Top 10 Convertibles 2022 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

For the 2022 model year, the Porsche 718 Boxster is our Best Overall convertible — a mid-engine roadster whose steering, balance, and open-air theater no rival under six figures can touch, starting at $62,600. Our Best Value pick is the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the most joy-per-dollar drop-top on sale, starting at $27,300 for the Sport.

The Miata proves you do not need a big budget to get the purest convertible experience, while the Boxster shows what happens when a maker spares no engineering effort on the same idea. Between those two poles sit eight more genuinely great 2022 convertibles, from the Chevrolet Corvette to the MINI Cooper, and the right one depends on whether you want a track weapon, a boulevard cruiser, or a weekend backroad companion.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each 2022 convertible against six criteria, leaning on road-test data and owner feedback from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and U.S. News:

• Open-top driving joy — 30%: steering feel, chassis balance, exhaust note, and the sense of occasion with the roof down.
• Performance — 20%: horsepower, 0-60 mph times, braking, and grip.
• Value — 15%: what you get for the MSRP, including standard equipment.
• Top mechanism and refinement — 15%: soft-top versus retractable hardtop operation, speed of folding, wind and noise suppression.
• Daily usability — 10%: trunk space, ride comfort, and cabin tech.
• Reliability — 10%: brand track record and predicted dependability.

Prices below are 2022 model-year starting MSRP figures in USD and exclude options. Specifications reflect the 2022 cars specifically, so they stay distinct from any later guide.

1. Porsche 718 Boxster 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $62,600 | Best for: drivers who want the sharpest open-top handling under $100K

The 718 Boxster is the convertible that wins on the metric that matters most: pure driving joy with the roof down. The base car uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four making 300 horsepower, hitting 0-60 mph in about 4.9 seconds, while the GTS 4.0 swaps in a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six worth 394 hp and a 0-60 of roughly 4.3 seconds.

Every Boxster is rear-wheel drive with a standard six-speed manual or optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch, and the mid-engine layout delivers steering and balance that rivals envy. The power soft-top folds in around nine seconds, and clever front and rear trunks give the car real weekend usability.

Pros:

• Best-in-class mid-engine balance and steering feel
• Glorious flat-six soundtrack in GTS 4.0 trim
• Two trunks make it surprisingly practical
• Manual transmission still available

Cons:

• Options inflate the price quickly
• Base four-cylinder note is muted next to the six

Verdict: The 718 Boxster is the 2022 convertible to beat for anyone who prizes the drive above all else.

2. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

Starting MSRP: $69,695 | Best for: supercar pace with a folding hardtop

The mid-engine C8 Corvette Convertible delivers numbers that embarrass cars costing twice as much. Its 6.2-liter V8 makes 490 horsepower (495 with the performance exhaust), and with the Z51 package it cracks 0-60 mph in a stunning 2.9 seconds. Unlike most rivals here, the Corvette uses a power-retractable hardtop that stows in about 16 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph, giving coupe-like refinement with the roof up.

Drive goes to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, and there is usable trunk space behind the engine. It is the performance bargain of the group.

Pros:

• Supercar acceleration for under $75K
• Power hardtop adds refinement and security
• Genuinely usable rear trunk
• Mid-engine poise that flatters every driver

Cons:

• Cabin plastics trail the European rivals
• No manual transmission offered

Verdict: The Corvette is the value performance king, undercutting exotic drop-tops by a fortune.

3. Porsche 911 Cabriolet

Starting MSRP: $114,000 | Best for: the do-everything luxury sports convertible

The 911 Cabriolet is the grand-touring benchmark. The Carrera's 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six makes 379 horsepower, good for 0-60 mph in four seconds flat, while the Carrera S climbs to 443 hp and a 3.3-second sprint. An eight-speed PDK automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard, with all-wheel drive optional on Carrera 4 models.

The fabric power top raises or lowers in about 12 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph, and the rear seats double as luggage shelves. Few convertibles blend daily comfort and serious pace this completely.

Pros:

• Rapid yet refined twin-turbo flat-six
• Usable cabin and small rear seats
• All-wheel-drive availability
• Effortless grand-touring manners

Cons:

• Pricing escalates steeply with options
• Heavier and less raw than the Boxster

Verdict: The 911 Cabriolet is the most complete convertible here, if your budget reaches six figures.

4. BMW Z4 M40i

Starting MSRP: $49,900 | Best for: a sharp two-seat roadster at a reachable price

The BMW Z4 brings German roadster appeal at a friendlier number than the Porsches. The sDrive30i uses a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 255 horsepower and a 0-60 of about 5.2 seconds, while the M40i steps up to a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six making 382 horsepower for a 0-60 of just 3.9 seconds.

