Best Convertibles for 2022

The past decade has not been kind to the drop-top enthusiast. No matter which dealer you walk into, convertible models have been biting the dust left and right. Nissan Z? Audi TT? Buick Cascada? Volkswagen Eos? All gone. Remember the humble Chrysler Sebring/200? Well, you do now. Fortunately, though, the news isn't all bad. There are still plenty of options out there for those who absolutely must have a convertible. Whether you need something to haul behind your retirement cruiser, a performance car that can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world or just something that allows you to sling the roof back after a long day of on-location business meetings before catching the flight back to your everyday hustle and bustle, there's at least one cabriolet out there to suit your needs. Here are our picks and starting prices for the top convertibles in several categories for 2022.

For the frugal open-top lover: 2022 Mini Convertible ($34,650)

Let's face it; gas ain't cheap. But open-top motoring doesn't need to be a wallet killer. The Mini is cheap (at least by 2022 standards) and an absolute joy to drive, so there's really no downside here ... except for the roof. Get it?

For the hardtop lover: 2022 Mazda MX-5 RF ($37,260) / 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible ($69,695)

The number of hardtop convertibles has seriously dwindled due to weight concerns and the fact that fabric roofs have gotten so quiet, but there are still some options for those who prefer a more coupe-like look with the roof up. Our picks here are the delightfully Targa-like MX-5 Miata RF and literally any Corvette Stingray — even the hardtop has a removable roof!

For long road trips: 2022 Ford Mustang Convertible ($34,100)

The first image that comes to mind for many who are told to visualize an American convertible is the classic Ford Mustang. It's not the only drop-top pony car out there, but thanks to the Camaro's tiny trunk, it's much harder to see the USA in a Chevrolet when a drop-top enters the equation. The Mustang has much more cargo space and a much larger opening, which is likely the difference between keeping your bags under lock and key or leaving them exposed in the back seat.

For towing behind an RV: 2022 Jeep Wrangler ($31,590)

While many small runabouts make sense for towing behind a motor home (or nestled up inside a fancier one), the Wrangler has a serious advantage when it comes to RVing: it can easily be flat-towed. While your 720S may fit neatly into the bowels of your mega-road-liner, we mere wage-earners have to settle for something a little more practical. Jeep still offers a two-door Wrangler if you need something that'll fit snugly in your driveway too, plus it'll get you places a 720S (or Miata or Mini Cooper) simply won't.

For the beach: 2022 Jeep Wrangler ($31,590) / 2022 Ford Bronco ($32,395)

This one's kind of a no-brainer. We're not talking about a cruise along the shore on a paved byway; we mean driving on the actual beach. While plenty of folks get away with making poor decisions when it comes to driving on sand, we can only really put our support behind a true 4x4. Fortunately, there are two solid options in the market now: the tried-and-true Jeep Wrangler and the new Ford Bronco. Just be smart, obey posted signs and be sure to thoroughly hose your rig down after exposure to saltwater, even if it's just from wet sand getting kicked into the wheel wells.

For a Sunday drive: 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible ($69,695) / 2022 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible ($32,695)

We named the Mustang the best road trip option above, but what if you plan to go out and back in one day and have no need for extra luggage space? Why not go for something flashy like a Corvette? As an added bonus, even the Corvette coupe has a Targa-style hardtop, so you can still feel the wind in your hair (or on your scalp) if your dealer is fresh out of drop-top Corvettes. Honorable mention to the Camaro here, which doesn't really do day trips that much better than the Mustang, but if you prefer it, why not?