Convertible SUVs: The Ultimate Guide to Top-Down Adventure

The world of automobiles is vast and diverse, with many options to cater to every driver’s tastes and needs. One such niche that has been gaining popularity is the convertible SUV.

These vehicles combine an SUV’s ruggedness and versatility with a convertible’s thrill and freedom.

This article delves into the exciting realm of convertible SUVs, exploring their history, popular models, benefits, and drawbacks.

History and Evolution of Convertible SUVs

The history and evolution of convertible SUVs is a fascinating journey for automotive enthusiasts that spans over seven decades.

The concept of a soft-top SUV dates back to the early days of the automobile industry, with models like the Jeep Wrangler setting the stage for what was to come.

However, the journey began even before the Jeep Wrangler, during World War II, when the U.S. government requested automobile and machinery companies to build a light reconnaissance vehicle for the war.

The convertible SUV was initially invented for military use, with the Willys MB being one of the first models.

The concept was then adapted for civilian use, with the Land Rover Series 1 being designed for British farmers in 1947.

The 1960s saw the emergence of the International Harvester Scout. This rugged American-made off-roader inspired all convertible SUVs that followed it.

The Ford Bronco, released in 1966, was another significant model in the evolution of the open top.

The 1980s and 1990s saw a variety of drop tops, including the Suzuki Jimny / Samurai, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet.

However, only some of these models were successful, and some were considered flops.

Despite this, the convertible top SUV market continued to evolve, with modern offerings such as the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler continuing the legacy of these versatile vehicles.

Over the years, the design and functionality of these vehicles have evolved, with manufacturers striving to strike a balance between performance, comfort, and style.

The removable roof SUV has survived mud runs, rap videos, and everything in between, and its popularity continues to grow, with modern engines becoming more efficient and the rise of electric vehicles.

“The evolution of convertible SUVs is a testament to the automotive industry’s relentless pursuit of innovation and customer satisfaction.”

Popular Convertible SUV Models

Several models have made a mark in the market. Here are a few SUVs with open roofs:

The Jeep Wrangler, an iconic drop-top SUV

A rich history dates back to the Willys MB, a military vehicle used extensively during World War II. After the war, Willys transformed the MB into the Civilian Jeep (CJ), the first convertible designed for civilian use.

In 1986, the Jeep Wrangler YJ was introduced. This model maintained the convertible design of the CJ, allowing drivers to remove the roof and doors for an open-air driving experience.

The YJ was a favorite among adventure enthusiasts who enjoyed the freedom and versatility of the convertible design.

The second-generation Wrangler, the TJ, arrived in 1997. It continued the tradition of the convertible design while introducing improvements such as a coil-spring suspension for a smoother ride.

The TJ also brought back the round headlights, a classic feature of the CJ series.

The third-generation Wrangler, the JK, was launched in 2007. It was the first time a four-door Wrangler was offered, providing more space without compromising the convertible design.

The JK model was wider and had a longer wheelbase than its predecessors, offering more comfort and stability.

Today, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a leading soft-top SUV, offering the thrill of open-air driving and off-road capabilities.

Its enduring popularity is a testament to the unique blend of adventure, versatility, and freedom that the convertible design offers.

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, a rare breed, and unique vehicle, was introduced to the market nearly a decade ago, between 2011 and 2014.

The CrossCabriolet was based on the second-generation Murano, a two-row, midsize crossover that debuted in 2002.

The Murano was known for its avant-garde styling and athletic performance, thanks to a platform related to the Altima and a stellar 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 engine.

The CrossCabriolet, however, was a departure from the standard Murano, with a substantial base price of $47,190.

Despite its unique design, the CrossCabriolet didn’t set the sales charts on fire but sparked conversations due to its unusual design.

The CrossCabriolet was a product of Nissan’s chief creative officer Shiro Nakamura’s vision, targeting affluent, older customers.

New bodywork, a stiffer overall body structure, and a 3.5-liter V-6 engine (no other engine options) produced 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque.

The engine was mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Despite its unique design and features, the CrossCabriolet received mixed reviews.

Some critics pointed out its lack of structural rigidity due to the large aperture for the convertible roof and the ride height that served no useful purpose other than to make the CrossCabriolet look distinctive.

Despite these criticisms, the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet carved out a niche as a unique car in the automotive market.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible, introduced in 2016, was a bold move by Land Rover to create a convertible SUV.

This model was more of a fashion statement than a transportation device. Despite its unique design, it didn’t achieve high sales figures.

It’s a very responsive and fun car, powered by a 2-liter turbocharged engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

The Evoque Convertible shared some parts with the three-door version, featuring the same front fascia with slim headlights and a black mesh grille above the bumper.

From its profile, the straight, ascending beltline ran uninterrupted by any B- or C-pillar, making it a true cabriolet for four passengers.

The interior of the Evoque Convertible was designed with four seats. Still, the rear passengers had limited legroom if the front occupants were above-average-sized adults.

However, for the front seat occupants, there was ample room.

Features like a heated steering wheel, leather seats, and halogen headlights were standard for the Evoque.

Despite its unique design and features, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible was in low demand.

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet

The Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet, launched in Germany in April 2020, was Volkswagen’s first convertible model in two years.

Despite being based on the standard SUV model, the VW Cabriolet featured a unique design with new sheet metal behind the front wheel arches and a longer wheelbase.