Every Z4 is rear-wheel drive, and the M40i can be had with a six-speed manual through the Handschalter package. The power fabric soft-top folds in roughly 10 seconds at up to 31 mph, and the trunk is a useful 9.9 cubic feet for a roadster.

Pros:

• Strong turbo inline-six in M40i trim
• Quick-folding soft-top
• Reasonable trunk for a two-seater
• Manual option on the M40i

Cons:

• Steering feel trails the Boxster
• Base four-cylinder lacks drama

Verdict: The Z4 M40i is a fast, well-built roadster that undercuts the Porsche entry point.

5. Mazda MX-5 Miata 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $27,300 | Best for: the purest open-top fun on a budget

No car earns its place more cleanly than the MX-5 Miata. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft, and the lightweight chassis darts to 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds with the soft-top, or 5.8 in the RF retractable-hardtop body. A slick six-speed manual is standard and rear-wheel drive is the only layout, exactly as a roadster should be.

The classic soft-top flips up by hand in seconds with one arm. The trunk is tiny and the cabin is snug, but the steering, balance, and grin-per-mile are unmatched at the price.

Pros:

• Unbeatable fun-to-dollar ratio
• Best manual shifter in the class
• Light, tossable, endlessly engaging chassis
• Strong Mazda reliability record

Cons:

• Small trunk and tight cabin
• Modest straight-line power

Verdict: The Miata is the smartest money in convertibles — our Best Value with no asterisk.

6. Ford Mustang GT Convertible

Starting MSRP: $36,900 | Best for: V8 muscle with the roof down

The Mustang GT Convertible offers the most affordable V8 thunder in this guide. Its 5.0-liter V8 makes 450 horsepower and 420 lb-ft, rushing to 60 mph in roughly 4.0 seconds through a 10-speed automatic. Buyers on a tighter budget can choose the EcoBoost Convertible, whose 2.3-liter turbo-four makes 310 hp from $21,900.

Power goes to the rear wheels, the multilayer insulated soft-top lowers in about seven seconds, and the back seat plus 11.4-cubic-foot trunk add everyday flexibility most roadsters lack.

Pros:

• Big V8 power for the money
• Usable rear seat and large trunk
• Affordable EcoBoost entry point
• Insulated soft-top quiets the cabin

Cons:

• No manual on the V8 convertible
• Heavier and softer than a dedicated roadster

Verdict: The Mustang GT delivers genuine muscle and four-seat practicality for under $40K.

7. BMW 4 Series Convertible

Starting MSRP: $53,300 | Best for: a four-seat luxury cruiser with real pace

The 4 Series Convertible swapped its old folding hardtop for a lighter fabric soft-top in this generation, dropping weight and lowering the center of gravity. The 430i uses a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 255 horsepower, while the M440i brings a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six worth 382 horsepower.

Both offer rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive, paired with an eight-speed automatic. The new top adds about a foot of extra trunk space when stowed, and the genuine rear seat makes this a true four-person convertible.

Pros:

• Smooth, strong M440i inline-six
• All-wheel-drive availability
• Seats four in comfort
• Lighter soft-top improves handling

Cons:

• Polarizing large grille styling
• Less engaging than a two-seat roadster

Verdict: The 4 Series is the well-rounded luxury four-seater, especially in M440i xDrive form.

8. Mercedes-Benz C 300 Cabriolet

Starting MSRP: $58,450 | Best for: plush, quiet open-air luxury

The C 300 Cabriolet is the relaxed grand tourer of the group. Its 2.0-liter turbo-four pairs with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to make 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft, with a brief overboost adding extra punch, and it reaches 60 mph in about 5.9 seconds. The reviewed example comes with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic.

The multilayer acoustic soft-top and available AIRCAP wind deflector and AIRSCARF neck heating make top-down driving comfortable across more of the year. It prioritizes calm and craftsmanship over outright sharpness.

Pros:

• Hushed, beautifully finished cabin
• AIRSCARF and AIRCAP extend top-down season
• All-wheel-drive grip
• Mild-hybrid smoothness

Cons:

• Less athletic than the BMW or Audi
• Carryover platform feels its age

Verdict: The C 300 Cabriolet is the pick for buyers who value serenity over backroad sharpness.

9. Audi A5 Cabriolet

Starting MSRP: $51,800 | Best for: all-weather confidence with quattro

The A5 Cabriolet leans on traction and polish. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder uses a mild-hybrid assist to make 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in about 5.6 seconds. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic feeds standard quattro all-wheel drive, so you can deploy the power confidently in rain or cold.

The acoustic soft-top keeps the cabin quiet, and the interior is among the best-built here. It is composed and grippy rather than playful, which suits buyers who drive year-round.

Pros:

• Standard quattro all-wheel drive
• Top-tier interior materials
• Quiet acoustic soft-top
• Confident wet-weather traction

Cons:

• More secure than thrilling to drive
• No manual transmission option

Verdict: The A5 Cabriolet is the all-season choice when traction and cabin quality top your list.

