Convertible SUVs are one of the quirkier vehicle segments out there. They offer most of the practicality found in regular tin-top SUVs but with added style and flair. This makes them more fun and excellent daily drivers. Convertible SUVs can have their roofs folded or detached, also making them the perfect combination of ruggedness, practicality, and style!

UPDATE: 2023/10/21 13:11 EST BY RON FP

The Most Impressive Convertible SUVs On The Market

Although not all convertible SUVs were able to get the widespread acceptance that the Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender, and Ford Bronco received, the concept did catch on to some degree, even for some on-road crossover models. If you're looking for an SUV that combines utility with open-air fun and freedom, this article is a great read for you.

Using cross-referenced vehicle specifications and reviews from manufacturer websites, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Edmunds, and Consumer Reports (CR), we've updated this list to bring you more details about some of the most impressive convertible SUVs that rolled out into the streets - and a new one that will be rolling out of the showrooms very soon.

With the roof off, convertible SUVs offer unlimited headroom for their occupants. This unique open-air driving experience is also guaranteed to elicit admirable stares from other road users. The rarity of convertible SUVs makes them relatively desirable to some automotive enthusiasts.

However, this doesn't mean every SUV can pull off the convertible style; there's undoubtedly more to it than just chopping off the roof, as we have seen some rather ridiculous attempts.

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14 2016 - 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

2017 Land_Rover-Range_Rover_Evoque_Convertible (orange)- side
Land Rover

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

Land Rover

Production Years

2016-2021

Configuration

Inline-four

Displacement

2.0 liters (122 cu in)

Power

237 hp

Torque

251 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible was a rugged yet fashionable crossover SUV. It featured a sleek, streamlined body, giving it a stunning look with a perfect blend between macho and femininity. The Evoque convertible SUV had a 237 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, sending all that power to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.

While the convertible Evoque wasn't cheap, it was pretty luxurious. The base-model Evoque sold at $52,000. It rode 18-inch wheels and featured halogen headlights, body-colored door cladding, a perforated leather steering wheel manually adjustable for rake and reach, and perforated-grained leather seats with optimal heating.

Pros

  1. Unique drop-top design
  2. Nimble and agile on the road
  3. Extremely quiet

Cons

  1. Cargo space is almost non-existent
  2. Uncomfortable rear seats
  3. Slower than the standard Evoque

13 2007 Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro

Audi Cross Carbiolet Quattro convertible (orange) - front
Audi

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

Audi

Production Years

Concept (2007)

Configuration

V6

Displacement

3.0 liters (183 cu in)

Power

243 hp

Torque

428 lb-ft

Fuel

Diesel

Noteworthy Applications

Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro

The 2017 Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro was a two-door, four-seater SUV measuring just over 15 feet long. It took Audi's typical dynamic soft-top convertible and combined it with the all-around qualities of a full-fledged SUV.

Under the hood of this stunning convertible SUV was a 243-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine that featured ultra-low emission technology. As its name implies, it also came with Audi's Quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system. To help negotiate different terrains, the Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro featured electric ride height adjustment.

Pros

  1. Stylish design
  2. Posh interior
  3. Advanced tech and luxury features for its time

Cons

  1. Cramped rear seats
  2. Limited cargo space
  3. The z-folding roof took 17 seconds to stow

12 2023 Jeep Wrangler

2023 jeep wrangler willys 4xe
Jeep

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

Chrysler/Jeep

Production Years

2023

Configurations

Inline-four, 4xe Plug-in Hybrid, V6, V8

Displacements

2.0 liters (122 cu in), 2.0 liters (122 cu in) + Electric Motor, 3.0 liters (183 cu in), 3.6 liters (220 cu in), 6.4 liters (392 cu in)

Power

260-470 hp

Torque

260-470 lb-ft

Fuels

Gasoline, Diesel

Noteworthy Applications

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is arguably the most famous and popular convertible SUV on the market. It's available as a compact two-door or mid-size four-door model, known as the Wrangler Unlimited. Every model has a removable hardtop or soft top, but that's not all that's removable. You can even remove the doors to provide the occupants with the ultimate open-air driving experience.

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For the 2023 model year, the Jeep Wrangler has a starting price of $31,195. The iconic, off-road-ready Wrangler SUV has various engine options, a 3.6-liter V6, a hybridized 2.0-liter turbo, a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6, and a 6.4-liter V8. Whatever option you choose, the power is always sent to all four wheels. Both two-door and four-door models of the Wrangler convertible have a reasonably compact interior, with the two-door version offering less overall interior space. Like the Bronco, the two-door model can accommodate four people, while the four-door can accommodate five.