The T-Roc Cabriolet was designed to be a cabriolet that offered the practicality of an SUV with the open-air experience of a convertible.

It was powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produced 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, and the engine was mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Despite its unique design and features, the T-Roc Cabriolet received mixed reviews.

Some critics pointed out its lack of structural rigidity due to the large aperture for the convertible roof and the ride height that served no useful purpose other than to make the T-Roc Cabriolet look distinctive.

Land Rover Defender Convertible

The Land Rover Defender 90 has a rich history from the 1980s. The Defender 90 was introduced in 1983, marking the first time a Land Rover utilized the coil-spring suspension from the Range Rover to replace the old cars’ archaic leaf-spring design.

This model was known for its improved comfort and modernized engine lineup, significantly improving on-road driving manners.

The Defender name was officially adopted in 1990, following the introduction of the Land Rover Discovery in 1989. Land Rover wanted to distinguish its original workhorse from the new model.

The Defender was sold in the U.S. from 1993 to 1997. It was effectively the same vehicle as the 110 and the 90. It remained unchanged beyond updated powertrains and unique edition models until 2007 when it received an interior redesign.

The last Defender rolled off the production line in January 2016.

However, the Defender 90’s legacy as a cabriolet continues today, with its unique blend of off-road capabilities and open-air driving experience making it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts.

Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro

The Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro was a unique removable roof concept introduced by Audi in 2007 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

This two-door convertible SUV had a 3.0-liter diesel engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, dynamic dampers, and ceramic brakes.

The Cross Cabriolet Quattro was designed to combine the genes of a typical dynamic soft-top convertible from Audi with the overall qualities of a fully-fledged SUV.

It was a four-seater car that measured 4.62 meters in length. Despite being a concept car, it served as a preview of the forthcoming Audi Q5.

The Cross Cabriolet Quattro was a bold move by Audi to create a convertible SUV that offered the practicality of an SUV with the open-air experience of a convertible.

It was a unique blend of luxury, performance, and versatility that carved out a niche for itself in the automotive market.

Hyundai Santa Fe Cabriolet

The Hyundai Santa Fe Cabriolet was a unique concept introduced by Hyundai Australia in 2018.

This model was based on the new Santa Fe three-row utility vehicle with a more aggressive and stylized exterior.

However, this model featured a convertible top, unlike the standard Santa Fe, but rear seats like the regular Santa Fe.

This specific Santa Fe started as a pre-production model used only for promotional purposes.

The roof was removed to take top-down photos of the interior, and this particular Santa Fe was set to be crushed later.

However, auto publication Motor Trend discovered the unique vehicle and arranged a test drive on a private closed circuit.

Despite its unique design and features, the Santa Fe Cabriolet was not legally driving on normal streets and was not intended for production.

It served as a one-off project car that showcased the potential of the Hyundai lineup.

Benefits of Convertibles

Convertible SUVs offer unique benefits that set them apart from other vehicle types. They provide the space and versatility of an SUV, making them ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

At the same time, they offer the thrill and freedom of a convertible, allowing you to enjoy the open air on a sunny day.

“Convertible SUVs are the epitome of versatility, offering the best of both worlds – the ruggedness of an SUV and the exhilaration of a convertible.”

Moreover, these vehicles often have advanced features and technologies, enhancing comfort, safety, and performance.

Convertible SUVs offer a unique blend of adventure and luxury; technologies like air suspension only enhance this experience.

For those who prioritize the thrill of an open roof and the serenity of a quiet cabin, our guides on the Quietest Compact, midsize, and luxury SUVs delve into models that offer a peaceful driving experience.

Dive into our recent article to discover how air suspension is a game-changer for SUVs.

For instance, many models have a remote start feature, allowing you to start your vehicle remotely and pre-condition the interior to your preferred temperature.

Drawbacks of Convertibles

Despite their many benefits, they also have a few drawbacks. For one, they often need more cargo space than their hardtop fixed roof siblings due to the required space for the folding roof mechanism.

Additionally, they may lack the structural rigidity of a traditional SUV, which can affect handling and performance.

“While convertible SUVs offer unique benefits, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks such as limited cargo space and lack of rigidity.”

Different Types of SUVs

SUVs come in various shapes and sizes, each catering to different needs and preferences.

From high-profile vehicles to those equipped with air suspension, there’s an SUV for every taste.

For those who prioritize a quiet and comfortable ride, the quietest midsize and compact SUVs are specifically designed to minimize cabin noise.

While the allure of a convertible SUV is undeniable, if you’re also looking for practical features that make life easier, you might want to consider SUVs with power liftgates for added convenience.

“Convertible SUVs are a unique blend of versatility, performance, and open-air exhilaration. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or enjoy the thrill of open-air driving, a convertible SUV could be your perfect choice.”

Conclusion

Convertible SUVs offer a unique driving experience, combining the ruggedness and versatility of an SUV with the thrill and freedom of a convertible.

Whether cruising down the highway on a sunny day or tackling rough terrain on an off-road adventure, a convertible SUV offers the best of both worlds.

“In the world of automobiles, convertible SUVs stand out as a unique and exciting option. They offer the thrill of open-air driving, the versatility of an SUV, and the promise of unforgettable adventures.”

For more insights into the world of cars, check out our latest articles on SpotForCars. From the quietest SUVs for a peaceful ride to the ultimate guide to SUV camping, we’ve got you covered.

Happy driving!