Top 10 Convertibles 2027 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

For 2027, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is our Best Overall convertible — no drop-top delivers as much communicative open-air joy per dollar, starting at $34,000. Our Best Value pick is the Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible at $37,000, a genuine four-seat, 315-horsepower drop-top for the price of a loaded crossover.

Below those two, the field runs from the BMW Z4 roadster and mid-engine Porsche 718 Boxster up to the Porsche 911 Cabriolet and V8 Lexus LC 500 Convertible. We weighted open-top driving joy most heavily, because a convertible that isn't fun with the roof down has missed the point.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We scored every car on six factors, weighted as follows:

• Open-top driving joy — 30%: steering feel, chassis balance, exhaust note, and how alive the car feels with the roof stowed.
• Performance — 20%: horsepower, 0-60 mph, braking, and grip.
• Value — 15%: what you actually get for the MSRP relative to rivals.
• Top mechanism and refinement — 15%: soft-top vs retractable hardtop, operating speed, wind and noise isolation when closed.
• Daily usability — 10%: trunk space, cabin tech, comfort, and seating.
• Reliability — 10%: brand track record and ownership reputation.

Sources for specs, pricing, and performance include Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), U.S. News, and each manufacturer's pressroom. MSRPs are base figures excluding destination; trims, options, and markups will move the real number.

1. Mazda MX-5 Miata 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $34,000 | Best for: drivers who want the most smiles per dollar, roof down

The MX-5 Miata remains the purest affordable roadster. Its 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder makes 181 horsepower and revs to 7,000 rpm, hitting 0-60 mph in about 6.4 seconds — modest on paper, thrilling in reality because the car weighs barely a ton. The manually-operated soft top flips up or down from the driver's seat with one hand, and the rear-wheel-drive chassis telegraphs every input through one of the best six-speed manuals on sale.

The trunk is small at roughly 4.6 cubic feet and the infotainment is simple, but neither matters once you find a good road.

Pros:

• Sublime steering and chassis balance unmatched at the price
• Featherweight feel makes ordinary speeds genuinely fun
• One-handed soft top is the simplest mechanism in the class
• Outstanding reliability and fuel economy for a sports car

Cons:

• Tiny trunk and snug cabin for taller drivers
• Only 181 horsepower will feel slow to power-focused buyers

Verdict: The convertible every other roadster is measured against, and still the one to beat.

2. Porsche 718 Boxster

Starting MSRP: $72,000 | Best for: drivers chasing mid-engine balance and a premium badge

The 718 Boxster plants its engine behind the seats for near-perfect weight distribution. The base turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four makes 300 horsepower and runs 0-60 mph in about 4.5 seconds; step up to the GTS 4.0 for a 394-horsepower naturally-aspirated flat-six and one of the great soundtracks in motoring.

The rear-wheel-drive Boxster uses a power soft top that drops in around 9 seconds at speed, and front-and-rear trunks give it more usable cargo room than the Miata. A six-speed manual is available, or the PDK automatic.

Pros:

• Mid-engine balance that feels telepathic in corners
• Two trunks make it surprisingly practical for a sports car
• Available flat-six GTS is one of the best-sounding cars on sale
• Porsche build quality and resale strength

Cons:

• Options inflate the price quickly
• Base flat-four lacks the drama of the six

Verdict: The connoisseur's roadster — buy the manual and never look back.

3. BMW Z4

Starting MSRP: $57,275 | Best for: buyers wanting roadster looks with grand-touring comfort

The Z4 splits the difference between sports car and cruiser, and the M40i now offers a six-speed manual paired to its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six good for 382 horsepower and 0-60 mph in roughly 4.2 seconds with the stick. The entry sDrive30i uses a 255-horsepower turbo four and runs to 60 in about 5.2 seconds.

Power goes to the rear wheels, the soft top raises or lowers in around 10 seconds at low speed, and the cabin pairs BMW's polished tech with supportive seats.

Pros:

• Available inline-six and manual in the M40i is a rare treat
• Long-distance comfort beyond most pure roadsters
• Quick power soft top and refined cabin
• Strong straight-line speed from the six

Cons:

• Steering feel trails the Boxster and Miata
• Six-cylinder M40i climbs near $70,000

Verdict: The everyday roadster — fast, comfortable, and now available with three pedals.

4. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

Starting MSRP: $77,000 | Best for: buyers who want supercar pace and a folding hardtop

The mid-engine Corvette Stingray Convertible brings exotic performance to an attainable price. Its 6.2-liter V8 sends 490 horsepower (495 with the Z51 exhaust) to the rear wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch, and with the Z51 package it cracks 0-60 mph in about 2.9 seconds.

The Corvette uses a power retractable hardtop that stows in roughly 16 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph, so closed-roof refinement rivals a coupe. Usable trunk space front and rear makes it a credible road-trip car.