Pros

  1. Outstanding off-road capabilities
  2. Wide range of engine options
  3. Multiple body-and-roof configurations

Cons

  1. Unrefined truck-like on-road ride and handling
  2. Tight interior space
  3. Noisy cabin

11 Land Rover Defender Convertible

1996 Land Rover Defender 110 300Tdi 5-Speed
Bring a Trailer

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

Land Rover, Ford, BMW

Production Years

1990-2016

Configuration

Inline-four, Inline-six, V6, V8

Displacement

2.2 liters (122 cu in), 2.4 liters (146 cu in), 2.5 liters (152 cu in), 2.8 liters (170.44 cu in), 3.9 liters (240.8 cu in), 5.0 liters (305 cu in)

Power

107-390 hp

Torque

195-399 lb-ft

Fuel

Diesel, gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender is the British answer to the Jeep Wrangler and one of the most iconic convertible SUVs on the market. It can take on any terrain, no matter how challenging, and it's well-known for its ruggedness and optimum durability. The Land Rover Defender is available in either a hardtop, soft-top, or open pickup model. The convertible Land Rover Defender is available in 3-door and 5-door variants – even featuring an extended rear in the case of the 130 models.

The Land Rover Defender features inline-four, inline-six, V6, and V8 gasoline and inline-four diesel and inline-five turbo-diesel engine variations. Its five-speed manual transmission sends all its power to all four wheels via a heavy-duty chassis and transfer case with two locking differentials. Even today, it is one of the most adored off-roaders ever made.

Pros

  1. Unrivaled off-road performance
  2. Choice of body styles
  3. Wide selection of engine options

Cons

  1. Noisy cabin
  2. Rough, uncomfortable ride and handling
  3. Poor ergonomics

10 Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet (White) - front
Volkswagen

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

Volkswagen

Production Years

2020-present

Configurations

Inline-three, Inline-four

Displacements

1.0 liter (61 cu in), 1.5 liters (91.4 cu in)

Power

110-150 hp

Torque

148-184 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet

The T-Roc Cabriolet is a two-door drop-top compact crossover SUV that perfectly blends an SUV’s practicality with the exhilarating drive of a convertible. Its unique look gives it a real presence on the road, and its entire structure, from the side panels to the underbody, has more strength to provide a solid, and dependable drive. That’s whether the roof is up or down.

The T-Roc’s entry-level design comes as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch infotainment system, two-tone climate control, part-leather seat upholstery, adaptive cruise control, and a six-speaker stereo system. The T-Roc's lack of a rear door and racy roofline makes it look more like a car. Its unique styling makes it a head-turner, especially with the roof down. Dropping the top takes around nine seconds, and raising it takes 11 seconds.

Pros

  1. Well-insulated soft-top roof
  2. Minimal buffeting
  3. Surprisingly, impressive off-road performance

Cons

  1. Less practical than the regular T-Roc
  2. Heavier than the standard model
  3. Underpowered engines

9 Hummer H1 Open Top

2006-Hummer-H1-Alpha-Open-Top (yellow) - front quarter
Bring a Trailer

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

General Motors

Production Years

1992-2006

Configuration

V8

Displacements

5.7 liters (350 cu in), 6.2 liters (379 cu in), 6.5 liters (395 cu in), 6.6 liters (402.7 cu in)

Power

195-325 hp

Torque

300-520 lb-ft

Fuels

Gasoline, diesel

Noteworthy Applications

Hummer H1

Everyone has heard of the Hummer H1 – the pioneer of GM's Hummer sub-brand. This open-top SUV is a four-wheel-drive vehicle based on the M998 Humvee military vehicle. It saw production from 1992 through to 2006. At first, it was strictly for military use, but later it came to the general market due to high demand. It is available in a convertible-like soft-top or hardtop Sport Utility Truck.

The H1 convertible featured five different V8 engines – four of which were diesel variants. It could comfortably seat the driver and three other passengers. Without any doubt, the Hummer H1 tops the list of the most rugged and macho convertible SUVs, easily capable of handling any terrain. It also has a massive interior, with refrigerators in the middle of the seats to keep drinks cool while tackling the great outdoors.

Pros

  1. Impressive towing capacity
  2. Unsurpassed off-road ability
  3. Hard-to-miss looks

Cons

  1. Limited interior space for such a big vehicle
  2. Drives poorly on the street
  3. Mammoth dimensions
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8 Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet

Mercedes Maybach G650 Landaulet  front third quarter wallpaper view
Mercedes-Benz

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

Mercedes-Maybach

Production Years

2017-2018

Configuration

V12

Displacement

6.0 liters (365 cu in)

Power

621 hp

Torque

738 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet

It's impossible to mention high-end luxury convertible SUVs and not have the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet. The G650 Landaulet uses the twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 from the G65 AMG and combines it with the portal axles from the G500 4x4. This German convertible SUV then tops it all off by using the rear seats from a long-wheelbase Maybach S-Class.

The Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet luxury SUV sees the standard G-Class wheelbase stretched by 23 inches to create an excessively luxurious backseat space. With all its functions and capabilities, this is undoubtedly the most exclusive form of stylish open-top motoring. The rear seats of the G650 were a sensation thanks to their over-the-top first-class experience. Even though Mercedes used parts from their existing vehicles, everything was from the top shelf.

Pros

  1. Incredible performance
  2. Luxurious and comfortable interior
  3. Practical off-roader

Cons

  1. Insane price tag
  2. Expensive maintenance and ownership costs
  3. Poor handling and maneuverability due to its size

7 2021 - 2023 Ford Bronco

2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Exterior
Ford

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

Ford

Production Years

2021-present

Configurations

Inline-four, V6

Displacements

2.3 liters (140 cu in), 2.7 liters (164 cu in), 3.0 liters (183 cu in)

Power

300-418 hp

Torque

325-440 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Ford Bronco

The Bronco is one of the best off-road capable SUVs on the market. It’s among the few SUVs that can comfortably crawl over rocks, speed through the desert, and slosh through the swamps. Like its direct competitor, the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco also offers a removable roof and doors. The Bronco seats four passengers in the two-door model and five in the four-door model. The two-door model has smaller rear seats, making the four-door a better choice for drivers regularly transporting a family. Both models have comfortable front seats, ideal for long drives and off-road use.

Ford offers three engine options with the Bronco – a 300 hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder, a 330 hp 2.7-liter V6, and a 418 hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 in the Bronco Raptor. All engines offer impressive performance, making off-road driving easy. The Bronco also boasts a comprehensive infotainment system and many standard safety features. The advanced technology helps make the Bronco an excellent choice for every day and off-road adventures.

Pros

  1. Vast configuration opportunities
  2. Impressive all-terrain capability
  3. Roomy seating and cargo space

Cons

  1. Lots of wind noise at highway speeds
  2. Mediocre fuel economy
  3. Poor build quality

6 Hyundai Santa Fe Cabriolet

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Cabriolet Prototype FEATURED IMAGE Cropped
CarAdvice

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

Hyundai

Production Years

Prototype (2019)

Configuration

Inline-four

Displacement

2.2 liters (134 cu in)

Power

197 hp

Torque

325 lb-ft

Fuel

Diesel

Noteworthy Applications

Hyundai Santa Fe Cabriolet

The Hyundai Santa Fe Cabriolet is quite unique. It's the world's first four-door SUV concept to offer up to a seven-person seating capacity. Under the hood of the Hyundai Santa Fe Cabriolet is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that produces 197 horsepower and a hearty 325 lb-ft of torque.

The Santa Fe SUV cabriolet sends torque to all four wheels, thanks to its clever H-Trac AWD system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It comes with all the features of a regular car, as well as a heated steering wheel and thermo-controlled seats. Unfortunately, though, the Hyundai Santa Fe Convertible was just a one-off concept car that never went into production.

Pros

  1. Seats up to seven
  2. Comfortable ride
  3. A potent yet fuel-efficient engine

Cons

  1. No roof whatsoever
  2. Limited engine options
  3. Not in production
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5 2011 - 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

Nissan-Murano-CrossCabriolet---rear
Nissan USA

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

Nissan

Production Years

2011-2014

Configuration

V6

Displacement

3.5 liters (213.5 cu in)

Power

265 hp

Torque

248 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, Murano LE

The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet debuted over a decade ago in 2011 and made headlines due to its unique styling. Although not the first convertible SUV, it was the world’s first crossover convertible fitted with an all-wheel drive system. Unlike other SUVs on this list, the Murano CrossCabriolet boasted a spacious back seat and trunk, regardless of whether its top was up or down.

It had room for five passengers and a luxurious, high-tech interior. Under the hood, the Murano CrossCabriolet used a 3.5-liter V6 that sent 265 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque to all wheels via a smooth continuous variable transmission (CVT). Unfortunately, this SUV didn’t set the sales charts alight despite its uniqueness, and Nissan discontinued it in 2014. Today, used examples are surprisingly cheap, selling for about $15,000.

Pros

  1. Refined interior
  2. Spacious back seat
  3. A long list of standard amenities

Cons

  1. Lots of wind noise
  2. Long doors that are tricky to open in tight spaces
  3. Noticeable cowl shake

4 1998 Toyota RAV4 Soft Top

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

Toyota

Production Years

1998

Configuration

Inline-four

Displacement

2.0 liters (121 cu in)

Power

125 hp

Torque

130 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Toyota RAV4

When it comes to the best Toyota RAV4 models, the soft top version during its 1st generation is one of – if not the best RAV4s ever made. Although it wasn’t the most powerful or practical, it was incredibly fun to drive and appealed to the young generation. Based on the standard two or four-door hard top, the RAV4 Soft Top was equally practical and versatile.

