Best Roadsters | 2026 Convertible Roadsters Rated | CarBuzz

We all want a laid-back driving experience in the summer, wishing we were on the Almafi Coast with nothing to do but enjoy ourselves. A roadster is perfect for that, giving you the wind-in-your-hair experience while being able to deal with rainy days when you put the roof up. Luxury is usually present in a roadster, so many of the options on this list are pretty well-equipped, but affordable roadsters still do exist if you look hard enough - the hallowed Mazda MX-5 Miata is a case in point. To help you decide on the best roadsters of 2026, here's a list ranked according to our BuzzScore system.

Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.

1 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Obviously, the regular Corvette has a removable top, but if you want the full experience, there's a cabriolet option. It starts at $7,000 more than the coupe, and luckily doesn't add much weight. All the same options and trims are available if you choose the cabriolet, and the only way you'd be able to tell that the roof folds is the large buttresses at the back of the cabin. If you're planning on taking the convertible Corvette on track, we'd also recommend the Z51 package, which adds an electronic LSD and a performance exhaust to help you hear the 6.2L V8 better.

2 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

Yeah, we can't stop staring either. The Aston Martin Vanquish Volante is the droptop version of the gorgeous Vanquish coupe. Under the long hood it hides a 5.2L twin-turbo V12 that's routed through an 8-speed transmission to produce 824 horsepower. That power is available most of the time, too, as the Vanquish has a feature called 'boost hold' that keeps pressure inside the turbo until you need it again. It's one of the most powerful options on our roadster/convertible list, and with its much-improved interior over the previous generation, it's a great modern choice if you have the money.

"For those who want a more relaxed experience than a Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider or forthcoming Lamborghini Revuelto droptop can offer, the Vanquish is the only game in town. Plus, who doesn't want to say they drive the, ahem, most powerful front-engine rear-drive V12 sports car in the world?"

- Justin Westbrook, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz

3 Mercedes-Benz SL55

The Mercedes SL line has been a common choice if you want a plush convertible to crunch miles in. SL55s are powered by a 4.0L V8 that produces 469 hor5sepower and takes this soft-top to 60 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds. To compete in the luxury bracket, the SL55 starts at over $145k, and has standard massing seats and nappa leather all around. There might only be 7.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, but the lack of space for rear passengers means you can easily stick bags in there for a long trip away in one of the best new roadster models around.

4 Aston Martin DB12 Volante

The designers at Aston Martin need a raise, as we couldn't find much to dislike about the DB12 Volante's great looks in our review. The infotainment was the biggest weakness of many Aston Martins of old, and we're pleased to say this generation is much improved with actual buttons and easy-to-read digital dials. There's no V12 in the front, but the Mercedes-sourced 4.0L twin-turbo V8 is potent and smooth, aiding the company's claim that this is a 'super GT' and not a pure grand tourer. When it comes to roadsters, the Aston Martin DB12 might be one of the most complete packages on sale today.

"The DB12 is our favorite kind of car: a compliant grand tourer that can thrill you on a back road. It's more athletic but less comfortable than a Bentley, and more "special" than an AMG or a Porsche. The DB12, like the DB9 that came long before it, is one of the prettiest vehicles on the market and among the most fun to drive."

- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz

5 BMW Z4 Roadster

The BMW Z4 is part of a dying breed of manual-transmission-equipped roadsters that promise driver satisfaction before everything else. When you choose the Handschalter package, the Z4 is equipped with a great six-speed manual to make the most of the B58 engine, sportier chassis tuning and reinforced anti-roll bars. For how handsome and impressive this roadster vehicle is, it's quite reasonably priced too. The regular sDrive30i starts at around $56k, while enthusiasts will prefer the M40i for $68k to unlock more power and aggressive styling. This is the best roadster if you want high power and a manual transmission in 2026.

"BMW delivered everything that enthusiasts asked for: a manual transmission, a great engine, handsome styling, and access to the sky. For discerning enthusiasts, the Z4 Handschalter is the best BMW currently on sale. It's easy to get the rear end to step out and manage the throttle without worrying about losing control. This is now our favorite BMW to drive; it's more comfortable than an M2 but just as fun."

- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz

6 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata

It may have only 181 horses under the hood, but with a small frame and light weight, the MX-5 Miata is not underpowered - and tail-happy slides and track days are common for true enthusiasts who own one. The little roadster is super affordable for 2026, starting at just over $30,000, and with its approachable and easy-to-drive nature, is a favorite with those who actually enjoy driving.

"The Miata has always championed affordable driver engagement, measuring fun in smiles per mile for more than three decades. The [latest] MX-5 Miata takes a winning recipe and makes it better, breathing fresh life into the ND chassis that belies its nearly ten years on the market. Sports car rivals come and go, but the Miata remains evergreen, and its ability to put a smile on your face at a budget price never fails to impress."

- Roger Biermann, CarBuzz Managing Editor

7 Mercedes-AMG SL63 S E Performance

The second of three Mercedes-AMG SL models in this modern roadster list is the SL63 S E Performance, which has a snappy name and an even quicker engine. The handcrafted twin-turbo V8 is mated to a hybrid powertrain that has its roots in Formula One, producing over 800 horsepower and a massive 1,047 lb-ft of torque. Costing over $200k, it has almost every box ticked on the options list, although you can buy an optional driver assistance package to complete the spreadsheet of trim levels. Inside, there's massaging seats or AMG performance seats, and both will help you be comfortable over long drives or a day of hooning around the track.

8 Mercedes-AMG SL43

If you love everything about the SL line of Mercedes roadsters but want the most affordable option, the SL43 is the answer. Powered by a handcrafted four-cylinder engine making 416 horsepower, you'll have to drive it hard to make the most of this powertrain. Maximum power comes at just under 7,000 rpm, while maximum torque hits at 3,000 rpm. While it was laughed at upon launch, the four-cylinder has foundations in the motorsport world, and with hybrid assist, it has almost as much power as the SL55's V8 engine.

Characteristics Of Roadster Cars

The convertible roadster is one of the oldest body styles available, but that doesn’t mean it’s old-fashioned. Advances in automotive technology, such as electric propulsion, have seen these desirable cars receive a modern makeover, so new roadsters don’t always have the qualities that may have become synonymous with the style. However, there are certain characteristics that you can expect from the best new roadsters:

• Esthetics: Looks matter in this segment. Whether soft- or hardtop, these cars have sensual curves designed to turn heads and make you feel like a Hollywood star. Of course, they look particularly fetching with the top down, which is why a well-appointed interior is just as important.
• Performance: While they don’t need to be fast to be enjoyable, many roadster models boast decent levels of performance. There are a variety of six-cylinder and V8-powered options, though turbocharged four-cylinders are just as common. Breakneck speeds and hyper-responsive handling are not the name of the game here, but rather effortless cruising.
• Comfort: Like leisure sports cars, roadsters need to strike a balance between ride comfort and an engaging driving experience. This is why many two-seat roadsters are officially luxury vehicles. Their interiors are comprised of quality materials and built with comfort in mind. The list of features also often leans towards this. Despite being 2-seater vehicles, they can be cramped inside, though. And trunk space is normally lacking, too, since roadsters are small in comparison to a sedan or coupe.
• Price: You generally have to pay for style and comfort, and roadsters are no exception. Those with a flair for performance are even more expensive, especially if they are equipped with AWD. The combination of a heavier drivetrain and a powerful engine means poorer fuel economy and a higher overall cost of ownership. Don’t let this discourage you, though, as there are a few economy-minded options.

What To Consider When Buying A New Convertible Roadster

As desirable as they are, roadsters are not without their drawbacks. Swapping out the solid roof for a retractable one introduces safety concerns, and they have more moving parts and an exposed interior that increases maintenance. These are just some of the things to consider when choosing whether a roadster is the right choice for you. Other pros and cons include:

Pros

• Wind-in-your-hair driving experience
• Head-turning looks
• Above-average 0-60 mph times
• Sports car driving dynamics
• Some feature a hardtop for added refinement

Cons

• Only space for two people
• Compromised body lowers safety ratings
• Higher price tag and fuel bills

Why should I choose a roadster over a coupe?

These small, sporty vehicles provide a better sense of freedom. There’s no replacement for the wind blowing in your hair, and some can look much better than their coupe counterparts.

Do roadster cars have higher maintenance costs?

Besides possible repairs to the collapsible roof, they should prove to be as easy to maintain as any other vehicle.

Sources: Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, BMW, Chevrolet