The Best Hardtop Convertibles for the Ultimate Open-Air Ride

As SUVs and crossovers take over, traditional convertibles are becoming a rare breed. But if you’re still craving open-air freedom, there are a few standout models keeping the dream alive.

Hardtop convertibles—whether they fold, rotate, or pop off targa-style—offer the best of both worlds: fresh air when you want it, coupe-like comfort when you don’t. They’re quieter, more secure, and often sleeker than their soft-top cousins.

From budget-friendly picks to jaw-dropping exotics, here are some of the best hardtop convertibles still holding strong in today’s shifting car market.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers. The values quoted are courtesy of Classic.com and Kelley Blue Book, with the list ranked from lowest to highest.

10

2017 BMW 430i Convertible

MSRP/Average Value: $21,500

The BMW 4 Series from this generation stands out for something you don’t see much anymore—a power-folding hardtop that adds polish and a sleek, coupe-like profile. It’s a rare blend of open-air fun and everyday refinement.

Built from around 2013 to 2020, the F32 coupe and F33 convertible were the stylish two-door counterparts to the 3 Series. They shared the same solid bones but leaned a bit more into sporty flair.

While the ride could feel a touch firm at times, the cabin stayed impressively quiet, especially with the wind deflector in place. And even with the roof tucked away, you still had nearly eight cubic feet of usable trunk space.

Under the hood, the 430i packed a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine—plenty for cruising, but more grand tourer than a true performance machine. It’s smooth, efficient, and well-suited for everyday driving with a premium edge.

If it’s thrills you’re after, the M4 coupe from the same era brought the heat with close to 500 horsepower and track-ready chops. But for most, the 430i strikes a sweet balance between style, comfort, and value.

As a hardtop convertible, it delivers year-round usability with open-air charm, all without breaking the bank.

9

2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC

MSRP/Average Value: $30,000

Originally launched as the SLK, this compact roadster got a name refresh to SLC around 2015, midway through its third-gen run from 2011 to 2020. Despite the new badge, it stayed true to its roots with the same sleek folding hardtop and Mercedes-Benz charm.

Trunk space is tight—especially with the roof stowed—but the plush interior and high-quality build more than make up for it. It’s the kind of car that feels special, even on an ordinary drive.

And for a design that’s been around a decade since its facelift, the SLC still turns heads with timeless styling that’s aged surprisingly well.

Post-facelift models got an upgrade with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic and standard rear-wheel drive for that classic roadster feel. Step up to the AMG SLC 43 for more punch, but even the SLC 300 holds its own with a 0–60 time in the five-second range.

Inside, the materials still feel premium, though the tech is starting to show its age. That said, this car was always more about relaxed top-down cruising than carving corners.

It’s not a razor-sharp performance machine, but it’s not trying to be. And that’s exactly where its charm lies.

8

2010 Lexus SC 430

MSRP/Average Value: $31,000

The Lexus SC’s styling might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying it stands out, with flowing lines inspired by luxury yachts. Love it or not, it’s a design that’s both unique and unmistakable.

Originally a coupe with roots in the Toyota Soarer, the SC became a hardtop convertible in 2001, bringing top-down elegance to the Lexus lineup.

Under the hood, a silky 3UZ V8 and rear-wheel-drive setup suggested performance, but in reality, the SC 430 leaned hard into laid-back luxury, with no manual and zero interest in chasing lap times.

Drop the top, and the SC 430 transforms into a quiet, luxurious escape—complete with plush leather, heated power seats, dual-zone climate control, and built-in navigation. It’s more about unwinding than unleashing, and it does that beautifully.

Sure, its chunky styling didn’t win over everyone, but this Lexus makes up for it with comfort, features, and that signature long-term reliability. Even now, it’s a solid value for anyone after a smooth, stress-free cruiser.

7

2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata

MSRP/Average Value: $37,550

Folding roofs are becoming rare, but the Mazda MX-5 RF keeps the tradition alive, with a modern twist. While the standard Miata sticks to its soft-top roots, the RF (Retractable Fastback) adds a slick power-folding metal roof for a more refined vibe.

The fastback-style buttresses give it a distinctive look that sets it apart from the soft-top version. There’s a slight weight gain and a steeper price tag—the RF starts about $11K higher—but for some, the added style and quieter cabin are worth every penny.

The RF is a solid pick if you’re driving year-round or parking out in the wild—it’s built to handle the elements a bit better than the soft top. That extra weight? It actually helps balance the car out, thanks to improved weight distribution.

Performance-wise, the difference is barely noticeable—0 to 60 takes just a tenth of a second longer, which you’ll never feel from behind the wheel. So, unless you’re timing laps, it’s all gain and no real loss.

6

2016 BMW Z4 (E89)

MSRP/Average Value: $38,500

When BMW introduced the Z4 in 2003 as the successor to the Z3, it brought sharper styling, a more modern cabin, and upgraded tech and engines. It was a clear evolution—more polished, more grown-up, but still a blast to drive.

