Top 10 Roadsters 2027 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

The Best Overall roadster for 2027 is the Porsche 718 Boxster, starting around $74,995, which pairs a mid-engine chassis, a sublime 300-to-394-hp flat-engine range, and the sharpest open-top handling at any sane price. The Best Value pick is the Mazda MX-5 Miata, starting near $30,515, which delivers the purest, most affordable top-down joy on the market and costs a fraction of every rival here.

This list is built for driving enthusiasts who want sun, wind, and steering feel over cargo space or back seats — whether the budget sits near $30,000 or climbs toward a $350,000-plus open-top supercar. Every pick below uses real 2026–2027 model-year specs and MSRPs.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each roadster against what real open-top buyers actually prize. We leaned on published data from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), U.S. News, the IIHS, the EPA, and manufacturer pages. The weighting:

• Driving dynamics and handling — 30%
• Performance and powertrain — 20%
• Open-top experience — 15%
• Build quality and interior — 15%
• Reliability and ownership cost — 10%
• Price-to-performance — 10%

A roadster that posts big numbers but feels numb, or looks exotic but bleeds money and reliability, drops fast. The winners deliver feel, not just figures.

1. Porsche 718 Boxster 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $74,995 | Best for: Buyers who want the best-handling open-top at a real-world price

The 2027 Porsche 718 Boxster is the enthusiast's benchmark. Its mid-engine layout delivers near-perfect balance, and the engine range spans from a 2.0-liter turbo flat-four with 300 hp to the 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six in the Boxster GTS 4.0 (394 hp) and track-honed Spyder RS.

A base Boxster hits 0–60 in about 4.7 seconds; the GTS 4.0 does it in 4.0 seconds with a 182-mph top end. Choose a quick PDK automatic or a tactile six-speed manual. The cloth top drops in about 9 seconds at speed, and twin trunks total 9.7 cu ft — usable for a two-seater.

Nothing here steers better.

Pros:

• Mid-engine balance and the sharpest steering in class
• Up to a 394-hp naturally aspirated flat-six (GTS 4.0)
• 0–60 as quick as 4.0 seconds with PDK
• Available six-speed manual and 9.7 cu ft of trunk space

Cons:

• Options inflate the price quickly
• Four-cylinder soundtrack lacks the flat-six's magic

Verdict: The Boxster wins on feel — the best-handling open-top you can buy without spending supercar money.

2. Mazda MX-5 Miata 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $30,515 | Best for: Buyers who want the purest top-down fun for the least money

The 2026–2027 Mazda MX-5 Miata is the value champion and arguably the most fun car per dollar on sale. Its 2.0-liter four makes 181 hp and 151 lb-ft, which sounds modest until you remember it weighs just about 2,350 lb — light enough to feel quick on any back road. A slick six-speed manual is standard (an automatic is optional), the EPA rates it near 30 mpg combined, and the RF hardtop adds a power retractable roof.

The soft-top drops by hand in seconds. It won't win drag races, but its balance, steering, and low cost make it the people's roadster.

Pros:

• Lowest entry MSRP of any pick at $30,515
• Featherweight ~2,350-lb curb weight for huge agility
• Standard slick six-speed manual gearbox
• ~30 mpg combined and proven Mazda reliability

Cons:

• Only 181 hp; not built for straight-line speed
• Tight cabin and minimal cargo room

Verdict: The value champion — the most driving joy per dollar, period, and the easiest roadster to live with daily.

3. BMW Z4 sDrive M40i

Starting MSRP: $66,300 | Best for: Buyers who want power, a manual, and grand-touring comfort

The 2026 BMW Z4 sDrive M40i blends muscle with open-top refinement. Its 3.0-liter turbo inline-six makes 382 hp and 369 lb-ft, good for 0–60 in about 3.9 seconds. After years of automatic-only frustration, BMW now offers a six-speed manual on the M40i, a major draw for enthusiasts.

