The Best Convertibles of 2025

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Last Updated Mar 24, 2025

It's no secret that convertibles' market share isn't what it once was, but there's still nothing quite like putting the top back and feeling the wind in your hair. Happily, there are plenty of desirable drop-tops in today's marketplace, from elemental roadsters to full-featured luxury cruisers. Learn about how we rate vehicles.

Best Mainstream Convertibles


Price Range: $29,530–$42,945

Ranked Models: 4

  1. Mazda MX-5 Miata ($29,530+)
  2. Ford Mustang Convertible ($42,945+)
  3. Mini Cooper Convertible ($33,950+)
  4. Chevrolet Camaro Convertible ($36,900+)

We don't mean the "mainstream" part as an insult; the truth is that these drop-tops offer an impressive range of features and capabilities. But they come from non-luxury brands, so you can expect more reasonable pricing. Maybe. At least to start.

1

MD RATING 8.1/10

2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata driving top view

Mazda MX-5 Miata

  • Base Price: $29,530
  • MPG Combined: 29
  • Horsepower: 181
  • Length: 154.1 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 4.6 cu ft

The Miata stands out in this segment for a number of reasons. It's tiny, for one thing, and it also offers a delightful manual transmission that we strongly recommend. Is there a backseat? Is it at all luxurious? Is it even that fast? No, no and no — but as ever, it's one of those cars that you can't fully appreciate without driving it. Get behind the wheel and you'll feel the magic, too, even if it's not your cup of tea. See Full Details >
2

MD RATING 7.8/10

2025 Ford Mustang GT Convertible 60th Anniversary Package parked front view

Ford Mustang Convertible

  • Base Price: $42,945
  • MPG Combined: 18–26
  • Horsepower: 315–480
  • Length: 189.4 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 11.4 cu ft

The Mustang Convertible graduated from airport-rental status many years ago to become a desirable drop-top in its own right. Trouble is, Ford's pricing it like it's a Lincoln these days. Even the base four-cylinder EcoBoost version costs a bundle, while the V8-powered GT goes head-to-head with European luxury convertibles. See Full Details >
3

MD RATING 7.6/10

2025 Mini Cooper S Convertible parked front view

Mini Cooper Convertible

  • Base Price: $33,950
  • Horsepower: 161–228
  • Length: 152.8 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 5.2 cu ft

This segment certainly has some strong characters, but the Cooper Convertible leads the way if whimsical fun is the top priority. Beyond the adorable styling and the trademark go-kart handling, the drop-top Cooper miraculously provides room for four despite its tiny footprint, while all versions now feature turbocharged four-cylinder power. Excellent fuel economy continues to come standard. See Full Details >
4

MD RATING 7.5/10

2024 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible driving front view

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

  • Base Price: $36,900
  • MPG Combined: 16–20
  • Horsepower: 335–650
  • Length: 188.3–190.2 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 7.3 cu ft

Even in its final year of production for 2024, the Camaro Convertible impresses with its athletic handling and awesome range of optional V8 engines. Sure, it's old, and there's no avoiding its lame-duck status. But a Camaro SS manual convertible? Sign us up, right now. See Full Details >
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Best Small Luxury Roadsters


Price Range: $54,050–$74,900

Ranked Models: 2

  1. BMW Z4 ($54,050+)
  2. Porsche 718 Boxster ($74,900+)

Pint-sized and intimate, these beguiling machines are kind of like motorcycles with doors and four wheels. You don't buy one for the practicality, no doubt, but if it's passion you're after, this segment is a prime target.