Pros:

• Supercar acceleration for sports-car money
• Retractable hardtop gives coupe-like quiet when closed
• Two trunks make it road-trip viable
• Naturally-aspirated V8 character that turbos cannot match

Cons:

• Wide footprint and low nose take adjustment in town
• Interior materials trail European rivals at the price

Verdict: The performance bargain of the list — a near-supercar with the roof tucked away on demand.

5. Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $37,000 | Best for: buyers who need real back seats and V8 availability on a budget

The Mustang Convertible is the affordable way into a proper four-seat American drop-top. The turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four makes 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft through a 10-speed automatic, and the GT swaps in a 5.0-liter V8 with 486 horsepower. Power goes to the rear wheels, the insulated soft top powers down in roughly 10 seconds, and you get usable rear seats and a trunk big enough for a real weekend, plus a modern digital cockpit.

Pros:

• Genuine four-seat layout at a two-seater price
• V8 GT available for buyers who want maximum noise
• Strong value — far cheaper than European four-seat rivals
• Modern digital cockpit and easy daily manners

Cons:

• Soft top and rear visibility trail hardtop rivals
• Ride can feel heavy compared with lithe roadsters

Verdict: The most car for the money — a real four-seat, V8-capable convertible that undercuts every European rival.

6. BMW 4 Series Convertible

Starting MSRP: $57,400 | Best for: buyers wanting a premium four-seat drop-top with all-weather polish

The 4 Series Convertible is the refined four-seat choice from Munich. The 430i pairs a 255-horsepower turbo four with a claimed 0-60 mph near 5.5 seconds, while the M440i adds a 386-horsepower turbo inline-six with mild-hybrid assist and rips to 60 in about 4.6 seconds.

Both use an 8-speed automatic; rear-wheel drive is standard and xDrive all-wheel drive is optional. The insulated soft top powers up or down in roughly 18 seconds, and the back seats and trunk make this a genuine four-person tourer.

Pros:

• Available all-wheel drive for year-round use
• Smooth inline-six M440i blends speed and comfort
• Plush, tech-rich cabin and supportive seats
• Four usable seats plus a decent trunk

Cons:

• More cruiser than carver in feel
• M440i pushes past $70,000 with options

Verdict: The all-weather luxury four-seater — the convertible you can actually drive year-round.

7. Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet

Starting MSRP: $62,000 | Best for: buyers prioritizing open-air luxury and four-season traction

The CLE Cabriolet replaces Mercedes' old C- and E-Class convertibles with one elegant four-seater. The CLE 300 uses a 255-horsepower turbo four with 48-volt mild-hybrid assist and runs 0-60 mph in about 6.4 seconds, while the CLE 450 steps up to a 375-horsepower turbo inline-six and a 4.4-second sprint.

4MATIC all-wheel drive is standard, the acoustic soft top opens in roughly 20 seconds at speeds up to 37 mph, and available neck-level heating extends top-down season into cooler months. The cabin is pure Mercedes plush.

Pros:

• Standard all-wheel drive and mild-hybrid smoothness
• Available inline-six with strong, quiet thrust
• Top-down at speed plus neck heating for cool days
• Genuinely luxurious cabin and four seats

Cons:

• Soft top is heavier and pricier than rivals' setups
• Quickly expensive once optioned

Verdict: The open-air luxury cruiser — supremely comfortable, refined, and ready for any season.

8. Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

Starting MSRP: $146,000 | Best for: buyers who want a do-anything icon with no compromises

The 911 Cabriolet sacrifices almost nothing to lose its roof. The base Carrera uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six making 388 horsepower, pushing the rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive car to 0-60 mph in about 3.9 seconds, with Carrera 4 all-wheel-drive variants for added traction.

The power soft top raises or lowers in roughly 12 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph, and the rear seats serve as cargo shelves or space for small children. It rides, handles, and stops like a 911 should — brilliantly.

Pros:

• All-around brilliance with almost no roadster compromise
• Rapid power soft top that works at speed
• Available all-wheel drive for confident all-season use
• Legendary 911 dynamics and resale strength

Cons:

• Pricing climbs sharply with options
• Rear seats are best treated as extra storage

Verdict: The no-excuses icon — a sports car, daily driver, and grand tourer with the roof gone.

9. Lexus LC 500 Convertible

Starting MSRP: $109,300 | Best for: buyers wanting a naturally-aspirated V8 grand tourer with Lexus reliability

The LC 500 Convertible is a rolling sculpture with an old-school heart. Its 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 sings to a high redline, making 471 horsepower and sending it to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic for 0-60 mph in about 4.6 seconds. The power soft top drops in roughly 15 seconds and folds neatly behind the cabin.

This is a grand tourer first, prioritizing serene comfort, a hand-finished interior, and Lexus reliability over outright track pace.

Pros:

• Glorious naturally-aspirated V8 with a real soundtrack
• Stunning design inside and out
• Lexus reliability and quiet luxury rare in this class
• Composed, comfortable grand-touring ride

Cons:

• Heavier and less agile than dedicated sports cars
• Tight back seats and modest trunk

Verdict: The reliability-first grand tourer — the V8 drop-top to keep for a decade.

