There’s nothing quite like enjoying the open air with the top down, and today’s market offers a variety of convertibles that cater to a broad spectrum of tastes and budgets.
Whether you’re seeking an affordable, fun ride or a high-performance vehicle, there’s a selection of open-top cars that allow you to embrace the thrill of driving outdoors.
Our list features vehicles with both softtops and retractable hardtops, although the latter are becoming increasingly rare.
We’ve compiled our top choices of roadsters, convertibles, and cabriolets, ranked from the least to most expensive.
1. 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Price: $30,170
The latest version of the Miata, the ND2-generation MX-5, continues the tradition of being a true roadster. It comes with a standard softtop, but you can also opt for a unique hardtop convertible, the Retractable Fastback (RF).
The RF helps reduce cabin noise and adds a distinctive roofline without compromising the essential qualities that make the MX-5 one of the finest sports cars on the market. It’s also an excellent track car.
2. 2025 Ford Mustang
Price: $41,615
While the Mustang has become more expensive over the years, it remains an exceptional performance value.
For less than $60,000, you can own a 480-horsepower convertible that can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 5.0 seconds.
That’s fast by any standard, but with the top down, it feels even faster. If the price is a concern, the EcoBoost Mustang convertible starts just over $40,000.
Variety continues to play a crucial role in the success of the 2025 Mustang, which is offered in several performance tiers, ranging from a 315-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder to a 480-hp 5.0-liter V-8 engine.
For those seeking more power, the 500-hp Mustang Dark Horse adds an even more aggressive option.
The latter two engine variants can be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as an alternative to the standard 10-speed automatic, while the turbo four-cylinder is only available with an automatic transmission.
The 2025 model also brings back the classic fastback coupe and soft-top convertible body styles. Of course, staying true to Mustang’s heritage, it continues to embrace the tradition of offering special edition models.
3. 2025 BMW Z4
Price: $55,225
The current BMW Z4 is a bit of a rarity in today’s automotive landscape: it’s available exclusively as a convertible from BMW, though the same platform is used for the Toyota Supra, which comes as a coupe.
The Z4 starts with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but you can upgrade to a 382-hp turbocharged six-cylinder.
For 2025, BMW also offers a manual transmission with the six-cylinder engine, available through the “Handschalter” package, which means “hand shift” in German.
4. 2025 BMW 4-Series / M4 Convertible
Price: $59,875 (4-series) / $96,475 (M4)
The 4-series convertible offers a range of options, from the four-cylinder 430i to the six-cylinder M440i, and the high-performance M4 at the top of the lineup.
All models feature a four-seat configuration and come equipped with BMW’s latest technology. However, the driving experiences intensify as you move up the range.
In its convertible form, the M4 is exclusively available as the powerful Competition variant, producing 523 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard xDrive all-wheel drive.
As the two-door version of the highly regarded 3-Series sedan, the BMW 4-Series has big shoes to fill. Fortunately, its powertrains live up to expectations.
The 430i model is equipped with a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which has undergone several updates for the 2025 model year, including the addition of a 48-volt hybrid system that enhances its low-speed responsiveness.
Meanwhile, the M440i features BMW’s latest turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which delivers an impressive 386 horsepower and is also supported by a 48-volt hybrid system, combining smoothness and strength.
5. 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
Price: $67,600
Mercedes-Benz has replaced its previous E-Class and C-Class cabriolets with the new CLE, which is designed to bridge the gap between the two models.
The CLE offers ample space for four passengers and boasts the luxury and refinement you’d expect from a Mercedes.
The CLE 300 comes with a standard turbo-four engine, while the CLE 450 features a more powerful inline-six. AMG versions, including the 443-hp CLE 43, will be available soon.
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE offers a smooth, quiet, and stable ride, making it an ideal choice for cruising.
However, it loses some of its charm on winding roads and uneven surfaces, with steering that feels disconnected and brakes that lack responsiveness. While it excels in relaxed driving situations, it is not the most agile option in its class.
The CLE comes with three powertrain options: the base CLE 300, which is powered by a 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine; the CLE 450, featuring a 375-horsepower inline-six; and the AMG CLE 53, which enhances the same engine to produce 443 horsepower.
