16 Best Convertible Cars for Your Summer Road Trips in the US

At the break of dawn on summer solstice, most people want to pick up their sunscreen and drive off for a road trip. After all, summer is the perfect season for road trips. However, before you drive off, you need to find a car that screams summer.

Convertibles have always been the ultimate summer vehicles. They allow you to enjoy the thrill of open roads, with the wind on your hair, not forgetting panoramic views. Nevertheless, not all convertibles are the same. They will differ in how many passengers they can accommodate, doors, power, price, and more. If you are in the market for a convertible, discover the best cars for your summer road trips in the US.

Ford Mustang Convertible

For over five decades, the Mustang has been the car to go for if you are looking for performance, practicality, and style without breaking the bank. Now in its seventh generation, the Mustang is a 4-seater with five trim levels. It has powerful engines, including the classic 5.0-liter V8 and the economical 2.3 EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo. The rear seats and cargo space offer more practicality than competitors.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Look no further than the Mazda MX-5 Miata if you are looking for a car that blends classic roadster with modern sports at an affordable price. The two-seater with two-door droptop is known for its lightweight design and agile handling, which makes it perfect for winding roads and scenic drives.

Although it is only available in an 181-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the power is plenty for spirited drives. The 2024 models have exterior lighting elements and new wheel designs.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

The Chevrolet Camaro is an American classic that delivers thrilling performance, beating even some expensive sports cars. This rear-wheel drive has a variety of power terrains, including the 455-hp V-8 and 335-hp V-6.

The only downside is that it offers less driver-assistance technology and cargo space than its rivals. Unfortunately, there won't be a seventh-generation Camaro as the Collector's Edition marks its final year of production.

Audi A5 Cabriolet

The Audi A5 is a solid choice for a practical, stylish, well-rounded convertible. It has a standard all-wheel drive, generous cargo space, and many advanced driver assistance features. Although Audi offers it with only one engine, the 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder provides ample power. The interior is well put together, as you expect with Audi cars.

Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible

The C-Class convertible and E-Class cabriolet exit in 2023 birthed the CLE coupe and CLE Cabriolet, which arrived in American dealerships in April 2024. This four-seat, open-top car combines dynamic driving enjoyment, style, and everyday comfort. The interior is posh and tech-reasonable, and the 300 4MATIC combines a comfortable ride with sporty handling.

BMW 4 Series Convertible

The BMW 4 Series blends athletic elegance, luxury, and exceptional driving dynamics. The most notable difference between this series and the 3 Series is that BMW changed the three-piece folding hard-top roof to the classic fabric roof.

BMW says the Series 4 roof is 40 percent lighter than the roof of the 3 Series. The 430i models have a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, while the M440i boasts 382 horsepower thanks to a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six. The engine is fantastic, and there is reasonable space, though not as much as the Coupe. The finishing is also top-notch.

Tesla Roadster Convertible

When the Roadster came out in 2008, it exceeded all the expectations about electric vehicle performance with a 244-mile range and 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.7 seconds. This is the car that put Tesla on the map. Unfortunately, you can only buy a used one.

However, Tesla has announced that production of the second generation is underway. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said people can expect an even more radical evolution: a 620-mile range and a 1.1-second 0-60 mph acceleration time. The all-electric supercar is scheduled to debut by the end of 2024 and go on sale in 2025.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet

If you fancy elegance and performance but want a practical car, this four-seat convertible is the ultimate choice. It is rear-wheel drive with four options on some models and a standard feature on C43 and C63 S models. The interior is as you expect from Mercedes, with advanced technology and safety features.

Jaguar F-Type Convertible

The F-Type Convertible's striking design makes it a head-turner. To say the least, it's the best-looking sports car, and it doesn't disappoint in performance either. Jaguar offers it in only a supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 outputting 575 horsepower in the high-performance R P575 configuration and 444 horsepower in P450 form.