1

MD RATING 8.5/10

2025 BMW Z4 M40i parked front view

BMW Z4

  • Base Price: $54,050
  • MPG Combined: 22–28
  • Horsepower: 255–382
  • Length: 170.7 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 9.9 cu ft

If you're considering the Z4, we think it's a no-brainer to shell out for the M40i variant. Packing 382 horsepower into such a tiny package is a recipe for big fun, especially with the top down. Plus, you can get a manual for 2025 if you want one. And here's the clincher: even the M40i costs thousands less than the base four-cylinder 718 Boxster. We simply can't ignore the Z4's superior value in the final tally, despite the fact that, yes, the six-cylinder Boxster GTS 4.0 is an all-time great. Listen, it had better be an all-timer if Porsche's charging effectively 50 percent more for it than what BMW wants for a Z4 with the superb B58 inline-6 under the hood. Summing up, then: if you have a chance to acquire a Boxster GTS 4.0, fantastic, because it's the best version of either car. But the six-cylinder Z4 in particular is a far better value than the four-cylinder Boxsters, and that's ultimately what tipped the scales. See Full Details >
2

MD RATING 8.2/10

2025 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 driving front view

Porsche 718 Boxster

  • Base Price: $74,900
  • MPG Combined: 19–24
  • Horsepower: 300–394
  • Length: 172.9 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 9.7 cu ft

The Boxster-vs.-Z4 battle is as old as this segment, although the Z4 starts being called the Z3 if you go back far enough. But these German lightweight heavies have been swinging at each other for the better part of three decades, and as ever, so much comes down to what's in the engine bay. We take a dim view of the turbo four-cylinder engines in the base Boxster and the Boxster S, finding them laggy and uncomfortably reminiscent of Subaru boxer fours. But if you can stretch for the six-figure 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, boy howdy — that's a future classic and one of the finest sports cars on the planet, full stop. Engine choice notwithstanding, the Porsche maintains its traditional advantages in handling and feel through the corners, although the Z4, which happens to serve as the basis for the Toyota GR Supra, acquits itself just fine. See Full Details >
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Best Compact Luxury Convertibles


Price Range: $58,700–$67,450

Ranked Models: 2

  1. BMW 4 Series Convertible ($58,700+)
  2. Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet ($67,450+)

Generally providing a small but usable backseat and strong but not scintillating acceleration, compact luxury convertibles are designed for drop-top shoppers who need more than two seats but don't demand cutting-edge performance.

1

MD RATING 8.3/10

2025 BMW 4 Series Convertible driving front view

BMW 4 Series Convertible

  • Base Price: $58,700
  • MPG Combined: 28–30
  • Horsepower: 255–386
  • Length: 187.9 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 10.6 cu ft

People often buy convertibles for their curb appeal, and the 4 Series arguably comes up short on that front, thanks to its enormous kidney grilles and somewhat awkward proportions. But its powertrains and technology are undoubtedly at the head of this class. See Full Details >
2

MD RATING 8.1/10

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet driving front view

Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet

  • Base Price: $67,450
  • MPG Combined: 22–26
  • Horsepower: 255–443
  • Length: 191.0 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 9.6 cu ft

It's befuddling that Benz has priced the four-cylinder CLE 300 Cabriolet nearly $10k higher than the BMW 430i Convertible, which is its closest competitor. It's a satisfying luxury convertible, to be sure, but the value factor isn't there. The CLE 450 Cabriolet is pricier still, but to us, it's the only non-AMG CLE convertible worth considering. With the 450's delightful turbo inline-6, you'll be much more likely to feel like you got what you paid for. See Full Details >
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Best Compact Performance Convertibles


Price Range: $67,450–$72,250

Ranked Models: 2

  1. BMW M440i Convertible ($72,250+)
  2. Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet ($67,450+)

Whereas compact luxury convertibles are more about sedate cruising, the open-air four-seaters in this segment want to put a grin on your face with their powerful engines and responsive handling.

