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2021 Convertibles

Convertibles offer a fun-in-the-sun motoring experience no other vehicle can. It's a freeing experience: drop the top when the weather is nice, pick a suitably curvy road, and drink in the great outdoors. Some modern convertibles even offer improved heating to make it possible to enjoy their al fresco take on driving in less than ideal weather. The current range of cabriolets also benefits from improved roof construction, making them nearly as quiet and insulating as their tin-topped siblings. In the before times, even everyday economy cars like the Chevrolet Cavalier had a convertible option. The humble Chrysler Sebring was the default drop-top at rental companies all over the country. That's all gone, with the entry point for wind-in-your-hair fun being the (still excellent) Mazda MX-5 Miata. In fact, sports and luxury cars are pretty much the only options in the convertible world these days, but this shrinking segment still has some notable entries at various price and performance points.

Pros and Cons of Convertibles

Pros

  • Unparalleled open-air driving experience
  • Dramatic looks
  • Most tops will raise and lower while on the move
  • Modern tech keeps you warm
 

Cons

  • Shrunken trunk space
  • More expensive than coupe counterparts
  • Not for introverts
  • Much easier to get a sunburn

What’s New in Convertibles for 2020?

Convertibles had a lot of time in the spotlight last year, with many new models debuting or undergoing significant overhauls. Most of these fall into the middle of the market, costing more than the average new-car price but still well under the six-figure mark.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

2020 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible The Corvette launched as a convertible over 65 years ago, and a drop-top model continues to be available with the brand new, eighth-generation model.

SEE ALSO: 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray First Drive Review

Featuring the same 490-horsepower engine as the regular Stingray—or 495 ponies with the sport exhaust—the C8 cabrio ditches the canvas. Yes, America's sports car is now a folding hardtop model. The lightweight top will disappear from view in just 16 seconds, and at speeds of up to 30 mph. Performance is only slightly off the standard the coupe sets, as the convertible lugs around nearly 100 pounds more. Thanks to the standard-fit eight-speed dual-clutch auto, it should still crack off the 0–60 mph run in the low 3s. That's supercar levels of straight-line performance.
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BMW Z4

BMW’s charming two-seater was all-new for 2019. It almost flew under the radar, as its platform mate, the Toyota Supra, garnered the lion's share of the press at launch. That wasn't fair: the new Z4 is back to being more of a sports car after the boulevardier of the previous generation. The top is soft again, saving weight over the heavy, complicated folding item from 2018. The Z4 also launched with more engine options than its Japanese sibling. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powers the sDrive30i, spitting out 254 horsepower to the rear wheels. The sDrive40i uses the trademark BMW inline-six, here producing a very healthy 382 hp.

SEE ALSO: Toyota Supra vs BMW Z4 Comparison: One Platform, Two Very Different Sports Cars

Despite the shared underpinnings, the Z4 and Supra have distinct characters from one another. Zee German is a little softer in its responses, better suited to high-speed sweepers. The engine lineup provides more choice, though the 2021 Supra adopts both of the Z4's engines.
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Mazda MX-5 Miata

We're cheating a bit here: the Mazda MX-5 Miata offers no major updates for 2020 after getting a power bump last year. But as the cheapest two-seater convertible on the market we have to mention it. The 2019 update brought in more tech, while keeping this lightweight roadster a nimble joy to drive. The MX-5 has earned its place as a modern day icon, staying true to its simple, engaging ethos for over 30 years. Having the option of the regular soft-top or RF retractable fastback is just icing on the cake.

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Other Important Convertible Models

If you want a new convertible these days, the majority of them are luxury offerings. BMW, Mercedes, and Audi all offer multiple drop-tops amongst their lineups, from cars as small as the BMW 2 Series to the dramatic Mercedes-AMG GT. Audi's down to just two open-air models now, with the A5/S5 and the TT—though the latter is not long for this world. Porsche still offers the Boxster as well as the 911 Cabriolet. The big news at the Stuttgart manufacturer is the reintroduction of the Boxster Spyder and GTS 4.0, both of which get—you guessed it—a 4.0-liter version of the flat-six engine. If the full 911 Cabriolet experience is a little too far for you, there's also the new 992-generation 911 Targa. It offers open-air motoring with a theatrical disappearing rear glass/hoop section. Those wanting more British thrills can look to the Jaguar F-Type, which also got a redesign for 2020. If your tastes skew more American, the convertible versions of both the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang offer plenty of thrills at comparatively low prices. The only other drop-tops that can beat 'em on price are the afore-mentioned Miata and its Italian sibling, the Fiat 124 Spider. 2019 mini cooper s review

Wait, there's one more: for funky front-drive fun, MINI still offers the convertible version of its smallest model.

What’s Coming in Convertibles?

At some point, the second Tesla Roadster will eventually arrive. It promises even more power than the original as well as more range. The most outrageous claim? Tesla is targeting a 0–60 run that starts with a 1. That's sure to rearrange your organs.

Beyond the traditional sports car drop-tops, there are also the off-roading SUVs. The Jeep Wrangler has long been the poster child here, with the lure of roof– and door-less cruising remaining strong for decades. Ford will return to the space with the much-anticipated Bronco later in 2020.
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11 vehicles found

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Make / Model MSRP Fuel User Rating
2021 Chevrolet Camaro
2021 Chevrolet Camaro
view 15 trims 		$25,000 - $69,000 14/20 mpg
2021 Toyota GR Supra
2021 Toyota GR Supra
view 4 trims 		$42,990 - $54,795 22/30 mpg
2021 BMW Z4
2021 BMW Z4
view 2 trims 		$49,700 - $63,700 22/30 mpg
2021 Audi TT Roadster
2021 Audi TT Roadster
view 1 trims 		$53,900 23/31 mpg
2021 Chevrolet Corvette
2021 Chevrolet Corvette
view 6 trims 		$58,900 - $77,850 15/27 mpg
2021 Porsche 718 Cayman
2021 Porsche 718 Cayman
view 5 trims 		$59,900 - $100,200 16/23 mpg
2021 Jaguar F-TYPE
2021 Jaguar F-TYPE
view 8 trims 		$61,600 - $105,900 16/24 mpg
2021 Porsche 718 Boxster
2021 Porsche 718 Boxster
view 4 trims 		$62,000 - $88,900 19/24 mpg
2021 Porsche 718 Spyder
2021 Porsche 718 Spyder
view 1 trims 		$97,300 16/23 mpg
2021 Aston Martin Vantage
2021 Aston Martin Vantage
view 3 trims 		$146,000 - $161,000 18/24 mpg
2021 Lamborghini Huracan EVO
2021 Lamborghini Huracan EVO
view 4 trims 		$208,571 - $287,400 13/18 mpg
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11 vehicles found

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