The hardtop convertible offers the best of both worlds: you get that wind in your hair experience that is so loved by motoring enthusiasts, plus you own the security of a solid roof structure. Drop-top cars seem great in general, whether it is an American-made Mustang or Corvette, or something German such as a Mercedes-Benz. There are a ton of models on the market, so we are here to make choosing one a little easier.

2023 Porsche 911 Targa 4
Base MSRP
$126,200
Fuel Economy
18/24 MPG
Horsepower
379 hp
2024 BMW 4 Series Convertible
Base MSRP
$58,100
Fuel Economy
25/34 MPG
Horsepower
255 hp
2024 Jeep Wrangler
Base MSRP
$31,995
Fuel Economy
17/23 MPG
Horsepower
285 hp
2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Base MSRP
$35,195
Fuel Economy
17/23 MPG
Horsepower
285 hp
2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Base MSRP
$91,000
Fuel Economy
20/28 MPG
Horsepower
362 hp

What to Consider Before Buying

When purchasing a hardtop vehicle, it is important to look at more than just the appearance of the ride itself. One should always think of factors such as standard features, safety levels, and performance.

Pros

  • Hardtop convertibles provide the security of an ordinary car
  • New versions are just as fun to drive as their counterparts
  • Removable hardtops on modern units have easy-to-use mechanisms

Cons

  • Fold-down roofs may malfunction, leading to expensive repair bills
  • Trunk area is sacrificed
  • They carry extra weight due to the roof design

Characteristics of Hardtop Convertible Cars

Unlike soft-top roadsters, hardtops with retractable roofs have to haul lots of extra mechanical parts that raise and lower the roof. This adds weight to the overall package and changes things up, dynamically.

Best Hardtop Convertibles

Our roster has some of the most capable models available on the market today, with some standout names on the top hardtop convertibles list for 2020 being:

FAQs

Should I buy new or used?

They tend to devalue faster after leaving the showroom floor, so you can actually save quite a bit by looking back a single year to a 2023 model.

Do I need to worry about reliability?

These rides are just as reliable as your average sedan, but when viewing used models, be sure to check thoroughly for abuse.

What happens if my roof gets stuck in the rain?

Hardtop convertibles with retractable covers have been known to malfunction, but there is usually an override function that allows the top to be folded manually. If that’s not an option, we would suggest speeding up.