1

MD RATING 8.4/10

2025 BMW M440i Convertible driving side view

BMW M440i Convertible

  • Base Price: $72,250
  • MPG Combined: 28–29
  • Horsepower: 386
  • Length: 187.9 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 10.6 cu ft

It's all about the powertrain with the M440i Convertible. Making nearly 400 horsepower and yet capable of well over 30 mpg on the highway, the B58 turbocharged inline-6 is an engineering marvel, and it's paired with probably the best automatic transmission in the business. Sounds pretty good with the top down, too, but does it look good? That's a separate matter. See Full Details >
2

MD RATING 8.1/10

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet driving front view

Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet

  • Base Price: $67,450
  • MPG Combined: 22–26
  • Horsepower: 255–443
  • Length: 191.0 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 9.6 cu ft

If extra performance is what you're looking for, the CLE 450 is the one you want. It commands a significant price premium over the entry-level price shown here, which gets you the four-cylinder CLE 300, but you truly get what you pay for in this case. The 450's turbocharged inline-6 is engineering perfection, delivering exceptional refinement and formidable thrust in equal doses. The base CLE 300 seems overpriced, but we think the 450 is just right. See Full Details >
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Best Premium Luxury Convertibles


Price Range: $75,300–$133,400

Ranked Models: 6

  1. Porsche 911 Cabriolet ($133,400+)
  2. Chevrolet Corvette Convertible ($75,300+)
  3. Lexus LC Convertible ($106,275+)
  4. Mercedes-Benz SL-Class ($111,950+)
  5. BMW 8 Series Convertible ($100,500+)
  6. Jaguar F-Type Convertible ($79,900+)

Check the top of the food chain and you'll find these convertibles, which exist to pamper their occupants in extreme luxury and deliver jaw-dropping acceleration on demand.

1

MD RATING 8.8/10

2025 Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet driving front view

Porsche 911 Cabriolet

  • Base Price: $133,400
  • MPG Combined: 16–21
  • Horsepower: 388–640
  • Length: 178.5–179.3 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 4.8 cu ft

The sheer variety of 911 Cabriolet models sets this German icon apart, from the three-pedal-only Carrera T Cabriolet to the preposterously fast Turbo Cabriolet. Now there's a Hybrid Cabriolet, too, although that's not what it's officially called — the GTS Cabriolet utilizes Porsche's new T-Hybrid powertrain to nip at the Turbo's heels with 532 electrically assisted horses. You can't go wrong here, and there's a case to be made that the 911 Cab is the most sensible car in this class from an investment standpoint, which means its superb driving dynamics and thrilling acceleration are relatively guilt-free pleasures. See Full Details >
2

MD RATING 8.6/10

2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Convertible driving front view

Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

  • Base Price: $75,300
  • MPG Combined: 14–19
  • Horsepower: 490–670
  • Length: 182.3–184.6 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 12.6 cu ft

The drop-top Corvette actually looks better than the coupe, we think, as you get those cool fairings behind the headrests. You also get to hear a glorious V8 soundtrack no matter which of the various 'Vette models you choose. See Full Details >
3

MD RATING 8.5/10

2025 Lexus LC 500 Convertible parked top down front view

Lexus LC Convertible

  • Base Price: $106,275
  • MPG Combined: 18
  • Horsepower: 471
  • Length: 187.4 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 3.4 cu ft

Everything's gonna be alright when the top's down on your LC 500 Convertible and the 5.0-liter V8 is burbling away. This is a classic grand-touring convertible that can hustle along a winding road when the mood strikes, yet has enough luxury and refinement to make long road trips a delight. The killer styling is icing on the cake. If you want one, we can't blame you — so do we. See Full Details >
4

MD RATING 8.1/10

2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 55 driving front view

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

  • Base Price: $111,950
  • MPG Combined: 16–22
  • Horsepower: 416–577
  • Length: 185.2 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 7.5 cu ft

Although the current SL lacks a hardtop for the first time in decades, it generally stays true to this iconic nameplate's reputation as an engineering powerhouse. We'd skip the base four-cylinder AMG SL 43, for sure, but everything else in the lineup is fair game, because there are only V8 engines once you get past the SL 43. We're actually partial to the next-rung-up SL 55, as it delivers plenty of turbo V8 power in a slightly more subtle package than the SL 63. You can't go wrong with any V8-powered SL, though, and that's been true for a very long time. Just don't expect the sports-car reflexes and communication you'll find in certain rivals, but again, that's very on-brand for the SL. See Full Details >
5