The Z4 kept the essentials: rear-wheel drive, near-perfect weight balance, and that signature BMW steering feel. Sure, the folding hardtop added some heft, but what you lost in raw edge, you gained in everyday comfort and refinement.

It’s less bare-bones roadster, more weekend getaway companion, with just enough attitude to keep it interesting.

The Z4’s two-piece hydraulic roof folds away in about 20 seconds, turning it from coupe to convertible with the push of a button—though it does eat into trunk space when stowed.

Power was never in short supply, especially in the sDrive35is trim, where a smooth inline-six delivered over 300 horsepower and effortless acceleration.

It’s a car that can cruise comfortably or get playful when the mood strikes—all with the top down and that classic BMW growl.

5

2017 Mercedes-Benz SL450

MSRP/Average Value: $60,000

The R231-generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (2013–2020) stands out with its sleek folding hardtop and timeless styling that still turns heads today. It’s more about grand touring grace than corner-carving aggression, and that’s exactly the point.

Comfort is king here, but don’t mistake that for soft—this SL has muscle, too. The V6 can launch it to 60 mph in under five seconds, while adaptive air suspension and drive modes keep things smooth or sporty, depending on your mood.

With the roof down, cargo space takes a hit, but the folding system itself is slick, operating in about 20 seconds even while driving up to 25 mph. There’s even an optional magic-touch glass roof that tints on demand, adding a futuristic touch.

These SLs aren’t cheap on the used market, but compared to their original sticker price, they’re a bit of a bargain. You’re getting high-end style, tech, and performance without paying new-car money.

4

2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

MSRP/Average Value: $77,195

The 2025 Corvette convertible keeps the folding roof tradition alive with some serious high-tech flair to match the cutting-edge C8 beneath it. Made from lightweight composite materials, the top opens or closes in just 16 seconds—even while cruising at up to 30 mph.

It’s powered by electric motors for better reliability and weight savings, ditching the hydraulics of older designs. The best part? The roof stows neatly without messing with the car’s aerodynamics or engine cooling—just smart engineering, Corvette-style.

Beyond the slick folding roof, the convertible Corvette Stingray sticks to the same winning formula as the coupe—mid-engine layout, eye-catching interior, and wild performance.

With the Z51 Performance Package and launch control, it rips from 0–60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, putting it firmly in supercar territory without the supercar price.

3

2025 Porsche 911 Targa

MSRP/Average Value: $190,800

The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS blends power and style with a new hybrid setup that cranks out over 500 horsepower and rockets to 60 mph in just three seconds—all-wheel drive included.

It’s the heaviest 911 of the bunch thanks to that signature metal roof, but what it lacks in lightness, it makes up for in drama and design. With the roof tucked away and that iconic Targa bar on display, it’s hard not to fall for its charm, even at a premium price.

While the hybrid powertrain is impressive, the real showstopper is the Targa’s roof, folding away in just 19 seconds and disappearing neatly behind the rear seats. It’s equal parts engineering and theater, making every drive feel special.

If there’s one catch to this nearly perfect package, it’s the price—because all that style, speed, and Porsche precision doesn’t come cheap.

2

2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo

MSRP/Average Value: $270,000

Meet the MC20’s open-air sibling: the Maserati Cielo, which lives up to its name by letting the sky in without sacrificing a single shred of performance. It’s powered by the same beastly Nettuno V6, launching from 0–60 in under three seconds and ready to hit the track straight from the showroom.

While its engine shares DNA with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo powerplants, Maserati insists it’s all their own—and with the sound and soul this thing delivers, we’re not arguing.

This mid-engine, carbon-fiber supercar doesn’t just go fast—it does it with flair, thanks to a sleek folding metal roof that brings a dose of luxury to all that performance. It opens in just 12 seconds and features an electrochromatic panel that tints at the touch of a button, letting you choose sun or shade on demand.

It’s a jaw-dropping piece of design and tech, but naturally, that kind of wow factor doesn’t come cheap.

1

2025 Ferrari 296 GTS

MSRP/Average Value: $370,000

Rounding out the list is a nearly $400,000 showstopper—the Ferrari 296 GTS, a drop-top version of the 296 GTB coupe that blends jaw-dropping design with open-air thrills. It brings all the Ferrari magic: exotic looks, razor-sharp handling, and a folding roof that adds practicality without dulling the experience.

Under the hood, Ferrari’s own turbocharged V6 pairs with a hybrid system to crank out over 800 horsepower—enough to rocket you to 60 mph in under three seconds. It’s outrageous in the best way possible.

Adding the folding roof and its reinforcements bumps up the weight slightly, but it also makes the whole body feel stiffer and more solid. Clever wind deflectors and smart airflow keep noise and buffeting in check, so you can enjoy open-air driving without the usual distractions.

The roof itself is quick too—folding away over the engine bay in about 14 seconds, even while cruising at speeds up to 28 mph.