasquatch Package, and it’ll be even better when you venture off the beaten path, thanks to 35-inch tires, beadlock-capable wheels, electronic locking front and rear differentials, a unique suspension system, and a wider track width.
Ford Mustang Convertible — Starting MSRP: $40,120
The Ford Mustang is now the only traditional American muscle car left on the market. Like its Fastback models, Ford offers the Mustang Convertible in a variety of trims with different engine options to choose from.
The biggest Mustang news for 2025 (other than the Mustang GTD smashing Nürburgring times) is the introduction of the 60th Anniversary Edition, as reported by Ezra Dyer at Car and Driver. Exclusive to the GT models, only 1,965 units will be made, referencing the year Ford introduced the Mustang, although sales actually started in April 1964, but as a 1965 model.
BMW Z4 — Starting MSRP: $54,050
In its latest iteration, the BMW Z4 is more sophisticated than ever, which also means it’s more everyday user-friendly than its predecessors. Many enthusiasts are already well aware of the fact that it’s based on the same platform as the new Toyota Supra, and while some try to frame it like it’s a bad thing, I’ll tell you they’re talking nonsense!
If you want maximum driving pleasure, opt for the Z4 M40i with the Handschalter option (German for handshifter). As reported by Car and Driver, that will give you a sporty car with dynamic handling, a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo engine producing 382 German racehorses, and a manual transmission. There’s also an M-specific aerodynamic package and M Sport brakes, and the interior includes M Sport seats and digital features like the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet — Starting MSRP: $64,350
Not that long ago, Mercedes offered a bunch of convertible cars, but now there’s only the AMG SL and this, the CLE, to choose from. The CLE essentially blends the C Class and E Class convertibles into one, combining both the sportiness of the former and the comfort of the latter.
Mercedes-Benz offers it in 300 4MATIC, 450 4MATIC, and AMG CLE 53 trims. The “entry-level” CLE is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and the CLE450 has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The AMG also has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6, but it produces 443 hp and 413 lb-ft. All the models are assisted by a hybrid system with an electric motor.
Chevrolet Corvette Convertible — Starting MSRP: $75,300
For its latest trick, Chevrolet gave its Corvette a blend that included a mid-engine V8 layout, exotic styling, high-performance, and surprising affordability. In the Stingray, the 6.2-liter V8 makes 490 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With the available performance exhaust, output rises to 495 hp and 470 lb-ft.
Car and Driver reports that the C8 Corvette offers around a third more openness than the targa model when the roof panel has been removed. However, the convertible ‘Vette also has some distinct styling differences, as the C-pillars are turned into flying buttresses.
Porsche 718 Boxster — Starting MSRP: $74,900
In typical Porsche fashion, there are more Boxster variants than you can shake a stick at, and only the geekiest of car nerds can tell the difference between them. For most, the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder will get the job done. It may not have that seductive boxer-6 sound, but with 300 hp, it’ll sprint to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and keep going until hitting the limiter at 171 mph. You’ll want the excellent 6-speed manual, by the way, no matter how good the PDK gearbox is.
The Porsche 718 Boxster has no real rivals. It offers great engines, plenty of power, slick transmissions, and one of the best chassis known to man.
Jaguar F-Type R75 Convertible (Final Model Year 2024) — Starting MSRP: $115,000
Some might say the Jag F-Type is a bit long in the tooth and slightly outdated compared to the competition, but honestly, who cares? This is a stylish and sinister-looking British sports car that growls like a bulldog, but without taking itself too seriously. It’s also in its last year, as the carmaker decided to alienate its established fan base and will go all-in on EVs from now on.
Those who want to turn rubber into tire smoke should check out the F-Type R75. With 575 hp, it’ll launch to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, and those brave enough to keep the loud pedal buried in carpet will see a top speed of 186 mph.
BMW M4 Convertible — Starting MSRP: $96,000
I never thought I’d say this, but since BMW now only offers the four-seater M4 convertible with all-wheel drive, it’s actually a very practical car that can be used year-round. Obviously, practicality is just a bonus, as it was mainly built to be fast.
For 2025, the top-spec BMW M4 Competition Convertible xDrive is equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 engine producing 523 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. When MotorTrend tested it, it reached 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than BMW’s own estimates.
Lexus LC500 — Starting MSRP: $108,300
Lexus may just be the best carmaker in the world right now, but it’s also one of the most underrated. According to Consumer Reports, it’s among the most reliable brands out there, yet many consumers haven’t even heard of the Lexus LC500.
The Lexus LC500 Convertible looks stunning, with a design that carries a perfect balance between aggression and elegance. It’s not all show and no go, either. The Lexus LC500 packs some serious heat in the form of a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 engine churning out 471 hp and 398 lb-ft, along with an eargasmic soundtrack.
Mercedes-AMG SL — Starting MSRP: $113,100
The SL has been a part of Mercedes’ lineup for decades — the original with gullwing doors arrived in 1954. Since then, we’ve seen seven generations, each becoming more advanced and impressive than the one preceding it. SL, meaning Sporty and Light, lost its meaning several generations ago, as the SL kept packing on the pounds, turning into a grand tourer rather than a sports car.
However, AMG is now at the helm of the SL production, and it seems the Germans are serious about whipping the SL back into shape. It has an all-new monocoque and chassis, and in the top version, its 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine pumps out an astonishing 805 hp and 1,047 lb-ft of torque, which can send it to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. Unfortunately, that particular model costs over $200,000.
Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet — Starting MSRP: $135,395
Porsche has spent decades tweaking and perfecting its rear-engined formula, and it shows that journalists are just loving the latest 911 Cabrio. Car Magazine awarded it a solid 5/5 stars, but you know what’s better than that? 10/10, which is exactly what Car and Driver scored it. It’s so good, it’s almost annoying!
I have found one chip in its armor, however. If you want a manual transmission, you’ll have to get the base model Carrera. Then again, it has a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six with 388 hp and sprints to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, and I can’t really think of any real-world scenario where that’s not enough. You win, Porsche! Well played.
BMW M8 Convertible — Starting MSRP: $150,000
BMW’s M8 convertible looks like it’s too big and awkward to be a great sports car, but it’s like the Tyson Fury of the car world, and it packs a serious punch! Keep in mind, it’s built by BMW’s M division, and those guys know how to build a fast and flashy grand tourer. According to BMW, it’s offered as the M8 Competition Convertible, with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 rated at 617 hp in U.S. spec, giving it near-supercar performance.
Zero to 62 mph is dealt with in a mere 3.3 seconds, and the driver has plenty of assists and settings to play with, whether it’s to optimize on-track performance or cross continents in style and comfort.
Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo — Starting MSRP: $193,995
If you want style, it’s hard to beat the Maserati Gran Cabrio. With its effortless swagger, it’s the automotive equivalent of a bespoke suit. Whereas the competition is fighting for your attention and trying to make a statement, the Gran Cabrio is too cool and charismatic for that. It knows people desperately want it, and with good reason.
Hiding beneath its alluring exterior, we find a roaring, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. In the U.S., the GranCabrio launches in Trofeo form with 542 hp, and the all-electric GranCabrio Folgore follows with 750 hp. Still not enough? Well, how about the Folgore with a rather ridiculous 750 hp?!
Aston Martin DB12 Volante — Starting MSRP: $251,825
Aston Martin, a carmaker that’s proudly British, chose to name its convertible “Volante,” which, according to Merriam-Webster, is Italian for “flying.” That’s a bit pretentious, isn’t it? On the other hand, I get how they arrived at that, as the DB12 Volante is practically a road-going private jet.
Under its sleek, vented hood, there’s a twin-turbo 4.0-liter AMG-derived V8 that fires 671 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque straight to the rear axle via an 8-speed automatic. There was a time when that kind of power would result in endless tire smoke, but thanks to English wizardry (and modern technology), it now translates into a 3.6-second 0-60 mph sprint and a 202 mph top speed. See what I meant when I called it a road-going private jet? This thing will let you cross continents in no time, and you’ll look stylish while doing so.
McLaren Artura Spider — Starting MSRP: $273,800
Over the years, McLaren has become known for using massively powerful V12 and V8 engines, but the McLaren Artura is different! The Artura is the first McLaren hybrid to use a V6, and McLaren quotes up to 21 miles of EV-only range on the EU WLTP cycle, while the EPA figure is 11 miles. Don’t worry, it’s still as fast as we’d expect a McLaren to be, and the brand says their focus was on making it a fun driver’s car.
Looking at the specs, we believe them. Its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and electric motor produce more power than you can realistically use in most real-life scenarios, 690 hybrid horses, to be exact. With a 205 mph top speed, the Artura is faster than many of the British carmaker’s V8-powered models.
Ferrari Roma Spider — Starting MSRP: $279,965
In my opinion, the Ferrari Roma is the most breathtakingly gorgeous car to emerge from Maranello in a long time. Sure, there are other models with more aggressive styling, but the Roma just looks… right! While its front-engined, drop-top predecessors had a retractable hardtop, Ferrari ditched that in favor of a traditional fabric roof. However, I don’t think most people will miss it anyway.
Under the hood, the Roma has a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8, housing 612 horses and 561 pound-feet of torque, which is sent to the rear end via an 8-speed DCT gearbox. More importantly, in true Ferrari fashion, it emits a glorious soundtrack we could listen to all day.
Bentley Continental GTC — Starting MSRP: $323,550
If opulent luxury is your thing, look no further than the Bentley Continental GTC. The regular Bentley Continental is among the best GT cars money can buy, and the convertible option adds endless headroom. What more could you possibly need if you’re looking to cruise from coast to coast in style and utter comfort?
It’s not all show and no go, either! Bentley says its new V8 hybrid powertrains are supremely capable, and the Ultra Performance Hybrid, which is available on the most powerful models, produces an astonishing 771 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.
Ferrari 296 GTS — Starting MSRP: $379,950
Ferrari says its 2025 296 GTS is the “epitome of driving pleasure,” and looking at it, they may be right. This is a high-performance, open-top, plug-in hybrid supercar, featuring a folding hardtop roof that can be operated in just 14 seconds.
Underneath its breathtaking exterior, we find the same powertrain as the 296 GTB coupe, meaning a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that’s combined with an electric motor and a 7.45-kWh battery pack, for a total of 818 hp. Being a Ferrari, it also has an eye-watering price tag.
Feel the Wind in Your Hair
While convertibles aren’t as popular as they once were, there are still quite a few of them available, and they’re, arguably, better and more capable than ever. As you can see, it’s possible even for us mere mortals to get behind the wheel of one, and on the right road, the entry-level Miata can make you smile just as much as the ridiculously priced Ferrari 296 GTS.
Let us know in the comments if you feel like there are other models that should be included in this article.