10. MINI Cooper Convertible

Starting MSRP: $34,600 | Best for: city dwellers who want four seats, style, and the smallest footprint

The MINI Cooper Convertible is the cheeky urban alternative, and the only four-seat drop-top here that rivals the Miata on price. The base Cooper makes 161 horsepower, the Cooper S steps to 201 horsepower (0-60 in about 6.7 seconds), and the John Cooper Works tops the range with 228 horsepower and a 6.2-second sprint.

All use front-wheel drive, turbo four-cylinders, and a quick power soft top that retracts in roughly 18 seconds at speed — with a sliding sunroof mode. It is tiny, easy to park, and bursting with character.

Pros:

• Lowest-cost four-seat convertible on the list
• Go-kart handling and genuine personality
• Quick sliding soft top with a sunroof mode
• Easy city parking thanks to a tiny footprint

Cons:

• Front-wheel drive lacks roadster purity
• Cramped rear seats and firm ride

Verdict: The stylish city drop-top — maximum character and four seats for Miata money.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Convertible

• Soft top vs hardtop tradeoffs: soft tops are lighter, cheaper to fix, and fold faster; retractable hardtops (like the Corvette's) are quieter and more secure when closed but add weight, cost, and complexity.
• Structural rigidity: chopping the roof costs stiffness, so look for chassis bracing and read reviews for cowl shake; the best here (911, Boxster, Corvette) feel nearly as solid as their coupes.
• Climate comfort: wind deflectors, heated seats, and neck-level heating (CLE) dramatically extend top-down season, while good air conditioning and ventilated seats matter in hot climates.
• Resale value: Porsche, Corvette, and Miata historically hold value well; mainstream four-seaters depreciate faster, which can make a lightly-used one a smart buy.
• Matters less than marketing implies: raw horsepower. Most of these cars are plenty quick, and a 181-horsepower Miata is more fun on a real road than many cars with double the output — chassis feel and top-down enjoyment matter far more than a spec-sheet 0-60 bragging right.

FAQ

What is the best convertible for the money in 2027? The Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible at roughly $37,000 is our Best Value pick — it is a genuine four-seat, 315-horsepower drop-top with V8 availability that undercuts every comparable European convertible by tens of thousands of dollars.

Are soft tops or hardtops better on a convertible? It depends on priorities. Soft tops are lighter, simpler, and faster to operate; retractable hardtops like the Corvette's are quieter and more secure when closed but add weight and cost. For pure driving feel, most enthusiasts prefer a soft top.

Which convertible is the most reliable? The Mazda MX-5 Miata and Lexus LC 500 Convertible lead on reliability reputation, with Mazda and Lexus consistently ranking near the top of owner-satisfaction and dependability studies.

Can you daily-drive a convertible year-round? Yes, especially models with all-wheel drive such as the BMW Z4, BMW 4 Series xDrive, Mercedes CLE 4MATIC, and 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. Fit proper winter tires and a modern insulated top keeps the cabin comfortable in the cold.

Which convertible is the fastest? Among this group, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible is quickest off the line, hitting 0-60 mph in about 2.9 seconds with the Z51 package — supercar territory for sports-car money.

Do convertibles have usable trunk space? Some do. The Mustang, CLE, 4 Series, and Corvette offer genuinely usable cargo room, while two-seat roadsters like the Miata trade trunk volume for compact size and low weight.

Bottom Line

For the most open-air joy per dollar, buy the Mazda MX-5 Miata — our Best Overall and the benchmark every roadster chases. If you need real seats and maximum metal for the money, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible is our Best Value near $37,000. Want mid-engine magic, go Porsche 718 Boxster; want supercar pace with a folding hardtop, the Corvette Convertible is unbeatable value; want luxury and all-weather traction, the Mercedes CLE or BMW 4 Series; and if money is no object, the Porsche 911 Cabriolet does everything brilliantly.

Match the car to how you will actually drive it, and any pick here rewards you the moment the roof drops.

Sources

• Car and Driver — convertible and roadster reviews, road tests, and 0-60 testing
• MotorTrend — first drives, comparison tests, and performance data
• Edmunds — 2026/2027 pricing, specs, and expert reviews for MX-5, Mustang, Z4, 4 Series, CLE, S5, and 911
• Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — MSRP, specs, and trim comparisons
• U.S. News Best Cars — rankings, SL-Class and LC performance and specs pages
• Mazda USA Newsroom — 2026 MX-5 Miata pricing and packaging
• Ford.com — 2026 Mustang EcoBoost and GT Convertible specs and pricing
• Chevrolet.com — 2026 Corvette Stingray performance and retractable hardtop details
• BMW USA and JD Power — Z4 and 4 Series trim, horsepower, and 0-60 data
• Lexus USA Pressroom — 2026 LC 500 Convertible specs and pricing
• Porsche USA and CarBuzz — 718 Boxster and 911 Carrera Cabriolet pricing and specs

*Convertible review — convertible reviews, rating, best convertible 2027, and a review of the top drop-top picks for buyers.*