Every sub-$100k convertible you can buy in America in 2025

Yahoo

13-02-2025

It's no secret that automakers have been struggling to profit from selling convertibles in recent times. They occupy an increasingly narrow market segment and often sacrifice functionality and even handling dynamics in favor of a more visceral driving experience. Despite their niche appeal, the gradual loss of available convertible models is an alarming sign of things to come.
The dwindling of new convertible offerings signals a growing problem in the automotive industry. More and more manufacturers are reducing the diversity of their model ranges in an effort to maximize profitability.
It makes sense that since crossovers, for example, are very popular, manufacturers would make plenty of them and not nearly as many convertibles. The consequences for you and me–the consumers–however, are that we're seeing our freedom of choice significantly reduced to maximize the profitability of major multinational corporations.
Despite this worrisome insight, the sub-$100k convertible still exists in North America for now. Only a few remaining convertibles are being offered by mainstream manufacturers, such as the Jaguar F-Type Convertible and the Audi A5 Cabriolet, so let's take a look at what's still alive for 2025.Convertible versions of BMW's bread-and-butter compact coupe have roamed the streets of America since the 1980s, starting with the E30 generation 3-series. Although the latest iteration of the icon's chopped-top variant dons a massive snout on its face and lacks the option for a manual transmission, its aggressive powertrain options mean it's still more than just a fashion accessory.
The 430i Convertible comes standard with a 255-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is also standard, though xDrive all-wheel drive is available at an additional cost. Upgrade to the M440i Convertible, and you'll find a 374-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six under the hood, paired to the same 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive, or optional all-wheel drive.
Available for the 2025 model year only in "Competition xDrive" form, the BMW M4 Convertible combines the legendary performance capabilities of the M4 with the open-top excitement of a cabriolet. Powered by a 523-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six, the M4 Convertible can rocket from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.By now, most people realize that the current BMW Z4 is essentially a re-skinned Toyota GR Supra without the hardtop roof. Its base variant–which costs around the same as the GR Supra–comes equipped with a much less powerful, 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
Want the punchier, turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six-powered M40i variant? That'll cost you upwards of $67,000. Despite the added cost, the M40i is the one we'd go for, with its available 6-speed manual transmission, 382 horsepower, and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Although the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible starts at $76,995, the standard C8 Corvette can be had for just $69,995 and is still technically a convertible, thanks to its removable roof panel. But if you insist on a power-retractable hardtop on your mid-engine 'Vette, the convertible variant is the way to go.
Powered by a 490-horsepower, naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 and paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, the C8 Corvette Stingray pulls off an incredible 2.8 second 0-60 mph time. It's also one of just four naturally aspirated V8-powered sports cars you can still buy in 2025.Ford's Mustang Convertible has been around since 1964, and its fundamental philosophy has remained unchanged ever since. It's still one of the most affordable convertible sports cars on the market, and it still offers raw, naturally aspirated V8 power and an available manual transmission if you seek the added thrill.
The second vehicle on the exclusive list of remaining naturally-aspirated V8 sports cars is the Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible. It is equipped with a 486-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8, and can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic. Opt for the even more affordable EcoBoost Convertible, and you'll find a 315-horsepower, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood.
Though it's a very different type of vehicle compared to the Mustang, the Bronco still counts as a convertible, thanks to its removable roof. The Mustang GT might blow the doors off the Bronco in a head-to-head drag race, but that's alright because the Bronco's doors are removable, too!
Just because it's not a sports car doesn't mean it isn't fun, either. Like the Mustang, the Bronco can also be equipped with a manual transmission, albeit a 7-speed unit with a low gear for crawling. Its standard powertrain is the 300-horsepower, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, which can be paired with the manual or an optional 10-speed automatic. The Bronco can also be upgraded with a 330-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, but it comes paired exclusively with the automatic.
Don't want to sacrifice genuine sports car performance for off-road capability? The Bronco Raptor, which starts at $90,035, has a 418-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and propels from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds.The 2025 Jeep Wrangler tells a similar story to the Ford Bronco. Pairing four-wheel drive off-road capability with the thrill of toplessness, the Wrangler is a North American institution. Like the Bronco, the Wrangler can be had with a manual transmission, and its doors are similarly removable.
Unlike the Bronco, however, the Wrangler can be had as a plug-in hybrid via the 4xe package, which pairs a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor to produce a combined 375 horsepower. The standard Wrangler comes equipped with a 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, and an optional turbocharged 270-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder is available as well.
Essentially a Wrangler with an extended wheelbase and a pickup truck bed, the Jeep Gladiator combines the Wrangler's off-road chops with the functionality of a midsize truck. Since neither Ram nor Dodge offers a truck in this segment, at least for now, the Gladiator is the only midsize truck that Stellantis offers in North America.
The Gladiator is equipped exclusively with the 285-horsepower, naturally-aspirated Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Like the Wrangler and Bronco, it features a removable top and doors.The Mazda MX-5 Miata needs no introduction. You've likely heard the term, "Miata Is Always the Answer," and it's a phrase that still rings true today–perhaps more than ever. Mazda's ND-generation MX-5 is nothing short of a masterclass in well-packaged excitement and sports car refinement, yet remains the most accessible brand-new convertible money can buy.
Powered by a 181-horsepower, naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the 2,366-lb roadster can be had in soft top form or as the "RF" with a retractable, electronically folding hardtop roof. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels. A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard, but a 6-speed automatic is available for a more sedate experience. Opt for the Club package, and you'll add BBS wheels, Brembo brakes, and heated Recaro bucket seats.
A recent introduction in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the CLE Cabriolet replaces both the C-Class Cabriolet and the E-Class Cabriolet, combining the two models into one package, much like the CLK-Class of previous years. The Mercedes-Benz CLE's main focus is comfort, and the convertible variant is no exception to this rule.
The standard CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet comes equipped with a 255-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with mild hybrid drive. Opt for the CLE 450 4MATIC, and you'll get a 375-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six with mild hybrid drive. Want even more performance? The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet will deliver with a 443-horsepower, turbocharged, AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter straight-six with hybrid assist and an electric auxiliary compressor.Despite Porsche allegedly planning to end 718 Cayman and Boxster production in October 2025, according to our very own Jonathon Ramsey, the iconic roadster trudges on for now. Although it can't be fitted with a flat-six power plant for less than six figures, the standard 718 Boxster and the sportier Boxster S meet this list's requirements.
The standard 718 Boxster comes equipped with a 300-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine, whereas the Boxster S places a 350-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four within its mid-section. Both models come standard with a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, but a 6-speed manual transmission is also available at no additional cost.
Although America's love affair with the convertible is coming to a gradual end, it's refreshing to see how much variety exists within the handful of convertibles that can still be purchased new today. From lightweight roadsters to brutish muscle cars and capable off-road pickup trucks, it's obvious that the joy of being outdoors can enhance almost any type of driving experience.
We hope to see more manufacturers keep the wind-in-hair dream alive and offer more affordable convertibles to North American buyers or perhaps find ways of integrating the drop-top experience into more "normal" vehicles through the use of convertible roofs, retractable ragtops or even t-tops.
Do you want to see more convertibles offered stateside, or do you think the body style belongs in the past? Are you a lover of the open-roof driving experience, or do you hate fun and prefer structural rigidity for marginally better performance? Let us know your stance in the comments–we love to hear from you!
Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!