2021 Convertibles
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

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.BMW Z4

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.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.
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.

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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Recent Convertible Reviews
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2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4 Review: Performance Theater
I’m a simple man: if you give me a car capable of dropping its roof, so long as there’s no rain or snow, I’m going to drive it top-down. To that end, you will find no top-up photos of the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa here. I didn’t care that it was deep into fall when…
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2020 Porsche 718 Spyder Review: …and Nothing Else Matters
I decided to get back into cycling this year.
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2021 Lexus LC Convertible Review: A Future Classic
I’m not embarrassed to admit how long it takes me to drop the top when I pick up the 2021 Lexus LC convertible.
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2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review: Ooh-Ooh What a Feeling
Have you ever wondered why there are so many romantic comedies in the world?
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2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs 2020 Toyota 86 Comparison
The joy in editor Sebastien Bell’s face is clear from 50 yards away. It’s a no-Insta-filter-necessary sort of Monday morning, and he’s practically floating in his seat as the red convertible rolls my way. Is this affordable sports car head-to-head over before it’s even begun?
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2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost High-Performance Package Review
“This is good,” I thought to myself about two minutes after swapping seats with my drive partner and settling in behind the wheel. “This is extremely good.”
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View All Videos Recent Convertible Videos



Top 10 Best Convertibles: 2019 – The Short List
No matter your budget, there’s a convertible for every type of driver.-
2019 McLaren 600LT Spider Review Longer, Lighter, Faster and track worthy, this drop top is a dream.
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Limited Edition Mazda MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Model Revealed Happy Birthday, Miata!
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2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder Review The perfect combination: lots of speed and drama with plenty of grip.
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Confirmed: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster On the Way Not that we’re surprised by this official confirmation.
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Recent Convertible News
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2022 Mini Cooper Hardtop and Convertible get Facelift, More Tech
2 Door, 4 Door, and Convertible all benefit from the second facelift for the lineup.
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2021 Porsche Boxster 25 Celebrates a Quarter-Century of 2-Seater Goodness
The limited-edition model uses a 394-horsepower flat-six; just 1,250 examples will be available.
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AutoGuide’s Most Popular Car Reviews of 2020
These are the reviews (and comparisons) you read the most this year. Go you!
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Ford Extends Bronco Sasquatch Package to Manual Transmission
Response to customer demand expands Sasquatch package availability to the row-your-own Bronco.
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Top 10 Best Honda Cars
If Honda does not race, there is no Honda — Soichiro Honda (Founder, Honda Motor Co.)
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Jeep Wrangler 392 Rubicon is a V8-Powered Tease of What Could Come
A V8-powered Wrangler could be coming to a dealership near you soon.
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