Top 10 Roadsters 2027 — Best Overall + Best Value

How We Ranked the Top 10

Rankings consider driving dynamics, performance, open-top experience, build quality, reliability, and price-to-performance ratio. Sources include automotive publications, manufacturer specifications, and expert reviews.

1. Porsche 718 Boxster 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: Approximately $74,995 | Best for: Enthusiasts seeking benchmark handling

The Porsche 718 Boxster features a mid-engine layout with a choice of a 2.0-liter turbo flat-four (300 hp) or a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six in the GTS 4.0 (394 hp) and Spyder RS variants. A base Boxster accelerates 0–60 mph in about 4.7 seconds; the GTS 4.0 achieves 4.0 seconds with a top speed of 182 mph. Available with either a PDK automatic or six-speed manual transmission, the cloth top operates in approximately 9 seconds. Twin trunks provide 9.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

Pros:

• Mid-engine balance and precise steering
• Available naturally aspirated flat-six engine
• Manual transmission option
• Practical cargo space for a roadster

Cons:

• Options can significantly increase price
• Four-cylinder engine lacks the character of the flat-six

Verdict: The Boxster offers the best handling in its class without approaching supercar pricing.

2. Mazda MX-5 Miata 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: Approximately $30,515 | Best for: Pure driving fun at minimal cost

The Mazda MX-5 Miata uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, paired with a curb weight of approximately 2,350 pounds. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with an automatic optional. EPA fuel economy is around 30 mpg combined. The soft-top drops manually in seconds, while the RF model features a power retractable hardtop.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price among roadsters
• Lightweight construction for exceptional agility
• Standard manual transmission
• Excellent fuel economy and reliability

Cons:

• Modest power output
• Limited interior and cargo space

Verdict: The Miata delivers more driving enjoyment per dollar than any other roadster on the market.

3. BMW Z4 sDrive M40i

Starting MSRP: Approximately $66,300 | Best for: Grand touring with power and comfort

The BMW Z4 sDrive M40i uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0–60 mph in about 3.9 seconds. A six-speed manual transmission is available on the M40i. The soft top folds in approximately 10 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. The cabin offers a more luxurious grand-touring experience than more focused competitors.

Pros:

• Powerful turbocharged inline-six engine
• Available manual transmission
• Comfortable, well-appointed interior
• Quick power-operated soft top

Cons:

• Less steering feel than mid-engine rivals
• Limited trunk space

Verdict: A comfortable, powerful roadster that balances performance with daily usability.

4. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

Starting MSRP: Approximately $72,895 | Best for: Supercar performance at a sports-car price

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible features a 6.2-liter LT2 V8 engine producing 495 hp with the Z51 package, achieving 0–60 mph in about 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 194 mph. The mid-engine layout and power-folding hardtop (stows in 16 seconds at up to 30 mph) provide exotic car capability. Front and rear trunks total 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic is the only transmission.

Pros:

• V8 power with supercar acceleration
• Mid-engine exotic layout
• Power-folding hardtop with useful cargo space
• Exceptional performance for the price

Cons:

• No manual transmission option
• Wide body may be challenging in tight spaces

Verdict: The Corvette Convertible offers genuine supercar performance at a fraction of the cost of European alternatives.

5. Mercedes-AMG SL 63

Starting MSRP: Approximately $140,150 | Best for: Luxury grand touring with all-weather capability

The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, with standard 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering. It achieves 0–60 mph in about 3.5 seconds. A fabric power soft top drops in approximately 15 seconds. The cabin includes a 2+2 seating layout and luxurious materials.

Pros:

• Powerful twin-turbo V8 with AWD
• Rear-wheel steering enhances handling
• Luxurious interior with 2+2 seating
• All-weather capability rare among roadsters

Cons:

• Heavy compared to focused sports cars
• High price with expensive options

Verdict: The most comfortable and capable all-weather roadster available.

6. Aston Martin Vantage Roadster

Starting MSRP: Approximately $202,500 | Best for: British style and V8 drama

The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster uses a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 656 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0–60 mph in about 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph. The fabric roof retracts in approximately 6.8 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. The interior features hand-finished leather and bespoke craftsmanship.

Pros:

• Powerful twin-turbo V8 engine
• Fastest power-roof operation in class
• Hand-crafted British interior
• Distinctive styling and exhaust note

Cons:

• Premium pricing above German rivals
• Less track-focused than mid-engine competitors

Verdict: A blend of British craftsmanship and serious performance for those who value style and presence.

7. Maserati MC20 Cielo

Starting MSRP: Approximately $262,000 | Best for: Mid-engine exotic with innovative glass roof

The Maserati MC20 Cielo features a 3.0-liter Nettuno twin-turbo V6 producing 621 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0–60 mph in about 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 199 mph. The electrochromic retractable glass roof can switch between opaque and clear at the touch of a button, stowing in approximately 12 seconds. Carbon-fiber construction keeps weight low.

Pros:

• Powerful twin-turbo V6 with rapid acceleration
• Innovative dimmable glass roof
• Lightweight carbon-fiber construction
• Lower price than Ferrari and McLaren alternatives

Cons:

• Limited dealer network
• Minimalist cabin for the price point

Verdict: A true mid-engine exotic with a unique glass roof feature at a relative value among supercars.

