The convertible SUV is one of the rarest and most unusual vehicle body styles. Convertibles are generally focused on style, while a good SUV is typically praised for its utilitarian capabilities, boxy styling, and practicality. These conflicting ideas don’t seem to gel, but there’s some substance to it, and this style of vehicle is hardly new.
The hardtop convertible SUV actually traces its roots back to a Willys MB from World War II. The military wanted an all-wheel-drive vehicle that could drop its top and allow soldiers to stick their guns out. Fast-forward to the 1966 Ford Bronco, and America began its love affair with these unique vehicles. Although none of the vehicles below are traditional convertibles – in the sense that you can press a button and simply watch the roof disappear – they all offer open-air motoring, provided you’re willing to put in some elbow grease to get the roof off.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.
1
GMC Hummer EV SUV
2025 GMC HUMMER EV SUV
- Base MSRP
-
$96,550
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Four-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
570 HP
- Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
-
59/48/53 mpge
2
Jeep Wrangler
2025 Jeep Wrangler
- Base MSRP
-
$32,095
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.6L Pentastar V6 ICE
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
285 HP @6400 RPM
Advice For Choosing A New Convertible SUV
If you’re set on this type of car, there isn’t an extensive convertible SUV list for 2025. There are also no more convertible crossover SUVs, following the discontinuation of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible. GMC says the Hummer EV SUV is neither a traditional body-on-frame design nor a unibody, due to the unique configuration of the Ultium platform. You’ll likely be deciding between a Jeep or Ford, and the former has taken its most successful model of all time and turned it into a version with a removable roof. There are multiple roof configurations available for the models on our list, and you should ensure you’re at ease with the roof removal process of each before making a final decision.
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Pros And Cons Of Convertible SUVs
There are a few things to consider when you’re looking at a new SUV with a removable top or retractable roof:
- Open-air driving is a novelty in the SUV segment
- Removable roof adds appeal to rugged design
- Most of these roofs can be fairly easily removed
- Bulky or tall items can be more easily stowed with the roof off
- Removable roofs often cost extra
- Bulky roof panels can be inconvenient to store
- Reduced protection from bad weather or in a crash
They say a convertible is great for taller drivers because it has the ability to offer infinite headroom. Is that true for SUVs?
Given that they are already larger than your average convertible, headroom isn’t likely to be an issue to begin with. But the extra room can’t hurt for a six-footer.
Are these types of vehicles still safe in the event of a collision?
While authorities such as the IIHS and the NHTSA don’t often rate low-volume cabrios like the Jeep with its roof off, the rag-top version still ships with the same number of airbags and assistance features. Of course, driving a car with the doors and roof removed will negatively impact how safe it is, and wearing a seat belt in a vehicle like this becomes even more important.
Sources: Jeep, GMC