The soft top folds in about 10 seconds at up to 31 mph, and the cabin is plusher and more road-trip friendly than the hardcore picks. It shares its platform with the Toyota Supra but uniquely offers the drop-top experience. For a fast, comfortable, manual-available roadster, the Z4 delivers.

Pros:

• 382-hp turbo inline-six with a 3.9-second 0–60
• Available six-speed manual on the M40i
• Comfortable, well-trimmed grand-touring cabin
• Quick soft-top operation at low speed

Cons:

• Less steering feel than the mid-engine Boxster
• Trunk space is tight even for the class

Verdict: The grand-touring pick — fast, comfortable, and finally available with a manual.

4. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

Starting MSRP: $72,895 | Best for: Buyers who want supercar pace and a folding hardtop bargain

The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible delivers exotic performance for sports-car money. Its 6.2-liter LT2 V8 makes 495 hp and 470 lb-ft with the Z51 package, launching 0–60 in about 2.9 seconds and on to 194 mph. The mid-engine layout mirrors six-figure exotics, and the power-folding hardtop stows in about 16 seconds at up to 30 mph with no cargo penalty — front and rear trunks total 12.6 cu ft.

A dual-clutch eight-speed is the only transmission. The Stingray convertible undercuts every European exotic while matching or beating their numbers, making it the performance bargain of the bunch.

Pros:

• 495-hp V8 with a 2.9-second 0–60 mph (Z51)
• Mid-engine exotic layout at sports-car pricing
• Power-folding hardtop with 12.6 cu ft of cargo
• Supercar pace for a fraction of European exotic money

Cons:

• No manual transmission offered
• Wide body makes tight parking spaces a challenge

Verdict: The performance bargain — genuine supercar speed and a folding hardtop for a fraction of exotic money.

5. Mercedes-AMG SL 63

Starting MSRP: $140,150 | Best for: Buyers who want luxury, all-weather grip, and serious power

The 2026 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 is the luxury grand tourer of the group. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 makes 577 hp and 590 lb-ft, paired with standard 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering, for a 0–60 of about 3.5 seconds. Unlike most rivals, the SL adds a token 2+2 rear seat and a fabric power soft top that drops in about 15 seconds.

The cabin is opulent, with a tilting central screen and AMG-grade materials. It is heavier and pricier than the focused sports cars here, but no other roadster blends this much power, comfort, and four-season usability.

Pros:

• 577-hp twin-turbo V8 with standard AWD grip
• Rear-wheel steering and a 3.5-second 0–60
• Opulent cabin with a usable 2+2 layout
• All-weather AWD usability rare among roadsters

Cons:

• Heavy and large compared with focused rivals
• Six-figure price and steep options

Verdict: The luxury GT pick — the most comfortable, all-weather-capable, powerful roadster short of a supercar.

6. Aston Martin Vantage Roadster

Starting MSRP: $202,500 | Best for: Buyers who want a V8 GT with show-stopping style

The 2026 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster pairs British drama with serious muscle. Its Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 makes 656 hp and 590 lb-ft, good for 0–60 in about 3.4 seconds and a 202-mph top speed. The fabric roof retracts in about 6.8 seconds — among the quickest here — at up to 31 mph.

Rear-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic, and a hand-finished leather cabin underline its grand-touring character. It costs more than the German rivals and isn't as track-sharp as a Porsche, but few cars combine this exhaust note, presence, and craftsmanship in an open body.

Pros:

• 656-hp twin-turbo V8 and a 3.4-second 0–60
• One of the fastest power-roof operations at 6.8 seconds
• Hand-finished, bespoke British interior
• Show-stopping presence and exhaust note

Cons:

• Six-figure price well above the German rivals
• Less track precision than the mid-engine picks

Verdict: The style-and-muscle pick — buy it for V8 drama, craftsmanship, and presence no rival matches.