The driving experience is engaging and comfortable. Unfortunately, Jaguar announced that 2024 will be this beauty's last year of production.

Mini Cooper Convertible

The Mini Cooper is undoubtedly one of the best mini convertibles in the US. Despite its size, it is a fun and quirky option for summer road trips. As you already know, this one is neither sporty nor elegant, but it gets the job done.

The front space is sufficient for tall adults, but they struggle to get in and out of the rear seat when the roof is in place. Its compact size and nimble handling make it ideal for city driving and winding roads.

Lexus LC 500 Convertible

The Lexus LC 500 convertible is simply a beauty. It's a stylish, luxurious grand tourer that offers a perfect blend of performance and comfort, but of course, you don't expect anything less after the hefty price tag. The flawless and classy interior ensures a first-class experience with many unique shapes, such as the dagger-shaped door handles.

The naturally aspirated V8 engine delivers smooth and powerful 0-62mph acceleration in 4.7 seconds. That may not be what you expected when you hear powerful acceleration, but it does better in character. The LC 500's striking design and advanced technology make it a standout choice for long-distance drives.

BMW Z4 Roadster

If you want comfort and space, the BMW X4 Roadster is the car for you. The driving experience is above good (not excellent) when tackling twisty roads, an area competitors like the Porsche 718 Boxster excel.

The BMW X4 Roadster comes with a standard 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a rear-wheel drive. However, if you want more power, you can go with a 382-hp turbocharged inline-six with a new six-speed manual transmission for an even more engaging driving experience. Overall, you will get a classic roadster vibe with modern conveniences.

Porsche 911

Porsche fans will tell you that the 911 is more than just a car; it's a cultural icon. This rear-engined sports car has been in continuous production since 1963, making it one of history's longest-running and most successful automotive nameplates.

Over the years, the automaker has managed to reinvent but never diluted its identity or signature driving experience. The standard 911 has a 388-horsepower twin-turbo flat-six engine, and the 2025 GTS gets a new T-Hybrid powertrain.

Porsche 718 Boxster

The Porsche 718 Boxster is a quintessential sports car that combines performance, style, and driving pleasure. As a mid-engine roadster, it offers exceptional handling, thrilling acceleration, and an open-air experience. The high-quality plastics make the interior look great, and the tech is advanced even for base models.

The car offers four engines: the base model has a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine that produces 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The S model boasts a 350-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four, the GTS 4.0 a 394-hp 4.0-liter flat-six, and the Spyder RS a 493-hp 4.0-liter flat-six. All variants of the 718 Boxster come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (PDK) available as an option.

Bentley Continental GT Convertible

The Bentley Continental GT Convertible is the epitome of luxury and performance. After all, it should be expected after paying a six-figure price. You get to choose between the twin-turbocharged W12 and powerful V-8 engines.

The handcrafted interior provides unparalleled comfort and sophistication thanks to the best materials, including rich wood and leather. This grand tourer enters its fourth generation this year, promising even more luxurious styling and a new plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Lamborghini Huracán EVO Spyder

Lamborghini is synonymous with cutting-edge technology and outstanding performance. That is what exactly they delivered with this supercar. The Huracan has been around for nearly a decade, but the 2025 model has received a significant facelift.

The EVO Spyder produces 631 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 202 mph. The EVO’s engine is paired with a 7-speed Lamborghini Doppia Frizione (LDF) dual-clutch transmission, ensuring fast and smooth gear changes.

Conclusion

Convertibles are the perfect cars for summer road trips. With your sunglasses on and the wind in your hair, there's no better way to conquer winding roads.

That said, choosing the right convertible for your summer road trip will make all the difference in your driving experience. Thankfully, you have plenty of options, from American muscle cars to luxurious European grand tourers. Whether you prioritize performance, comfort, or style, the above list offers something for every road trip enthusiast.

Do you need financing for a new or used convertible car? Get a low-interest auto loan to finance a brand-new or used BMW 4 Series.