Best Convertibles of 2022

A convertible is a car that can be converted into an open top car by removing its roof and doors. Convertibles are also known as sports cars, and are made by automakers all over the world including Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Spain and others. Here we take a look at some different types of convertibles, what to take into account when you are looking to buy one, and how the market for convertibles is changing.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

A four-cylinder engine’s delight is matched by the six-speed manual transmission, with an automatic offered as well. The Miata corners eagerly, turning twisty roads into a joy ride. It offers a manually-folding soft-top, but you can opt for a Targa hardtop on more expensive RF models. Either roof gives you plenty of cabin space, with infotainment features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims.

• Pros

1. Affordable open-top freedom, 
2. Joyful handling characteristics, 
3. Expertly tuned controls.

• Cons

1. Snug passenger accommodations, 
2. Road noise can get fatiguing on long drives
3.  Firm ride.

 

Ford Mustang

With numerous appearance packages, improved performance-enhancing options, and coupe or convertible body styles, the Mustang can be customised to fit your personality and desires. Its powerful turbo four or 5.0-liter V8 both feed the rear wheels through an engaging manual transmission or a terrific 10-speed automatic. While all Mustangs are fun to drive, Ford offers myriad packages to up the excitement, culminating in the track-focused Mach 1. Even the most aggressive Mustang (excluding its 760-hp sibling) can be driven every day, and it’s back seat is roomier and outward visibility is better.

• Pros

1. Every version is engaging to drive
2. Transformative performance packages.

• Cons

1. Interior quality isn’t exactly impressive
2. Optional Recaro seats are uncomfortable
3. The base turbo-four engine fails to excite.

 

Chevy Camaro

The 2022 Chevrolet Camaro coupe and convertible are about the simple pleasures of driving. Forget about compromised outward visibility and cramped rear seats. Instead, embrace their lithe handling, satisfying stick-shift transmission, and remarkably smooth ride. A 275-hp turbo four is the default engine, but opting for the 335-hp V-6 or the 455-hp V-8 unlocks more melodic soundtracks and punchier acceleration. Some will call its cabin unattractive, it’s claustrophobic, but its front seats are comfy and supportive. Its well-stocked infotainment system is easy to use.

• Pros

1. Great sounding V-6 and V-8 engines, 
2. Great performance for the price
3. Great 1LE track package.

• Cons

1. Difficult to see out of
2. Difficult to fit in the back seat
3. Difficult to put bulky stuff into the trunk

 

BMW Z4

The 2022 BMW Z4 is a confident handler with a powerful turbocharged engine, and its upscale cabin makes it a good choice for both daily driving and for occasional track days. The base engine is a peppy turbo four-cylinder, while a twin-turbo six-cylinder can be found in the racier M40i model. All Z4s are rear-wheel drive and use an eight-speed automatic transmission that’s well-integrated into the car’s overall sporty driving experience.

• Pros

1. Two perky powertrains
2. Well-tuned chassis
3. Hushed cabin with top in place.

• Cons 

1. Only available with an automatic
2. No all-wheel-drive option.

 

Mercedes-AMG C43

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe and convertible provides sports-car attitude with luxury-car accoutrements. It comes with a 385-hp twin-turbo V-6 that provides ample power and great sounds. All-wheel drive is standard, and the C43’s handling is razor sharp. Unfortunately, the same can be said of its ride quality, which can be tortuous over rough stretches of road. Like other cars with sporting intentions, the C43 requires you to take the good with the bad. The cabin is stylish, well-equipped, and comfortable for front-seat riders, but those relegated to the back may want headroom. Likewise with trunk space, which is merely average for the class. This current crop will likely be this generation’s last, as the C-class has been redesigned for 2022, meaning an AMG-tuned variant should be on its way to replace the C43 with something more modern and hopefully fun to drive like its predecessor.

• Pros

1. Upscale interior
2.  Snappy acceleration from twin-turbo V-6
3. Lovely two-door styling.

• Cons

1. Overly firm ride
2. Limited cargo space
3. No longer offered as a four-door sedan

 

Mercedes Benz E-Class

There are sportier alternatives to the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-class, but few are as seamlessly high-class and high-tech. The E350 sedan is powered by a common-for-the-segment turbo four, but the E450 enjoys a sweet turbocharged straight-six. This strong, smooth mill is available in the sedan and standard on the coupe and cabriolet. Regardless of the powerplant, all body styles supplement their classy interiors with a cushy and composed ride. Add the 2022 E-class roster of advanced driver assists to its luxury appointments and quality assembly, and its esteemed position among mid-size luxury cars is evident.

• Pros

1. Classy and cutting-edge interior
2. Effortless and efficient six-cylinder engine
3. Plush and planted ride.

• Cons

1. Some intuitive infotainment controls
2. Protracted emergency-stopping distance
3. Unimpressive base engine.

 

Aston Martin Vantage

A sports car’s primary mission is to make the driver feel behind the wheel, and the beautiful 2022 Aston Martin Vantage does all that while making heads turn everywhere it goes. Its sensual shape­–available with a fixed roof or a retractable soft top­–is classic sport’s car stuff, with a long hood and wide haunches. What’s under that clamshell hood is almost equally as lusty: a 500-plus-hp twin-turbo V-8 sourced from Mercedes-AMG. This vociferous mill mates with a manual or automatic transmission, but unfortunately the former is only offered on the regular coupe. For drivers looking to channel their inner Sebastian Vettel, Aston now offers a track-tuned F1 Edition with distinct styling, an enhanced chassis, and extra horsepower. While the Vantage’s interior suffers from some fit-and-finish issues and uncouth wind and road noise at highway speeds, the highly customizable cabin can still be lavishly appointed. Most importantly, Aston Martin’s entry-level machine constantly manufactures smiles and stares.

• Pros

1. Classically gorgeous
2.  A riot to pilot on track or off it, F1 Edition enhances the driving experience.

• Lows

1. Interior quality not appropriate to the sticker price
2. No manual for the convertible or F1 Edition
3. Noisy cabin at highway speeds.

 

Mercedes-AMG SL-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL-class is an automotive icon. Recent examples haven’t been as impressive as expected, but the new generation SL is taking a sportier tack and will be offered only with an AMG badge. The entry-level SL55 is powered by a 469-hp twin-turbo V-8 while the racier SL63 gets a 577-hp version of that same motor. All-wheel drive and four-wheel steering are both standard and are intended to improve both handling and performance. Although it’s being reimagined as a more focused sports car, the new SL also sports a luxurious and tech-heavy cabin that should appeal to those looking for the ultimate in comfort. And in a nod to previous generations, the new SL features a folding fabric roof in place of the outgoing models’ power-folding hardtop, thereby retaining its open-air persona while also saving weight.

• Pros

1. Punchy V-8 power
2. Eye-catching styling
3. Cosy and luxury-lined cabin.

• Cons 

1. Handling isn’t as agile as key rivals
2. Snug rear seat space
3. High starting price tag.

While convertible autos are less common in the US, they are popular in the rest of the world. They are great to have in both hot and cold environments. They can be fun to drive around with their top down and take the stress out of your life while driving. The best convertibles of 2022 will be even more affordable as manufacturers add new features as well as make improvements on existing ones.