These Are the Best Convertibles in 2019, According to Consumer Reports
Although the business of convertibles isn’t doing too well, there are still many new convertibles released each year. There are a lot of things to consider when buying a new convertible, such as its style, performance, and price. Here’s what Consumer Reports has to say about the best new convertibles in 2019.
Buick Cascada
The worst of the best new convertibles tested, the 4-seat Cascada offers drivers slight improvements over its predecessor. The Cascada is also the only 4-seat convertible that Consumer Reports tested.
The Cascada got an overall score of 58 in large part because of its improved handling and reliability. However, for every other metric, the Cascada remained relatively the same. In terms of performance, it has the slowest acceleration of the five convertibles tested with a 0 to 60 miles per hour of 8.9 seconds.
It also gets the worst fuel economy of the five with an average mileage of 22 mpg. On the other hand, the Cascada is a more affordable convertible, with prices ranging from $33,070 to $37,070.
Fiat 124
The next best convertible Consumer Reports tested is the Fiat 124 roadster, which received an overall score of 64. Like the Cascada, Consumer Reports says that the Fiat 124 has much better handling than its predecessor.
However, it does perform worse in some other areas, such as its noise level and the comfort of the ride it provides. Nonetheless, with a price-tag ranging from $25,440 to $29,540, the Fiat 124 is the cheapest new convertible that Consumer Reports tested. The 124 has a good fuel economy at an average of 31 mpg and it can also accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.1 seconds.
BMW Z4
The Z4 is one of the three new convertibles that Consumer Reports recommends to drivers. The Z4 makes stark improvements over its predecessors, but similar to the 124, it’s worse in some areas as well.
With a price tag of $49,700, an acceleration of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.1 seconds, and an average fuel economy of 29 mpg, the Z4 is generally solid in most areas. Like the 124, the handling was upgraded but the ride comfort and noise levels suffered as a result. However, with an overall score of 77, the BMW Z4 brings more positives than negatives.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The next recommended convertible, the MX-5 Miata, was given an overall score of 79 and that puts it neck and neck with the Z4. In most areas, the two are quite similar, and in others, they’re only slightly different.
The biggest difference between the two is the price points, as the Miata starts at about $25,730 which is almost half of the price of the Z4. There are premium trims available too, while the Z4 doesn’t have any other trims. The other minor difference between the two is that the Miata has a slightly slower 0 to 60 time of 6.7 seconds but it makes up for it by having a better fuel mileage of 34 mpg.
Porsche 718 Boxster
The best 2019 convertible, according to Consumer Reports, is the Porsche 718 Boxster. With its upgraded handling and performance, the 718 Boxster received an overall score of 86.
Armed with its 414-hp engine, the 718 Boxster has the fastest acceleration of the convertibles tested, with a 0 to 60 time of 4.4 seconds. Its powerful engine is also decently fuel-efficient, as Consumer Reports reported an average fuel economy of 26 mpg.
Although this Boxster isn’t the most expensive new convertible, it’s the most pricey of the five convertibles tested. This new Boxster will cost between $59,000 to $82,800 depending on the trim.