The Soft Top was also available in a front-wheel or all-wheel drive setup, making the latter an incredibly capable off-roader. Lurking under the hood was a potent four-banger that produced 125 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque via a standard five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission.

Pros

  1. Incredibly reliable
  2. Its compact size made it easy to maneuver
  3. Capable AWD option

Cons

  1. Limited practicality compared to the fixed roof RAV4
  2. Lots of road and wind noise
  3. Compromised security due to the soft top

3 2013 - 2014 Mercedes G500 Cabriolet Final Edition

2014 Final Edition Mercedes-Benz G-500 Cabriolet
Mercedes-Benz

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

Mercedes

Production Years

2013-2014

Configuration

V8

Displacement

5.5 liters (335.6 cu in)

Power

388 hp

Torque

398 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Mercedes G500

Since its debut in 1979, the Mercedes G-Class model has had innumerable variants, but the cabriolet is hands down our favorite. Like its Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler counterparts, the Cabrio is a two-door convertible version of the G-Class with an open-top roof.

The G500 Final Edition displayed at the 2013 International Mobility Show in Frankfurt was the swansong of the iconic two-door open-top G-Class. Production was limited to only 200 examples, all of which were spoken for prior to its premiere. These models featured a 5.5-liter V8 that produced 388 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque via a seven-speed automatic transmission. Despite having a boxy shape, the G500 Cabriolet Final Edition is surprisingly agile, capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds.

Pros

  1. Incredible performance
  2. Stylish head-turning design
  3. Features off-road capabilities of the standard G-Class

Cons

  1. Limited production of 200 units
  2. Insane price tag
  3. Limited cargo space

2 Porsche Cayenne Convertible

2002-Porsche-Cayenne-Cabriolet front
Porsche

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

Porsche

Production Years

Prototype (2002)

Configuration

VR6

Displacement

3.2 liters (194.6 cu in)

Power

247 hp

Torque

236 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Porsche Cayenne

2022 marked the Porsche Cayenne’s 20th anniversary, an SUV that changed Porsche’s fortunes forever. While celebrating this milestone, the German automaker revealed that during its debut, there were three other variants of the Cayenne up for consideration in 2002 – a coupe, an extended wheelbase model, and a convertible.

The latter caught many by surprise as it was the least conventional option. Porsche actually built a prototype convertible based on the Cayenne. Its roof worked similarly to the 911 Targa, where the rear panel lifts to accommodate the folding soft top. Unfortunately, the Cayenne convertible didn’t go into production. Although Porsche didn’t reveal its power plant information, we assume the convertible would likely have used the 3.2-liter VR6 engine in the base Cayenne model.

Pros

  1. Unique styling
  2. Plush interior

Cons

  1. Cramped headroom
  2. Manually opened fabric top
  3. It never made it to production
Related
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1 GMC Hummer EV SUV

GMC Hummer EV SUV driven off-road
GMC

EV Specs

Electric Motors

Tri-motor

Traction Battery

GM Ultium Cells, up to 300 kW

Drivetrain layout

e-4WD

Horsepower

830

Torque

11,500 lb-ft

Driving range

314+ miles

DC fast charging speed

100 miles of range in 10 mins.

0-60 MPH time

3.5 seconds

Towing capacity

8,500 lbs

Convertible roof type

Modular roof panels

The Hummer H1, H2, and H3 models were prominent, gas-guzzling beasts that became pop culture sensations during their release. However, stricter emissions regulations forced GM to discontinue the Hummer line in 2010.

After over a decade, however, GMC brought the Hummer back with an electrified powertrain. Available in both sport utility truck (SUT) and SUV variants, the new GMC Hummer is a fully electric brute of a vehicle that can dominate both off-road trails and urban jungles.

Both the GMC Hummer EV pickup and SUV variants will arrive for the 2024 model year. As of 2023, however, the Hummer EV reservation list is already full.

Pros

  1. Iconic nameplate and design
  2. Very impressive power and torque output
  3. New GM Ultium battery technology
  4. Amazing features like Crabwalk 4-wheel diagonal steering and 6-inch Extract Mode air suspension lift

Cons

  1. Huge size makes it unsuitable for congested streets and cramped parking spaces
  2. Expensive: High starting price of roughly $80,000
  3. Very heavy: 8,660 lbs curb weight (4 tons) presents a safety concern