All models are equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, improving performance and helping maintain the vehicle’s smooth, composed driving experience.
6. 2025 Porsche 718 Boxster
Price: $76,895
While the Porsche 911 often takes the spotlight, the Porsche 718 series—now offered in both 718 Boxster roadster and 718 Cayman coupe variants—is also a formidable sports car.
The 718’s lineage traces back to the 986-generation Boxster from the late 1990s. Today, the mid-engined 718 lineup includes models that range up to the high-performance Cayman GT4 RS, featuring a GT3 engine.
7. Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Price: $76,995
The hardtop version of the Corvette Stingray already features a removable targa roof, but the convertible variant adds an extra level of open-air enjoyment to the driving experience.
The top-opening mechanism in the C8 is more complex than in previous models due to its mid-engine layout, but it doesn’t significantly affect weight or performance.
The Corvette now offers a broader selection of powertrains than ever before, ranging from a naturally aspirated V-8 to the potent hybrid powertrain in the E-Ray, and the high-revving flat-plane-crank V-8 in the Z06.
Additionally, the ZR1 variant delivers an astonishing 1,064 horsepower.
8. BMW 8-Series / M8 Convertible
Base Price: $101,675 (8-series) / $140,975 (M8)
The 8-series convertible leans more towards a relaxed cruiser than a performance sports car, but that doesn’t mean it lacks power.
The six-cylinder 840i and V-8 M850i versions are quick enough, but the real excitement comes with the M8 Competition, which boasts over 600 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive to transfer that power to the road.
The all-wheel-drive system also features a 2WD setting, providing a “drift mode” for tail-out driving fun.
The BMW 8-series adheres to the modern formula for two-door grand touring cars of the 2020s: it boasts a generously sized exterior with bold, sweeping lines, while offering a more cramped experience for rear-seat passengers.
Designed as top-tier, high-speed transport for two, the 8-series competes with models like the Mercedes-AMG SL-class and the Lexus LC.
Available as both a coupe and a convertible, the 8-series is powered by a robust turbocharged inline-six or an optional twin-turbo V-8. The interior features a sleek, refined design, with premium materials used throughout, reflecting the car’s nearly six-figure starting price.
9. 2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible
Price: $107,300
The LC 500 is one of the finest examples of the grand touring concept available today. It combines a commanding, elegant presence on the road with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine.
While it’s not as track-oriented as some competitors, it offers one of the most rewarding driving experiences available.
The latest update even replaces the previous touchpad infotainment system, which was once one of the car’s main drawbacks.
The 2025 Lexus LC500 comes equipped with a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine as standard. This powertrain delivers 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, which is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. The LC500 achieved a 0 to 60 mph time of approximately 4.7 seconds.
The coupe offers fuel economy ratings of 16/24 mpg for city/highway driving, while the convertible version achieves 15/25 mpg. One of the standout features of the LC500 is the distinctive and impressive sound of its V-8 engine, which contributes significantly to its allure.
Lexus employs the “h” designation for its hybrid models, and the LC500h features a 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined system output of 354 horsepower.
The LC500h is equipped with a unique transmission that blends a four-speed automatic with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
10. 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL
Price: $112,850
The latest SL carries a hefty price tag, but it also comes with lofty performance goals. The iconic SL badge has now been transferred to AMG, who have transformed this flagship Mercedes roadster into a high-performance, all-wheel-drive machine.
The SL lineup includes a variety of engines, starting with the six-cylinder SL 43 on the lower end and culminating with the incredibly powerful SL 63 E Performance hybrid at the top.
The 2025 Mercedes-AMG SL-class is a thoroughly updated version of the sleek, dynamic, and elegant design that helped cement the SL’s reputation decades ago.
Since its reintroduction in 2022, the SL-class has been sold exclusively under the AMG brand and now includes a power soft top along with a set of small rear seats, giving it true two-plus-two functionality.
While the soft top is both lighter and more compact than the previous folding hardtop, the rear seats are better suited for storing parcels and small items rather than accommodating full-sized passengers.