10. MINI Cooper Convertible

Starting MSRP: $27,900 | Best for: charming, affordable urban top-down fun

The MINI Cooper Convertible rounds out the list with personality and a low entry price. The Cooper S uses a 2.0-liter turbo-four making 189 horsepower, good for a 0-60 of about 6.2 seconds in Car and Driver testing, while the John Cooper Works version turns up the heat from $31,800.

Drive goes to the front wheels, which sets it apart from the rear-drive roadsters here, and the power soft-top drops in around 18 seconds and can slide back like a sunroof at any speed. Go-kart steering and a tiny footprint make it a city delight, even if rear seats and trunk are token.

Pros:

• Genuine character and customization
• Affordable open-top entry point
• Sliding sunroof-style top function
• Eager go-kart handling

Cons:

• Front-wheel drive lacks roadster purity
• Cramped rear seats and small trunk

Verdict: The MINI Convertible is the most fun you can have topless for under $30K in a city.

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

What to Look For When Buying a Convertible

When shopping any 2022 drop-top, keep these priorities in view:

• Top mechanism: a power soft-top that operates at moderate speed (such as the Z4 or 911) beats fumbling with a manual top in a parking lot — though a hand-folding top like the Miata's can be quicker than any motor.
• Structural rigidity: convertibles lose chassis stiffness versus their coupe siblings, so look for added bracing and test for cowl shake on rough roads.
• Wind management: a quality wind deflector and acoustic top make highway cruising far more pleasant; the Mercedes AIRCAP and AIRSCARF systems are standout examples.
• Trunk with the top down: check cargo room in the stowed position, not just roof-up — the Corvette and Mustang are far roomier than the roadsters.
• Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive delivers the classic roadster feel, while all-wheel drive (Audi quattro, BMW xDrive) buys year-round confidence.
• Resale and reliability: Mazda, Porsche, and Chevrolet hold value well; factor predicted dependability into the total cost.

One thing that matters less than marketing implies is raw horsepower. A 181-hp Miata is more rewarding on a real backroad than many cars with double the output, because top-down enjoyment comes from balance, steering, and that wind-in-the-hair sensation far more than from a big number on the spec sheet.

FAQ

What is the best overall convertible for 2022? The Porsche 718 Boxster, thanks to its mid-engine balance, sharp steering, and engaging soundtrack — no convertible under six figures matches its blend of joy and capability.

What is the best value convertible for 2022? The Mazda MX-5 Miata. Starting around $27,300, it delivers the purest open-top driving fun of any car here for a fraction of the price of the premium roadsters.

Are soft-tops or retractable hardtops better? Soft-tops are lighter, cheaper, and free up trunk space, which helps handling and cargo room. Retractable hardtops, like the Corvette's, add security and coupe-quiet refinement with the roof up but add weight and cost.

Which 2022 convertible is fastest to 60 mph? The Chevrolet Corvette Convertible with the Z51 package, at about 2.9 seconds, easily leads this group.

Which convertibles seat four people? The Ford Mustang, BMW 4 Series, Mercedes C 300, Audi A5, Porsche 911 (small rear seats), and MINI Cooper all offer rear seating; the Boxster, Corvette, Z4, and Miata are strict two-seaters.

Do convertibles cost more to insure and maintain? Often yes — the added top mechanism and performance focus can raise premiums and upkeep, so budget for it alongside the purchase price.

Bottom Line

The 2022 convertible field is deep enough that almost every budget and taste is covered. The Porsche 718 Boxster earns Best Overall for delivering the most complete open-top driving experience short of six figures, while the Mazda MX-5 Miata takes Best Value by serving up the purest fun-per-dollar on the market.

If you want supercar speed, the Corvette is a steal; if you want a four-seat luxury cruiser, the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes C 300 deliver; and if charm on a budget is the goal, the MINI Cooper delights. Match the car to how you actually drive — roadster purity, grand-touring comfort, or city fun — and you cannot go wrong with any pick on this list.

Sources

• Kelley Blue Book — 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata Pricing and Specs
• Kelley Blue Book — 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Pricing
• Car and Driver — 2022 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
• CarBuzz — 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster Pricing, Photos and Specs
• CarBuzz — 2022 BMW Z4 Roadster Pricing, Photos and Specs
• CarBuzz — 2022 BMW 4 Series Convertible Specs and Trims
• CarBuzz — 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet Pricing and Specs
• Edmunds — 2022 Audi A5 Convertible Specs and Features
• Kelley Blue Book — 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Specs
• U.S. News — 2022 MINI Convertible Specs and Pricing

*Convertible review — convertible reviews, rating, best convertible 2022, and a review of the top drop-top picks for buyers.*