Turn Every Drive Into A Summer Highlight
When the weather's right, you don't want to be stuck behind the wheel of something boring. A summer car doesn't just take you places, it sets the mood before you even pull out of the driveway! These cars bring life to the road and help you soak in every moment. If the sun's out, here are 20 cars that keep the good times rolling.
1. Mazda MX-5 Miata
Drop the top, and you're beach-bound in seconds. This lightweight icon delivers near-perfect balance and rear-wheel drive thrills. Designed for winding roads and salty breezes, it lands on almost every summer car list. Affordable and wildly fun—few cars scream sunshine like this one.
2. Porsche 718 Boxster
Nine seconds is all it takes to go fully open-air. The mid-engine layout creates razor-sharp balance, and adaptive suspension keeps the drive crisp. With a turbocharged flat-four under the hood and surprising fuel economy, the Boxster brings heat in more ways than one.
Clemens Vasters from Viersen, Germany, Germany on Wikimedia
3. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
The Wrangler Rubicon comes trail-rated and beach-ready with 4x4 grit, drain plugs, and the legendary Sunrider flip top. Wherever the trail ends, this ride turns it into the beginning. You can take the roof and doors off. Do both and keep going.
4. Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
With the Beetle Convertible, you get nostalgia wrapped into a soft top that drops fast and parks easily. Its cheerful design and roomy backseat make it beach-town gold. A quick note: since this model ended production, summer lovers will likely find it pre-owned.
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5. Ford Bronco Sport
Tailgate under a flip-glass window, crack open a bottle with the built-in opener and lean into the wild. Bronco Sport's safari-style roof and G.O.A.T. modes make it a summer multitool. Standard 4WD is just the invitation to keep heading off-map.
6. MINI Cooper S Convertible
With mood lighting that shifts color and a soft top offering three driving modes, this MINI feels made for summer night cruising. Rain warning features add peace of mind, and that zippy handling gives major go-kart energy.
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7. Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
The Camaro Convertible delivers that classic drop-top thrill with a modern twist. The Infotainment 3 system handles playlists through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, replacing the old MyLink setup. Heads-up display and tire-warming Line Lock make this one ready to play.
8. Toyota GR86
Weekend drives feel electric in the GR86. Rear-wheel power and a lightweight frame give it punchy control through every twist, and track mode adds another layer of fun. Plus, that easy-clean interior keeps everything low-stress after a beach trip.
9. BMW Z4 Roadster
The roof folds away in ten seconds—yes, even while rolling up to 31 mph. You get turbocharged engine options and timeless proportions built for open highways. Heated seats come standard, and the tech includes gesture controls that make every move feel like magic.
10. Honda Civic Si
Fuel-sipping fun with sporty confidence. The Civic Si brings a sunroof as standard and sticks to a six-speed manual for driving purists. Eco Assist helps maximize every summer stretch of highway. With over 37 mpg on the open road, it cruises far and fast without drama.
11. Subaru Outback Wilderness
Think trails and all-terrain attitude. This version of the Outback is built for wild summer escapes as it comes with dual-function X-Mode, roof rails for kayak or bike, and nearly ten inches of clearance. Plus, water-repellent seats handle wet swimsuits or muddy paws without fuss.
12. Ford Mustang GT Convertible
The V8 soundtrack roars under a soft top that drops with confidence. Sync pairs up your playlist, while Track Apps lets you log G-forces. Whether it's highway cruising or red-light rumbling, the Mustang remains a favorite summer thrill machine.
13. Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet
Drive with the top down and AIRSCARF gently warming your neck. The cabriolet blends summer wind with serious comfort, and the sound system by Burmester pumps out your playlist. Also, its ambient lighting shifts with the mood. Operate the roof at speeds up to 31 mph.
14. Land Rover Defender 90
The alpine windows bring sunlight without blinding glare. Its Terrain Response adapts to whatever you throw beneath it— be it sand, gravel, or streams. The design mixes old-school cool with fresh adventure swagger. So, park it near the coast and watch heads turn.
15. Audi A5 Cabriolet
Summer roads get smoother when Quattro all-wheel drive holds the line. This car’s soft top operates quietly and effortlessly, even on the move, while the virtual cockpit brings nav and music right into view. LED ambient lights wrap the cabin in warm, sunset-inspired vibes.
16. Hyundai Kona N
Turbocharged and trail-hungry, the Kona N keeps the summer mood high with N Grin Shift for that burst of thrill. The sunroof brightens your drive, and the digital cluster offers customization, though no official "summer skins" exist. This crossover packs heat in a compact frame.
17. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Transformation takes just 16 seconds with Stingray. That retractable hardtop lets the sunshine in without sacrificing its blistering speed. The mid-engine design balances the ride, while its Performance Data Recorder captures every twist and throttle. Summer colors pop as loudly as the exhaust.
18. Kia Soul
Everything fits with room to spare, from your beach crew to the last chilled soda. Its panoramic sunroof keeps the interior bright, and Harman Kardon speakers bring full sound. While the design looks playful, the road feels strong and stable.
19. Toyota Supra
Engineered with BMW precision and built to deliver thrills, the Supra lives for summer. A double-bubble roof and sculpted seats keep you locked in and loving every curve. The profile turns heads fast, then disappears even faster down the mountain road.
20. Nissan Z
Throwback style with 400 horses under the hood. The Nissan Z pays tribute to its roots while turning summer roads into your personal showcase. Launch control smooths out your takeoff, and the digital cluster nods to past legends. Add yellow paint for maximum sunshine effect.