7. Maserati MC20 Cielo

Starting MSRP: $262,000 | Best for: Buyers who want exotic mid-engine theater with a retractable glass roof

The 2026 Maserati MC20 Cielo is the open-top version of Maserati's mid-engine supercar. Its 3.0-liter Nettuno twin-turbo V6 makes 621 hp and 538 lb-ft, launching 0–60 in about 2.9 seconds and on to 199 mph. The headline is the electrochromic retractable glass roof that turns opaque or clear at the touch of a button and stows in about 12 seconds.

Carbon-fiber construction keeps weight down, and the cabin is minimalist exotic. It costs far more than the mainstream roadsters but undercuts Ferrari and McLaren spiders while delivering true mid-engine supercar theater.

Pros:

• 621-hp twin-turbo V6 with a 2.9-second 0–60
• Electrochromic glass roof that dims at a button press
• Lightweight carbon-fiber mid-engine construction
• Undercuts Ferrari and McLaren open-tops on price

Cons:

• Limited dealer network and unproven long-term value
• Sparse, minimalist cabin for the money

Verdict: The exotic-value pick — true mid-engine supercar theater and a magic roof below Ferrari money.

8. Lotus Emira

Starting MSRP: $104,500 | Best for: Purists who want a focused mid-engine driver's car

The 2026 Lotus Emira is the most driver-focused car on this list. Although it's a fixed-roof targa-style coupe rather than a full convertible, its removable-panel openness and analog purity earn it a spot for enthusiasts. The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 makes 400 hp and 317 lb-ft with a real six-speed manual, while a 2.0-liter AMG turbo four with 400 hp offers an automatic alternative.

The V6 manual hits 0–60 in about 4.2 seconds. Lotus's hydraulic steering and lightweight chassis deliver feel few cars match. It is the analog antidote to the heavier GTs here.

Pros:

• 400-hp supercharged V6 with a real six-speed manual
• Hydraulic steering and Lotus chassis purity
• Lightweight, focused mid-engine handling
• Striking junior-supercar styling

Cons:

• Targa-style roof, not a full convertible
• Small, snug cabin with limited storage

Verdict: The purist's pick — analog steering feel and a manual V6 for drivers who want feedback above all.

9. Ferrari Roma Spider

Starting MSRP: $273,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a front-engine Ferrari GT with the top down

The 2026 Ferrari Roma Spider brings open-top elegance to the prancing horse's grand tourer. Its 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 makes 612 hp and 561 lb-ft, hitting 0–60 in about 3.3 seconds and a top speed above 199 mph. The fabric soft top — Ferrari's first on a front-engine V8 in decades — folds in about 13.5 seconds at up to 37 mph.

An eight-speed dual-clutch sends power rearward, and the cabin pairs a driver-focused layout with a token 2+2 rear bench. It is one of the most usable Ferraris, blending daily-GT comfort with open-air drama and the badge's unmistakable performance.

Pros:

• 612-hp twin-turbo V8 with a 3.3-second 0–60
• Elegant fabric soft top, not a heavy hardtop
• Usable 2+2 layout and daily-GT comfort
• Unmistakable Ferrari badge and soundtrack

Cons:

• Well over a quarter-million dollars before options
• 2+2 rear seat is best for cargo, not adults

Verdict: The Ferrari GT pick — open-air elegance, real V8 thunder, and daily usability in one prancing-horse package.

10. McLaren Artura Spider

Starting MSRP: $278,800 | Best for: Buyers who want a hybrid open-top supercar with savage pace

The 2026 McLaren Artura Spider is the technology halo of this list. Its plug-in-hybrid powertrain pairs a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for a combined 690 hp and 531 lb-ft, launching 0–60 in about 3.0 seconds toward a 205-mph top speed. A retractable hardtop stows in about 11 seconds at up to 31 mph, and a small battery enables roughly 11 miles of near-silent electric running.

Carbon-fiber construction keeps weight in check. It is the most expensive and most technically advanced pick — a glimpse of the electrified supercar future with the roof down.

