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.
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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
Convertible SUVs
Not all convertibles are sports and/or luxury cars. Some SUVs enjoy a bit of top-down fun-in-the-sun as well. For years this has been the domain of the Jeep Wrangler which can have the top and doors removed for the ultimate in open air motoring on and off road. A wide variety of choices still exist for the vehicle including 2 or 4 door body styles, a plethora of trim levels and a multitude of drivetrain configurations. There is even now a plug-in hybrid edition of the Wrangler.
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Not wanting Jeep to have all the fun, this year Ford resurrected the storied Bronco nameplate. The new SUV basically mimics the Wrangler model line up, albeit in a slightly larger package. Available in two and four door body styles, of course the Bronco can also have the roof and doors removed. Already there are many Bronco trim levels to rival that of the Wrangler and later this year a special highly off-road capable Bronco Raptor will arrive.What’s New in Convertibles for 2022?
BMW M4 Convertible
Last year BMW introduced a new 4 Series in coupe, gran coupe and convertible body styles. This year the iconic M4 arrives in both coupe and convertible body styles. Unlike the M4 coupe, the convertible is only available in one trim level - the top tier M4 Competition xDrive. This means it comes equipped with a 503 hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. It's all good enough to proper the drop-top from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. And, unlike some of the convertibles on this list, it can seat four passengers.
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Jaguar F-Type Convertible
The Jaguar F-Type received a visual refresh a few years ago and for 2022, it's the drivetrain that is getting a refresh. Gone are all of the engine options, save for a choice of supercharged V8s. Entry level P450 F-Type convertibles receive a 444 hp 5.0-liter V8 and rear wheel drive. The P450 R-Dynamic AWD is equipped with the same engine, but with all-wheel drive as the name suggests.
For those who want a bit more power and a glorious soundtrack to accompany it, there is the F-Type R Convertible with all-wheel drive and a 575 hp version of the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine.
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Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster
The Mercedes-AMG SL-Class nameplate has returned, but it's a bit different than before. For starters, this time time it's a four-seater convertible and includes a soft-top instead of a folding hard top roof. Available in two flavors of AMG trim, the SL 55 Roadster comes equipped with a 469 hp turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine while the SL 63 Roadster comes with a more powerful edition of that engine, producing 577 hp. Think of the car as a companion to the AMG GT roadster with an extra pair of seats in the back.
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MINI Convertible
One of the most affordable convertibles on the market, the MINI Convertible received some styling updates inside and out this year. In Cooper Convertible form, it allows four passengers fun in the sun for not a lot of money. If a bit more performance is wanted, there is the Cooper S Convertible that ups power fro 134 hp to 189 hp. But, for those looking to get a seriously quick MINI, there is the John Cooper Works Convertible complete with a frantic 228 hp turbocharged engine and an incredibly responsive chassis to go along with it.
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Other Highlights from the World of Convertibles
Audi TT Roadster
Audi continues to offer a convertible version of the brand's small TT sports coupe. It can only be had in one trim and lacks a rear seat like its coupe counterparts.
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Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
The mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette was introduced as both a coupe and convertible, giving consumers a choice of body styles. Later this year, the high performance Z06 will also arrive as either a coupe or convertible.
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Ford Mustang Convertible
Ford's venerable pony car wouldn't be the same without a convertible option. Although the Mach 1 and Shelby GT500 cannot be equipped on the convertible body-style, the GT can which is still fantastic with its punchy V8 engine and choice of transmissions.
SEE ALSO: Affordable Sports Cars: 10 Great Choices
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Mazda MX-5 Miata
Is there any car over the past three decades that's more synonymous with the term convertible than the Mazda MX-5 Miata? The plucky little roadster continues to delight drivers and can be had as a soft top or a more targa-like hard top convertible.
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Porsche 911
There aren't many cars in history with a longer or more storied history than the Porsche 911. It continues to be offered as not only a convertible, but also as a Targa with a trick folding hard top roof.
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