MD RATING 7.9/10

2025 BMW M850i xDrive Convertible driving front view

BMW 8 Series Convertible

  • Base Price: $100,500
  • MPG Combined: 19–24
  • Horsepower: 335–523
  • Length: 191.2 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 12.4 cu ft

Maybe it's just us, but shouldn't the 8 Series have sexier styling to justify its position at the top of BMW's lineup? In any case, the available twin-turbo V8 provides a fantastic soundtrack for top-down cruising, so we'll salute BMW for that. See Full Details >
6

MD RATING 7.3/10

2024 Jaguar F-Type convertible top down

Jaguar F-Type Convertible

  • Base Price: $79,900
  • MPG Combined: 18–19
  • Horsepower: 444–575
  • Length: 176.0 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 7.3 cu ft

The F-Type's credentials as a head-turner are not in question, and now that the V8 engine is mandatory for 2024, we can no longer criticize its lesser engines for their lack of sauce. Sadly, there won't be any more F-Types after this year, so if you want a beautiful British drop-top with a snarling V8 — and you don't mind dealing with a tech interface from yesteryear — now's the time to talk to your Jaguar dealer. See Full Details >
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Best Compact High-Performance Convertibles


Price Range: $82,600–$95,300

Ranked Models: 2

  1. BMW M4 Convertible ($95,300+)
  2. Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet ($82,600+)

You've heard of that wind-in-your-hair feeling, but what if you want to maximize the wind in a classic four-passenger layout? You'll need the most power and capability that automakers offer, and that's what you'll find in this segment, which is all about dropping the top and putting the pedal to the metal.

1

MD RATING 8.6/10

2025 BMW M4 Convertible driving front view

BMW M4 Convertible

  • Base Price: $95,300
  • MPG Combined: 18
  • Horsepower: 523
  • Length: 189.1 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 10.6 cu ft

Putting aside the M4's styling, which remains controversial at best, you can't argue with its high-performance bona fides. This is one of the most capable cars in the world, and dropping the top gets you in touch with those capabilities at a visceral level. See Full Details >
2

MD RATING 8.1/10

2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet driving front view

Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet

  • Base Price: $82,600
  • MPG Combined: 22
  • Horsepower: 443
  • Length: 191.0 in
  • Cargo Capacity: 9.6 cu ft

The AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet is a tough one to classify, as it makes significantly more power than the BMW M440i Convertible but doesn't quite operate on the top-shelf M4 Convertible's level. Compared to the M4 and its ilk, the CLE 53 is a bit cheaper but also not quite as extreme, for better or worse. A nice bonus is getting to skip the BMW's wince-inducing styling, although to be fair, the M4 wears the 4 Series' controversial bodywork better than any other variant. See Full Details >
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Next Steps

Top down with tunes blasting on a crisp sunny day — or maybe on a clear night, with the heater blasting alongside the music. The romance and thrill of owning a convertible is unlike anything else, though perhaps boats and motorcycles come close. Treat yourself to some test drives and see which drop-top speaks to you the most. It's a highly personal decision, but the rankings on this page should give you a sense of which automakers are doing convertibles right.

FAQ

The answers to these frequently asked questions are powered by MotorDonkey's ranking methodology and remain valid while published. Because we continuously update our ratings and vehicle data, our answers are subject to change as new information and impressions emerge.

What is the best mainstream convertible?

The best mainstream convertible is the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which has a overall rating of 8.1 out of 10.

What is the best small luxury roadster?

The best small luxury roadster is the BMW Z4, which has a overall rating of 8.5 out of 10.

What is the best compact luxury convertible?

The best compact luxury convertible is the BMW 4 Series Convertible, which has a overall rating of 8.3 out of 10.

What is the best compact performance convertible?

The best compact performance convertible is the BMW M440i Convertible, which has a overall rating of 8.4 out of 10.

What is the best premium luxury convertible?

The best premium luxury convertible is the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, which has a overall rating of 8.8 out of 10.

What is the best compact high-performance convertible?

The best compact high-performance convertible is the BMW M4 Convertible, which has a overall rating of 8.6 out of 10.

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