Pros:

• 690-hp hybrid V6 with a 3.0-second 0–60 mph
• Retractable hardtop and ~11 miles of electric running
• Carbon-fiber chassis and 205-mph top speed
• The most advanced powertrain on this list

Cons:

• Highest entry price in the group at $278,800
• Complex hybrid hardware raises long-term costs

Verdict: The high-tech halo — a hybrid open-top supercar that points to the electrified future at full pace.

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

What to Look For When Buying a Roadster

• Driving feel over numbers — Steering feedback, balance, and chassis tuning define a great roadster. The Porsche 718 Boxster, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Lotus Emira lead on feel even when others post bigger figures.
• Top mechanism and operation — Decide between a quick fabric soft top (Miata, SL, Vantage) and a folding hardtop (Corvette, Artura) that adds security and quiet at the cost of weight. Check the speed it operates and at what road speed.
• Manual availability — If you want three pedals, the Miata, Boxster, Z4 M40i, and Lotus Emira V6 offer a manual; most exotics are dual-clutch only.
• Daily usability — Trunk space, ride comfort, and cabin storage vary widely. The Corvette (12.6 cu ft) and Mercedes-AMG SL are the most livable; focused cars like the Emira are tighter.
• Reliability and ownership cost — The Miata is famously cheap and dependable; exotics carry steep service, tire, and insurance bills. Budget for the full ownership picture, not just the sticker.
• All-weather capability — Most roadsters are rear-drive; the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 uniquely offers standard AWD for year-round grip.

What matters less than marketing implies: peak horsepower and top-speed claims you'll never use. A featherweight 181-hp Miata delivers more smiles on a real back road than many cars with triple the power — feel and weight matter more than the spec sheet.

FAQ

Which roadster is the best overall for 2027? The Porsche 718 Boxster earns our top spot for its mid-engine balance, sublime steering, and a 300-to-394-hp engine range that delivers the best open-top handling at a real-world price.

What is the best value roadster? The Mazda MX-5 Miata starting near $30,515 offers the purest, most affordable top-down driving experience on sale, costing a fraction of every rival here.

Which roadster is the fastest? The McLaren Artura Spider leads with 690 hp and a 3.0-second 0–60, with the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible nearly matching it at 2.9 seconds for far less money.

Which roadsters offer a manual transmission? The Mazda MX-5 Miata, Porsche 718 Boxster, BMW Z4 sDrive M40i, and Lotus Emira V6 all offer a true manual gearbox; most exotics are automatic only.

Are roadsters practical for daily driving? The Miata, Corvette Convertible, and Mercedes-AMG SL are the most livable thanks to decent cargo and comfort; focused cars like the Lotus Emira trade practicality for purity.

Which roadster is best in all weather? The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 is the standout, pairing standard 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with a comfortable cabin for year-round use, while most rivals are rear-drive only.

Bottom Line

For 2027, the Porsche 718 Boxster is our Best Overall roadster — starting around $74,995, it wins on mid-engine balance, steering feel, and a flat-engine range up to 394 hp that no rival matches for the money. The Mazda MX-5 Miata, from about $30,515, is our Best Value, delivering the purest top-down joy on the market for a fraction of the price.

If your needs lean toward supercar pace, luxury all-weather comfort, or open-top exotic theater, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the Corvette Convertible, Mercedes-AMG SL 63, Ferrari Roma Spider, Maserati MC20 Cielo, or McLaren Artura Spider instead. Buy on feel, weight, and the open-air experience — not headline horsepower — and a roadster will reward you every sunny mile.

Sources

• Car and Driver — roadster and sports-car reviews
• MotorTrend — convertible buyer's guides and specs
• Edmunds — 2026/2027 roadster prices and reviews
• Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — pricing and ownership data
• U.S. News — Best convertible rankings
• IIHS — crash-test and safety ratings
• EPA — fuel economy ratings
• Porsche USA — 718 Boxster specs
• Mazda USA — MX-5 Miata specs
• Chevrolet — Corvette Stingray Convertible specs

*Roadster review — roadster reviews, rating, best roadster 2027, and a review of the top convertible picks for buyers.*