8. Lotus Emira

Starting MSRP: Approximately $104,500 | Best for: Purists seeking analog driving feel

The Lotus Emira offers a choice of a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 (400 hp, 317 lb-ft) with a six-speed manual, or a 2.0-liter AMG turbo four (400 hp) with an automatic. The V6 manual achieves 0–60 mph in about 4.2 seconds. While a targa-style coupe rather than a full convertible, the removable roof panel provides open-air driving. Hydraulic steering and a lightweight chassis deliver exceptional feedback.

Pros:

• Supercharged V6 with manual transmission
• Hydraulic steering for pure driving feel
• Lightweight, focused handling
• Striking mid-engine design

Cons:

• Targa roof rather than full convertible
• Small cabin with limited storage

Verdict: The purist's choice for analog steering feel and a manual V6 experience.

9. Ferrari Roma Spider

Starting MSRP: Approximately $273,000 | Best for: Front-engine Ferrari GT with open-top elegance

The Ferrari Roma Spider uses a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 612 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0–60 mph in about 3.3 seconds with a top speed above 199 mph. The fabric soft top—Ferrari's first on a front-engine V8 in decades—folds in approximately 13.5 seconds at speeds up to 37 mph. The cabin features a 2+2 layout with driver-focused controls.

Pros:

• Powerful twin-turbo V8 with rapid acceleration
• Elegant fabric soft-top design
• Usable 2+2 seating layout
• Ferrari badge and exhaust note

Cons:

• Very high price point
• Rear seats best suited for cargo

Verdict: Open-air Ferrari grand touring with real V8 performance and daily usability.

10. McLaren Artura Spider

Starting MSRP: Approximately $278,800 | Best for: Hybrid supercar technology with open-top driving

The McLaren Artura Spider features a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for 690 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0–60 mph in about 3.0 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph. A retractable hardtop stows in approximately 11 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. The battery provides roughly 11 miles of electric-only range.

Pros:

• Powerful hybrid powertrain
• Retractable hardtop with electric-only mode
• Carbon-fiber chassis
• Advanced technology and performance

Cons:

• Highest entry price on this list
• Complex hybrid system may increase long-term costs

Verdict: The most technologically advanced roadster, pointing toward an electrified future.

What to Look For When Buying a Roadster

• Driving feel — Steering feedback, balance, and chassis tuning matter more than raw numbers. The Porsche 718 Boxster, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Lotus Emira excel here.
• Top mechanism — Choose between quick fabric soft tops (Miata, SL, Vantage) and folding hardtops (Corvette, Artura) that offer security at the cost of weight.
• Transmission — Manual options are available on the Miata, Boxster, Z4 M40i, and Lotus Emira V6; most exotics use dual-clutch automatics.
• Daily usability — Cargo space, ride comfort, and cabin storage vary widely. The Corvette (12.6 cu ft) and Mercedes-AMG SL are most livable.
• Reliability and ownership — The Miata offers low ownership costs; exotics carry higher service, tire, and insurance expenses.
• All-weather capability — Most roadsters are rear-wheel drive; the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 offers standard AWD.

FAQ

Which roadster is the best overall for 2027? The Porsche 718 Boxster earns top honors for its mid-engine balance, precise steering, and engine range from 300 hp to 394 hp in the GTS 4.0.

What is the best value roadster? The Mazda MX-5 Miata, starting around $30,515, offers the purest top-down driving experience at the lowest price.

Which roadster is the fastest? The McLaren Artura Spider leads with 690 hp and a 3.0-second 0–60 mph time, closely followed by the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible at 2.9 seconds.

Which roadsters offer a manual transmission? The Mazda MX-5 Miata, Porsche 718 Boxster, BMW Z4 sDrive M40i, and Lotus Emira V6 offer manual gearboxes.

Are roadsters practical for daily driving? The Miata, Corvette Convertible, and Mercedes-AMG SL are the most livable options with decent cargo space and comfort.

Which roadster is best in all weather? The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 with standard 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive offers the best all-weather capability among roadsters.

Bottom Line

The Porsche 718 Boxster is the Best Overall roadster for 2027, offering mid-engine handling, steering feel, and engine choices from 300 hp to 394 hp. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the Best Value, delivering pure top-down joy at an accessible price. For supercar performance, the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible provides exceptional value. The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 offers luxury and all-weather capability, while the Ferrari Roma Spider, Maserati MC20 Cielo, and McLaren Artura Spider represent the exotic end of the market. Choose based on feel, weight, and open-air experience rather than headline horsepower figures.

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Sources

1. Car and Driver — Roadster and sports car reviews
2. MotorTrend — Convertible buyer's guides and specs
3. Edmunds — Vehicle pricing and reviews
4. Kelley Blue Book — Pricing and ownership data
5. U.S. News — Best convertible rankings
6. Porsche USA — 718 Boxster specifications
7. Mazda USA — MX-5 Miata specifications
8. Chevrolet — Corvette Stingray Convertible
9. EPA — Fuel economy ratings
10. IIHS — Vehicle safety ratings